At Cayra Clinic, located in Antalya and Istanbul, Turkey, we understand that choosing the right weight loss surgery is a critical step in your health journey. Two of the most effective and commonly performed bariatric procedures are Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass. While both surgeries offer sustainable weight loss, they differ in their approach, outcomes, and recovery.
In this guide, we explain the differences, benefits, and considerations—and include a cost comparison between Turkey and other countries to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Gastric Sleeve?
Gastric Sleeve, also known as Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a restrictive weight loss surgery where approximately 75–80% of the stomach is removed. The remaining stomach resembles a narrow tube or sleeve.
How It Works:
Reduces stomach size → limits food intake.
Lowers levels of ghrelin (the hunger hormone).
Does not affect the intestines or nutrient absorption.
Pros:
Less invasive than Gastric Bypass.
Lower risk of nutritional deficiencies.
Shorter recovery time.
Cons:
Permanent and irreversible.
Weight loss is slightly slower than with bypass in some patients.
What Is Gastric Bypass?
Gastric Bypass, specifically Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, involves creating a small stomach pouch and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch.
How It Works:
Restricts food intake and reduces calorie absorption.
Bypasses part of the stomach and small intestine.
Leads to more rapid and substantial weight loss.
Pros:
Effective for type 2 diabetes, GERD, and severe obesity.
Greater average weight loss.
Cons:
More complex surgery.
Higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Requires lifelong supplementation and follow-up.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| Feature | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Restrictive | Restrictive + Malabsorptive |
| Hunger Hormone Reduction | Yes | Yes |
| Digestive System Altered? | No | Yes |
| Nutrient Absorption Affected | No | Yes |
| Average Weight Loss | 60–70% of excess weight | 70–80% of excess weight |
| Hospital Stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Recovery Time | 2–3 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
| Diabetes Improvement | Significant | Higher than sleeve |
| Risk of Nutrient Deficiency | Low | High |
| Reversible | No | No (but partially reversible in some cases) |
Cost Comparison: Gastric Sleeve vs. Gastric Bypass in Turkey vs. Other Countries (2025)
| Country | Gastric Sleeve Cost (€) | Gastric Bypass Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,800 – €4,000 | €3,500 – €5,200 |
| Germany | €8,000 – €11,000 | €9,500 – €13,000 |
| UK | €9,000 – €12,000 | €11,000 – €14,000 |
| USA | €15,000 – €20,000 | €18,000 – €25,000 |
| France | €7,500 – €10,000 | €9,000 – €12,500 |
| UAE | €9,000 – €12,500 | €11,000 – €14,500 |
Note: At Cayra Clinic, our all-inclusive packages in Turkey include the surgery, hospital stay, pre-op assessments, medications, VIP transfers, and accommodation.
Which Surgery Should You Choose?
The decision depends on your:
Health status
Weight loss goals
Lifestyle
Medical history (diabetes, reflux, etc.)
Our expert bariatric surgeons at Cayra Clinic will help determine the most suitable option for you during your medical evaluation.
Why Choose Cayra Clinic?
At Cayra Clinic, we are committed to delivering world-class medical care with a personal touch. Our experienced team of bariatric surgeons provides safe and effective procedures like gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass tailored to each patient’s health goals. With fully-equipped modern facilities in both Antalya and Istanbul, we offer comprehensive care from consultation to post-op follow-up. International patients choose us for our all-inclusive packages, which cover surgery, luxury accommodation, VIP airport transfers, and multilingual support. Whether you’re exploring weight loss surgery, body contouring procedures, or facial aesthetics, Cayra Clinic ensures high-quality care at affordable prices—without compromising comfort or results. Learn more about our vision and values on our About Us page, or contact us today to start your transformation journey with a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass?
Gastric sleeve removes a portion of the stomach, while gastric bypass reroutes the digestive system to a smaller stomach pouch.
Which is safer: gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?
Both are considered safe when performed by experienced surgeons, but gastric sleeve has a slightly lower complication rate.
Which surgery results in more weight loss: sleeve or bypass?
Gastric bypass may result in slightly more weight loss, especially in patients with higher BMIs or diabetes.
Is gastric sleeve less invasive than gastric bypass?
Yes, gastric sleeve is generally less complex and doesn’t involve rerouting the intestines like gastric bypass does.
What are the risks of gastric sleeve vs. gastric bypass?
Risks for both include infection, bleeding, and leakage. Gastric bypass may have more long-term nutritional deficiencies.
How much do gastric sleeve and gastric bypass cost in Turkey?
On average, gastric sleeve costs around €2,500–€3,500, while gastric bypass costs about €3,500–€4,500 in Turkey.
Who is a better candidate for gastric bypass over gastric sleeve?
Gastric bypass is recommended for patients with severe acid reflux, high BMI, or type 2 diabetes.
Can I regain weight after gastric sleeve or bypass?
Yes, weight regain is possible with both procedures if lifestyle and dietary changes aren’t maintained.
What is the recovery time for gastric sleeve and bypass?
Recovery time is about 2–3 weeks for gastric sleeve and slightly longer (3–4 weeks) for gastric bypass.
Does Cayra Clinic perform both gastric sleeve and bypass surgeries?
Yes, Cayra Clinic in Antalya and Istanbul offers both procedures with expert bariatric surgeons and full patient care packages.