Istanbul Bariatric Center

My overall treatment here was very good. I came here for bariatric treatment. The surgeon was kind and knowledgeable, and I felt that I was adequately prepared for my treatment. He was good at explaining everything and came in to check on me a few times after the surgery to ensure I was okay.

Having a translator was also very helpful throughout the time. The nurses were great; they checked on me throughout my stay and were very attentive to my needs. It was overall a good experience, and I am appreciative that each doctor I met with seemed genuinely interested in ensuring I was physically ready to withstand the surgery. The welcome area in the airport when I arrived was easy to navigate to, and the attendant was kind as well.

The dietitian was very kind. She came in to check on me post-surgery and provided a lot of helpful information. I really appreciated this and her attention to detail.

From a feedback perspective, I do feel like the coordination could have been a bit better, as there seemed to have been a lot of disconnect between my original coordinator and the hospital. The coordinator from Bookimed disappeared, and she was telling me one thing while the hospital was saying another. I eventually ended communication with Bookimed as they proved not very useful and just spoke directly with the hospital coordinators.

I also feel that the International patient area should have at least one staff member who speaks fluent English. I understand it’s not the primary language, and I’m respectful of this, but for an international patient welcome area, English needs to be spoken by at least one attendee. That was why it’s not so hard to communicate needs, especially when you initially arrive and don’t know what’s going on. I felt very overwhelmed by everything, and I felt very weak. I hadn’t eaten anything substantial due to my surgery and had just come off a long, long flight. It was hard to come in and not have someone be there to explain what was going on on arrival. Very different to what I anticipated would happen upon arrival. I think this should definitely be improved, and a bit more coordination with international patients, as there were a lot of people in the international area that day, and it was very hectic.

Other than that, I think it was a great overall value. I’d recommend it to others.

I chose to get ESG Max done with Dr Murat Ustun, after being referred by a friend and another medical doctor in Turkey. Dr Ustun speaks English fluently and has many years of experience with bariatric surgical procedures. While there were a couple of hiccups along the way, overall I had an outstanding experience, and would recommend Dr Ustun to anyone considering a bariatric procedure. The package I chose included transport to and from the airport, as well as a multi-night stay in a luxury hotel within walking distance of the hospital.

I had an initial consult with him by Zoom, which was complimentary. He explained to me the benefits and risks of multiple options.

We agreed on a date and finalised the reservation. Depending on the hospital in question, they might or might not require a 10 to 20% deposit. If available, I personally would recommend Liv Hospital in Vadistanbul. If you are travelling from outside of Turkey, I would advise travel insurance.

My pre-operative evaluation was conducted the day before. The international hospital has staff and translators who speak varying degrees of English. I was instructed on when to start fasting, and I reported to the hospital the next morning.

Liv is a private hospital, and I found it to be very clean, and it is also in a nice area of town. The staff were always friendly and helpful. Additionally, unlike some public hospitals, it was not overcrowded.

Dr Ustun came and greeted me before the procedure. He was also present in the operating room after I woke up from anaesthesia. After I was back in my patient room later that day, he came to check on me and explain the results of my procedure. He also came back once per day to check in, until I left and went to the hotel.

I have also had access to him by phone ever since the initial consultation, and he continued to follow up on my progress even after I left Turkey. I have been very impressed with his availability and dedication to follow-up care in looking after his patients.

A couple of things I would clarify before having a procedure. First, make sure to inform them of any medications you take, and how long prior to the procedure they might need to be stopped. But also clarification on when it is safe to resume them. Additionally, unless administered by the hospital staff, if you are instructed to take any specific medications postoperatively, these will need to be purchased from a local pharmacy outside of the hospital.

Personally, I would advise bringing with you any liquids you might consume as part of the postoperative diet. This might include things like protein powder, etc... By bringing them with you, this removes the hassle of trying to go out and shop for the things you want in local stores.

If I need to have another procedure done in the future, I will most certainly choose Dr Ustun again. Furthermore, the anesthesiologist team was much better than the last time I went under anaesthesia. When I had surgery in the past, I woke up with a terrible sore throat, and it persisted for days. The nurses said it was because they had a tube down my throat to breathe for me. But when having ESG Max done at Liv, my throat felt completely fine as soon as I woke up.

I'm very distrustful, especially since I'm a nurse in Spain. However, from the moment they picked me up at the airport, I felt comfortable; everyone was very kind. Dr. Murat explained the entire process to me beforehand, on the day of the surgery, and even in the days that followed, answering all my questions. I'm very happy with the results; the surgery was uncomplicated, and the nurses were also very attentive. THANK YOU

I had my gastric sleeve surgery at Memorial Hospital, Turkey, by Dr. Murat and his amazing team on July 1, 2025. My entire experience was nothing short of fabulous.

From the moment I arrived, I felt completely at ease—even though I travelled alone. The care, support, and professionalism made me feel like I never needed to have a family member by my side. The surgery itself was incredibly smooth, far beyond what I had imagined.

What impressed me most was the continuous support. Dr. Murat’s team stayed connected with me from surgery until today, guiding me step by step through nutrition, aftercare, and recovery. I have not faced a single complication since the procedure, and within just four months, I have already lost 35 kg.

All I can say is that I completely trust my life with Dr. Murat and his team. Hats off to them for their dedication, compassion, and excellence. I pray they continue their amazing work and help many more people achieve a healthier life.

Very good service with strong support from Dr., as well as from his team. Surgery went really fast and seamless.
I picked the hospital with the medical tourism advisor, and it was the right one for me!
As I arrived at the airport, it was very easy to find the centre. Once I got there, the crew took care of me right from there with a private shuttle and hotel stay.
On the following day, I got picked up by the cab arranged by the hospital team, and they got me right to the main doors. Once I entered, I got directed to the international centre, where I got my translator, who took me around to each doctor and lab I needed for my surgery.
In one day, I did all the tests I needed, and on the following already went for the surgery. Very fast surgery, I didn’t even notice how the time passed. The doctor was coming to see me at least twice a day, as well as a translator in case I needed something. Nurses and hospital crew were very, very nice and flexible with all the requests or questions I had. Very nice and pleasant rehabilitation time. 2 days after the surgery, I was discharged and moved to a hotel, where I spent some time with my family before leaving the country.
Past the time I left the country, the team stayed in touch with me the entire time, supported me with all the questions, as well as guided me where required. This is the most important part, as I felt, as it was all new to me, as well as at some parts scary lol. I’m very happy with the entire process.
Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is planning on a check-up or any type of surgical procedure!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review for Dr. Murat Ustun – Bariatric and Metabolic Surgeon, Istanbul

I had my sleeve surgery with Dr. Murat Ustun, and the experience was absolutely amazing. From the very beginning, I was treated like a princess. Before the operation, I met several specialists — a cardiologist, a lung doctor, and others — to ensure everything was safe.

After surgery, I had zero pain, only a bit of nausea from the anaesthesia. That same evening, I was already feeling well. The hospital room looked like a luxury hotel, and the nurses were incredibly caring — I accidentally pressed the call button once, and they were in my room within seconds. Dr. Ustun came to check on me personally every morning.

I stayed a few days at the hospital and then returned to my hotel. I felt so good that I flew back home to Canada two days earlier than planned, and the next day I was already back at work full-time, completely pain-free. Two weeks later, I had already lost 10 pounds.

What makes this experience even better is that I have one full year of follow-up with Dr. Ustun’s team, including regular appointments with a nutritionist and the doctor.

I 100% recommend Dr. Murat Ustun and his entire team — they are professional, compassionate, and provide exceptional care. Truly a five-star experience! 🌟

I had my gastric sleeve surgery at Memorial Hospital with Dr. Murat Ustun two months ago and couldn’t be more satisfied. The entire experience was professional, caring, and well-organised. The hospital staff provided superb care, and my recovery went smoothly thanks to their continuous support. I highly recommend Dr. Ustun and Memorial Hospital to anyone considering weight-loss surgery.

I weighed 146.8kg and was 1.73 meters tall. Price was a sensitive matter for me and so I looked at all options, local in the UK, in Spain, and of course, Istanbul Bariatric Centre. After initial contact and a detailed consultation with my surgeon, I opted for a gastric sleeve. I followed their suggested diet and was up and walking around the next day after the operation. It cost me a quarter of what the operation costs in the UK, The team were professional, kind, and supportive throughout the operation and recovery; the hospital was state-of-the-art, the experience was top-notch as private hospitals should be. My accommodation post op was a lovely 5-star hotel where my Surgeon attended me multiple times before my departure flight back to the UK. 20 months later and I have lost 85lbs or 6.14 stones. The whole experience has brought about a paradigm shift experientially in my quality of life, strength, fitness and love of life. I am eternally grateful to DR Murat Ustun and Zahid Hamid for helping me change my life 😀

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my doctor and the entire medical team for their professionalism, care, and dedication throughout my gastric sleeve journey. From the first consultation to the post-surgery follow-ups, I always felt supported, informed, and in the best hands possible.

The surgery has truly changed my life. I have not only lost a significant amount of weight but also gained energy, confidence, and a much healthier relationship with food. Every day, I feel stronger and more motivated to maintain the results and continue living a balanced life.

Thank you, doctor, for your expertise, kindness, and encouragement during every step of this transformation. This experience has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my health and well-being.

💙 I’m beyond grateful for everything you and your team have done for me!

🌟 Review for Dr. Murat Üstün, his assistant Maya, and Memorial Clinic 🌟

I had my bariatric surgery at Memorial Clinic with Dr. Murat Üstün, and it was an experience that showed me what true professionalism, humanity, and heartfelt care for a patient really look like.

Just 15 minutes with Dr. Murat Üstün is enough to understand what kind of person and doctor he is — you immediately feel a sense of strength, calm, and complete trust. You stop thinking about risks and simply feel safe enough to close your eyes and let go.

Now I lovingly refer to him as “my Üstün.” He’s not only incredibly skilled and competent, but also deeply compassionate — he truly cares about his patients’ emotions and inner peace.

When I was taken into the operating room, he asked me what kind of music I liked. He played that music, we took a photo together, and the whole process started in such a warm, positive, and cheerful atmosphere that I instantly forgot about fear. We were talking, laughing… and I fell asleep so peacefully that I didn’t even notice when.

On the third day after surgery, I had a bit of a psychological crisis — I felt weak and found it hard to walk, and I became emotional. That’s when Dr. Üstün told me a sentence I will never forget:
“This is exactly what we wanted — your body is in shock because you stopped feeding it, and that’s exactly what both of us aimed for.”
Those words calmed me instantly and gave me so much strength that the very next day I walked 6 kilometers.
Not only that — during the following nine days, I walked all around Istanbul on foot!

This kind of attitude — professionalism, empathy, and genuine humanity — gives a patient real hope and courage.

P.S. I can’t help but mention that my doctor is not only the best of the best but also the most handsome! 😄

I also want to express my special gratitude to his assistant Maya — she was always by my side, took care of every detail, and supported me with her warmth and kindness.
Maya, you are the definition of excellent service. I was just one patient out of a thousand, but you made me feel like I was the only one — and for that, I will always be grateful.
And of course, this also shows my Üstün’s wisdom — that he chose you as his assistant.

Memorial Clinic stands out with its cleanliness, organization, and genuine care for patients.
I highly recommend it to anyone considering bariatric surgery — you will not only receive excellent medical care but also warmth, attention, and true support.

💙 Thank you to my lifesaver Dr. Murat Üstün, Maya, and the entire team at Memorial Clinic — you gave me the strength to start a new life!

And as they told me, I could do my follow-up tests in my own country…
but honestly, I just want to go back to Istanbul — only to see my Üstün again.
Hopefully, this time I’ll arrive looking even more beautiful! 😄❤️

The entire process was exceptional. From initial consultation to post-operative care, it was the best experience anyone could ask for. Dr. Ustun has great bedside manner, is very knowledgeable, and the rest of the patient care team Mya and Ella were accessible and incredibly supportive. Highly recommend.

Right from enquiring about this surgery the clinic has been immensely helpful and communication has been great. The surgery went well and aftercare was 5* I felt at ease & comfortable throughout. Even afterwards the team have been there for any queries I have had. I’m currently 19 weeks post-op (mini bypass) and 37kg down so far 😁

I can’t recommend this place enough! From the moment I stepped off the plane I was looked after and made to feel so welcome and safe. The surgeons were absolutely amazing, the nurses were attentive and so caring, I don’t have a bad word to say. If your like me and looking for a safe place outside the u.k to have surgery and change your life this the place to go. I will definitely be going back if I need any body contouring after I lose all this weight!