5.0 from 23 verified reviews
My overall experience was fantasticNeil, UK, 16 10 23Great Experience! Initially, I was reluctant to make the decision to proceed with the Gastric Sleeve procedure with any clinic as it’s a big decision. My Partner came across Dr. Cem Arslan Clinic. We found a contact number and to my surprise it was actually Dr. Cem's WhatsApp (Business Account).
We arranged a video call that evening and I was grateful to meet Dr. Cem and have an open discussion about the procedure, why I wanted to do it and a few health questions (nothing intrusive). I recall asking Dr. Cem, why he provided his time as other clinics did not do this.
He responded by saying this is how we operate and he wanted to provide a personal service, where possible.
This was great to hear as a few weeks prior, I was in contact with another Clinic, where all my medical questions were relayed back to the Doctor but I did not feel the same connection.
Regarding the communication with Dr. Cem, please note that English is not his primary language but the conversation was manageable.
I was then contacted by the Medical Co-ordinator on the 19th August. Zeynep was awesome. She had been through the procedure with the clinic herself and was able to answer all my questions without hesitation. I had concerns about the procedure and as with any operation (whether in the UK or Abroad) there are risks.
There was no pressure to proceed and was advised to research more online. Zeynep also informed me that any hint of risk identified during pre-tests, however small, the procedure would not be possible. Zeynep goes beyond coordinator, very professional, to the point and cares about your well-being.
Arrived in Turkey on the 18th September and was met by Sercan at the airport who took me and another patient to our Taxi. Really nice minivan/SUV with comfortable seats and TV to watch music videos. Sercan was professional, polite and even offered to carry the luggage (Not his job but was decent of him to ask).
Due to Zeynep being unavailable for the arrival, all the coordination was done by Almira. I was notified in advance, so no issues at all in change of coordinators.
Arrived at the hospital and was greeted by Almira. Almira is very professional, courteous and a humble person. Like Zeynep, Almira naturally cares about your wellbeing.
I got into the hospital room and then taken for a series of tests. Probably took an hour end to end, not much waiting. Almira was with me throughout the pre-tests.
Next day was the surgery and Almira came back in the morning and stayed with me until I went down for Surgery. I had a visit from the Doctor to say I would be the first operation of the day.
At no point do I recall Almira or anyone asking me for Payment as soon as I arrived. However, I did make payment before the operation as its a service being offered. The company Op. Dr. CEM Clinic are professional and not after your money. They only want the best for you based on my experience.
Surgery took an hour. I will be honest, the moment I woke, I had nurses around me and Almira. I struggled a bit to adjust to coming off the Anaesthetic but Almira was by my side, even when I was throwing up (common side effect with Anaesthetic) and I felt relieved and calm.
Throughout the next few days/ nights, Nurses visited me to check on IV drips, and painkillers and encouraged me to walk a lot. Yes, walking is very important. I wish I did more walking.
The Doctors visited me each day to check on me, which showed they cared a lot.
I was only meant to stay in the Hospital for 3 days. However, the team showed great empathy I was offered to stay in the hospital for 2 more nights, to keep me comfortable.
Forgot to mention, a day after Surgery, I went down to get a standing CT scan to check for any leakages with the Sleeve. All was clear, which was a relief. You can see the fluid that was given travelling down your oesophagus to your New Stomach.
On the 5th Day, I was discharged and before leaving, I got a visit from Zeynep (who an amazing person to meet), Almira and the Dietician (Gokce). Gokce explained what I could eat/drink in detail, what I should expect from the change in lifestyle and the benefits. I was given medication and vitamins to take back home along with my discharge papers. Gokce is very knowledgeable and still provides me after care with my diet via WhatsApp app. Thank you Gokce for keeping me on track.
My overall experience was fantastic. I did my research and kept my NHS GP updated pre and post-operation. When I explained my experience was in Turkey to the NHS GP, my weight loss to date and how good I felt, my GP was very happy for me. Just over 3 weeks from Surgery and I have lost nearly 12kg.
Thank you Dr. Cem and Team.
