ESG - Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Istanbul

My Coordinator was Cleo Tayfun. From my first contact, she was able to build a foundation of trust. I asked questions freely. Detailed answers were provided. I had a video consultation with Dr Hakan Demirel. Apart from my personal research and gut feeling about the procedure, clinic and Doctor, Cleo was able to make me feel comfortable with my decision to go with Dr Hakan Demirel and I did not feel any pressure at all. My offer came with personalised details about the procedure and package plan in Turkey. Although I felt a bit of time pressure to secure the price offered to me, this was also handled very well when I discussed it. I had my Surgery August 2023 and Cleo was able to secure my chosen date. I expressed concern about the timelines (drain removal, massage) and she was able to provide solutions that eased my concerns. In Turkey, I was picked up by the assigned Taxi company on arrival. My Personal Assistant (Omer) helped with pre-op processes at the hospital and accompanied me to the Hotel. All the staff at the hospital were professional. Omer helped translate all conversations. I had a consultation with my Anaesthesiologist, and she seemed very competent and experienced. I was able to ask her questions about the medication to be used, my concerns, and she explained everything to me. Patient health was prioritized as she told me to inform her if I experienced any cold symptoms before my appointment. Going into Surgery and Post-Surgery, I felt even more comfortable because the Nurse assigned to me could speak a little English. They were kind & professional. I would say I was polite and also extended kind remarks to the staff as I believe you should treat people the way you want them to treat you. I asked questions every step of the way about the medications being administered to my IV. All the staff in the operating room were really kind. Hospital facilities 10/10 (Istanbul Onkoloji Hastanesi). When I woke up, Omer was there with me, my Doctor also came in to address me. Due to shift changes, I had a night nurse that was not particularly careful in handling my drains and caused me some pain. There was a man who was a Nursing Assistant, a bit older, who really showed care. He came to check up on me quite frequently to see if I was eating, sleeping well or if I needed anything. He also escorted me when I was leaving the hospital. I was very comfortable with Doctor Hakan and his private nurse, hospital staff and facilities, Omer, hotel and the Clinic Wise Nurse at the Hotel who visited every evening (with bottles of water for me 😊) till I left Turkey. Although most of the nursing staff did not speak English, we were able to communicate well with Google Translate App. I went alone for the surgery and was well cared for. All garments, medications were provided and I did not have to make any purchase. Now 3 months post-op, I am grateful I had a smooth experience. Still waiting to see my final results but most of my swelling already subsided. Based on my personal experience, I would 100% recommend Clinic Wise and Doctor Hakan Demirel. Clinic Wise AfterCare team seems a bit delayed with responses. I also think when you return to your base, its more like the rest is up to you. Your concerns would of course be forwarded to your Doctor but at that point, I think they will only offer advice and you will have to pursue treatment at your GP if any issue arises. Again, I am thankful for a smooth journey and will wait to see the final look of things. Improvement areas Patients should be given another discussion consultation session (maybe 30 mins) with Doctor in-person before surgery to agree on desired result (shape, size etc.). Consultation with Doctor on Surgery Day felt a bit rushed. I had hoped that there will be enough time and room to discuss my concerns with fat transfer in detail and Doctor could patiently advise on the specifics. I felt like I needed to make a quick decision on the spot. Nevertheless, I will make the same choice again.

I travelled from the UK to Turkey in October of 2021 to have a gastric sleeve and I am very pleased with my results, I lost lost 53kg so far and I can’t thank Dr Burak enough! He was so professional and did an excellent job with no mistakes, his aftercare was also amazing as he would check on me every day until he was satisfied with my recovery. If anyone is interested in having a gastric sleeve with Dr Burak please be reassured you will be in safe hands.