Koru Hospital Obesity Surgery Center is a multidisciplinary center specializing in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. Our comprehensive team, consisting of specialists in general surgery, endocrinology, dietetics, psychiatry, pulmonology, and anesthesiology, implements a structured care protocol at every stage, from preoperative patient evaluation to lifelong postoperative follow-up.
Obesity: A Chronic and Multisystemic Disease
Defined by the World Health Organization as a chronic disease, obesity is a condition characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. For individuals with a BMI over 40, or those with a BMI between 35-40 who have comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or dyslipidemia, bariatric surgery is indicated when diet and exercise programs prove insufficient.
Obesity surgery not only provides weight loss; it also has proven efficacy in correcting components of metabolic syndrome, achieving remission of type 2 diabetes, and reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
Surgical Methods Applied
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Sleeve gastrectomy is the most frequently performed bariatric surgical procedure worldwide and in Turkey. The procedure is based on the laparoscopic removal of approximately 80 percent of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow, tube-shaped stomach.
- Stomach volume is reduced from 150-200 ml to approximately 50-100 ml
- The level of ghrelin (hunger hormone) produced in the fundus region of the stomach is significantly reduced
- Average surgery duration is 45-75 minutes
- Hospital stay is generally 2-3 days
- Loss of 60-70% of excess weight is expected within the first year
- The anatomical change is permanent; no bypass is performed on the intestinal system
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
Gastric bypass surgery is a combined procedure that acts through both restrictive and malabsorptive mechanisms. By creating a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach and bypassing a specific section of the small intestine, nutrient absorption is regulated.
- Type 2 diabetes remission rates are higher compared to sleeve gastrectomy
- Targeting the loss of 70-80% of excess weight
- Can be the primary choice for obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Provides natural avoidance of high-calorie foods due to the dumping syndrome effect
- Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation is required
Revision Surgery
Revision surgery options are evaluated for patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery but have not achieved sufficient weight loss or are experiencing weight regain. Procedures such as conversion from gastric band to sleeve gastrectomy, conversion from sleeve gastrectomy to gastric bypass, or anastomosis revision are performed at our center.
Preoperative Evaluation Process
The decision for obesity surgery is made following a comprehensive pre-evaluation process. This process consists of the following stages:
- General surgery examination — BMI calculation, weight history, previous diet attempts, evaluation of comorbidities
- Endocrinology consultation — examination of thyroid functions, cortisol levels, insulin resistance, and metabolic parameters
- Dietitian interview — analysis of eating habits, preoperative weight loss program, education on postoperative nutrition plan
- Psychiatry/psychology evaluation — eating disorder screening, motivation assessment, expectations for postoperative compliance
- Pulmonology and sleep laboratory — sleep apnea screening, pulmonary function tests
- Cardiology — ECG, echocardiography, and stress test if necessary
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy — detection of gastric pathologies before surgery, Helicobacter pylori screening
- Laboratory tests — complete blood count, liver and kidney functions, lipid profile, HbA1c, vitamin levels
Surgical Safety and Technology
In our center, all bariatric surgeries are performed using the laparoscopic (closed) method. Our operating rooms are equipped with high-capacity operating tables suitable for obese patients, advanced energy devices (ultrasonic dissector, vessel sealer), endoscopic stapler systems, and 4K laparoscopic imaging technology.
Our anesthesia team specializes in airway management and perioperative care for obese patients. Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, early mobilization protocols, and ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) programs are applied as standard to minimize postoperative complication rates.
Postoperative Follow-up and Support
Bariatric surgery is the beginning of the weight loss journey. In our center, the postoperative follow-up program is maintained according to a structured calendar:
- First month: Weekly dietitian check-ups, liquid-to-soft food transition program
- 1-6 months: Monthly surgeon and dietitian check-ups, initiation of exercise program
- 6-12 months: Quarterly check-ups, blood tests, monitoring of vitamin and mineral levels
- 1st year and beyond: Annual comprehensive evaluation, nutritional follow-up, psychological support if needed
Patients' protein intake, multivitamin supplementation (B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D, folic acid), physical activity levels, and psychological adaptation are monitored regularly.
Why Koru Hospital Obesity Surgery Center?
- Experienced bariatric surgery team — high case volume and low complication rates
- Multidisciplinary approach — joint evaluation by surgeons, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychiatrists, pulmonologists, and anesthesiologists
- Fully equipped operating room — laparoscopic 4K imaging and equipment suitable for obese patients
- Accelerated recovery and early discharge with the ERAS protocol
- Lifelong follow-up and nutritional counseling after surgery
- Experience in revision surgery in case of weight regain
Within the Koru Hospital Obesity Surgery Center, we provide safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered services in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity and metabolic diseases with our expert staff. You can apply to our center to have us by your side in your goal of reaching a healthy weight.
