Balloon Removal + Gastric Sleeve in Turkey
Transition from a temporary balloon to a permanent, proven gastric sleeve, balloon removal and sleeve in a single trip, from £2,595.
If you have had a gastric balloon and are ready to move to a permanent weight loss solution, this package combines balloon removal with a gastric sleeve in a single trip. The balloon is removed endoscopically, and the sleeve is performed under general anaesthesia, two procedures handled in one visit, saving you time, cost, and the hassle of multiple trips.
Many patients start their weight loss journey with a balloon to test how their body responds to restriction, to lose some weight before surgery, or because they were not initially ready for a surgical commitment. When the balloon reaches the end of its life, or when you decide you want a more powerful, lasting solution, converting to a gastric sleeve is a natural next step.
The gastric sleeve removes approximately 80% of your stomach, producing 60-70% excess body weight loss within 12-18 months. Unlike a balloon, the sleeve is permanent. It reduces both how much you can eat and your hunger hormones, delivering sustained, long-term weight management.
Your all-inclusive package covers both procedures, 3 nights of hospital care, 5-star hotel accommodation, private airport transfers, a personal translator, and 12 months of aftercare. From £2,500, fully inclusive. Having the balloon removal and sleeve separately in the UK would cost £10,000-£15,000 combined.
What Is Balloon Removal + Gastric Sleeve Conversion?
The Two Procedures
Balloon Removal (Endoscopy): Your existing gastric balloon is removed using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube passed through your mouth into your stomach. The balloon is deflated and extracted. This takes approximately 15-20 minutes and is typically performed under the same general anaesthesia as the sleeve, or as a separate quick procedure under sedation before the sleeve.
Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy): Once the balloon is removed and your surgeon confirms the stomach is healthy, the sleeve is performed laparoscopically. Approximately 80% of your stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve. This takes 45-60 minutes under general anaesthesia.
Why Combine Them?
Combining the removal and sleeve in a single trip means one journey, one recovery period, and a seamless transition from a temporary weight loss tool to a permanent one. There is no gap during which you might regain weight while waiting for the sleeve, the transition is immediate. It also saves significantly on cost compared to having the procedures separately.
The Advantage of Having Had a Balloon First
Patients who transition from a balloon to a sleeve often have a head start. The habits you developed during the balloon period, smaller portions, slower eating, healthier food choices, prepare you well for life after a sleeve. You already know what restriction feels like, so the adjustment to the sleeve is often smoother than for patients who have never experienced any form of stomach restriction.
Am I Suitable?
This combined procedure may be right for you if:
- You currently have a gastric balloon that is approaching the end of its recommended time
- You want to transition to a permanent weight loss solution
- Your BMI is still 30 or above (or 27.5+ with obesity-related health conditions) despite balloon-related weight loss
- You are committed to long-term lifestyle changes after the sleeve
- You are fit enough for a procedure under general anaesthesia
You may not be suitable if:
- Your stomach shows signs of irritation or ulceration from the balloon (identified during the balloon removal) that needs to heal before a sleeve can be performed
- You have reached a healthy weight with the balloon and do not need further intervention
- You have health conditions that make general anaesthesia unsafe
Your free consultation includes a review of your balloon history, weight loss progress, current BMI, and goals. Your surgical team will confirm whether immediate conversion to a sleeve is safe, or whether a short healing period between the balloon removal and sleeve is recommended.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before Your Procedures
Your patient coordinator reviews your balloon details (type, when it was placed, any issues), your weight loss progress, and your goals for the sleeve. You receive preparation guidance including a 2-week liver-shrinking diet and fasting instructions.
On the Day
Your surgical team assesses your readiness and confirms the plan. The procedures are typically performed sequentially:
- The gastric balloon is removed endoscopically (15-20 minutes).
- Your surgeon assesses the condition of your stomach lining.
- If all is well, the gastric sleeve is performed laparoscopically (45-60 minutes).
Total theatre time is approximately 60-90 minutes. In most cases, both procedures are performed under the same general anaesthesia.
After Your Procedures
You spend 2-3 nights in hospital. Your recovery follows the same pattern as a standard gastric sleeve, clear liquids, pain management, early mobilisation. Your medical team monitors for any complications and ensures you tolerate fluids.
Once discharged, you recover at your 5-star hotel before your airport transfer. Your 12-month aftercare programme begins immediately.
Recovery & Aftercare
What to Expect During Recovery
Your recovery is essentially the same as a standard gastric sleeve, as the balloon removal adds negligible recovery.
Days 1-3 (Hospital): Clear liquids, pain management, early walking. Your team monitors the sleeve staple line and manages any discomfort. The balloon removal itself requires no additional recovery.
Week 1-2 (Home): Liquid diet. The restriction from the sleeve will feel familiar if you had good results from your balloon, though it is typically more pronounced. Rest as needed, but maintain light walking.
Week 2-4: Soft, pureed foods. Energy levels improve. Most patients return to desk-based work within 2 weeks.
Month 2-6: Gradual transition to normal foods in smaller portions. Weight loss accelerates. If you lost weight with the balloon, the sleeve continues from where the balloon left off, you may find that the combined total weight loss is greater than either procedure alone would have produced.
Month 6-12: Continued weight loss. Most patients lose 60-70% of their excess body weight within 12-18 months of the sleeve. Your aftercare programme provides dietary guidance, progress reviews, and blood test monitoring throughout.
Vitamins and Supplements
As with any gastric sleeve, you will need daily multivitamins and specific supplements (B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D). Your aftercare team monitors your levels through regular blood tests.
Risks & Considerations
This combined procedure carries the standard risks of a gastric sleeve, with minor additional considerations related to the balloon removal.
Gastric Sleeve Risks
- Staple line leak (approximately 1-2%)
- Nausea and discomfort in the first few days
- Blood clots (reduced by early mobilisation)
- Nutritional deficiencies (managed with daily supplements)
- Acid reflux in some patients
Balloon Removal Considerations
- If the balloon has caused irritation or ulceration to the stomach lining, your surgeon may decide to postpone the sleeve until the stomach has healed (typically 4-6 weeks). This is assessed during the balloon removal before the sleeve is performed.
- Minor throat soreness from the endoscopy (resolves within 24 hours)
How Your Risk Is Managed
Your surgeon assesses the condition of your stomach after balloon removal before proceeding with the sleeve. If there are any concerns about the stomach lining, the sleeve is postponed to ensure your safety. Your procedure takes place in a government-licensed hospital with full monitoring facilities.
UK vs Turkey: What You Save
UK prices are indicative ranges based on private healthcare providers. Your THST price is confirmed during your free consultation.
UK Aftercare: We Are Here When You Get Home
Unlike other medical tourism companies, we do not leave you on your own once you are back in the UK. We have two dedicated aftercare clinics staffed by NHS-registered wound care specialists, so you can see a professional face-to-face for wound checks, dressing changes, and recovery support.
Medical disclaimer: Results of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. You are advised to consult your physician for detailed information before undergoing any procedure. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer for full details.
What Our Patients Say
Real reviews from real patients. Their words, not ours.
"Great experience from start to finish. Exceptional staff, spotless hospital, attentive nursing with 24-hour availability."
"The staff is first class. Outstanding cleanliness, personable surgeon, and attention to detail that surpassed UK care."
"Absolutely amazing care. From the welcoming airport greeting to the high-standard pre-op testing, everything was fantastic."
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, yes. The balloon is removed endoscopically, your surgeon inspects the stomach lining, and if everything looks healthy, the sleeve is performed immediately under the same general anaesthesia. However, if the balloon has caused irritation or ulceration to the stomach lining, your surgeon may recommend a waiting period (typically 4-6 weeks) between the removal and the sleeve to allow healing. Your surgeon makes this decision based on what they find during the balloon removal.
Yes, significantly. Having the balloon removed and a gastric sleeve performed separately in the UK would cost approximately £10,000-£15,000 combined (£1,500-£3,000 for balloon removal plus £8,000-£12,000 for the sleeve). This combined package at The Health Store Turkey starts from £2,595, covering both procedures, hospital care, 5-star hotel, transfers, and 12 months of aftercare. You save 75%+ compared to having them separately in the UK.
If your surgeon finds that the balloon has caused irritation or damage to the stomach lining during removal, they will recommend waiting 4-6 weeks before performing the sleeve to allow your stomach to heal. In this case, you would need a second trip for the sleeve. This is a safety decision, performing a sleeve on irritated or damaged tissue increases the risk of complications. Your patient coordinator will help you plan the second visit if needed, and the pricing is adjusted accordingly.
Typically, yes. A gastric balloon helps most patients lose 10-15 kilograms over 6-16 weeks, while a gastric sleeve produces 60-70% excess body weight loss over 12-18 months, which for most patients means significantly more total weight loss. The sleeve is also permanent, whereas the balloon is temporary. The combination of balloon weight loss followed by sleeve weight loss means your total transformation can be substantial.
No. This package is available regardless of where your balloon was originally placed. Whether it was placed at The Health Store Turkey, another clinic in Turkey, or a provider in the UK or elsewhere, our team can remove it and perform the sleeve. It is helpful to know the type and brand of your balloon and when it was placed, so please share this information during your consultation.
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