Introduction: This is Not a Commercial Advertisement but an Honest Confession
This is a transparent account of my life post-operation: the scary moments, the painful milestones, the joys, and the sudden surprises. I wrote this article because most stories online are either overly commercialized or unnecessarily terrifying. I wanted to share the complete truth calmly and honestly.
My name is Salma, I am 34 years old. I used to weigh 121 kilograms, and exactly one year ago today, I was standing at Istanbul airport, shivering with anxiety, wondering if I had made the right choice. Today, my weight is 69 kilograms, and I am here to share my laparoscopic gastric sleeve experience in Turkey in detail.
1. Deciding on Gastric Sleeve: Why I Chose Turkey
Deciding to undergo bariatric surgery was a long process. I struggled with obesity since adolescence, trying every diet and exercise program, only to regain the weight. The turning point was when my physician diagnosed me with pre-diabetes and chronic hypertension. Obesity had become a direct threat to my life.
I selected Turkey for my bariatric surgery due to specific factors:
- Clinical Volume and Expertise: Turkish bariatric surgeons perform thousands of successful sleeve procedures annually, ensuring high technical expertise.
- All-Inclusive Packages: The clinical coordination, translation services at the hospital, diagnostic tests, transfers, and hotel stay were fully managed.
- Cost-Efficiency: The total package cost in Turkey was a fraction of what private clinics charge in the GCC or Europe, with no compromise on medical standards.
2. Pre-Op Preparations and the Day of Surgery
Before traveling, I completed my blood profiles, ECG, and chest X-rays locally and sent them to the clinical board. Upon arriving at Istanbul airport, I was met by a private chauffeur and a medical translator who accompanied me through the hospital evaluations on the first day.
The laparoscopic surgery took approximately 90 minutes. When I woke up, I felt mild shoulder and chest discomfort. The surgeon explained that this was caused by the CO2 gas used during laparoscopy. Walking around the ward hallways 4 hours after surgery helped relieve the pressure.
3. My 12-Month Post-Op Progress (Month-by-Month)
Here is my honest recovery timeline over the first year:
- Month 1 (Liquid & Pureed Phase): I lost 10 kg. I consumed clear liquids followed by pureed foods. The main challenge was psychological, adapting to a new stomach capacity that felt full after just 3 tablespoons.
- Months 2-3 (Solid Food Transition): I lost another 10 kg. I reintroduced solids slowly, chewing thoroughly and prioritizing lean protein sources like chicken and fish.
- Months 4-5 (Weight Loss Plateau): This is a normal phase where the scale stops moving temporarily. I contacted my bariatric dietitian in Turkey, who adjusted my macronutrient intake, and weight loss resumed two weeks later.
- Months 6-9 (Increased Vitality): I lost 17 kg. I started daily walks and light resistance training. My joint pain disappeared completely, and my energy levels surged.
- Months 10-12 (Stabilization and Target Goal): My weight stabilized at 69 kg. I achieved a total loss of 52 kg of excess fat within a year.
4. Weight Loss Tracker Table
To summarize my progress, here is my month-by-month weight loss chart:
| Timeframe | Actual Weight | Total Weight Lost | Dietary Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Op | 121 kg | 0 kg | Liver shrinking diet |
| Month 1 | 111 kg | 10 kg lost | Clear liquids and pureed textures |
| Month 3 | 101 kg | 20 kg lost | Normal solids in small portions |
| Month 6 | 88 kg | 33 kg lost | High-protein options and active gym routines |
| Month 12 | 69 kg | 52 kg lost (Target weight achieved) | Balanced, sustainable healthy lifestyle |
5. Challenges and How I Overcame Them
To be fully transparent, here are the difficulties I faced and how I handled them:
- Temporary Hair Shedding (Telogen Effluvium): Occured between months 3 and 5 due to metabolic stress. I reversed this by consistently meeting my daily protein goals and taking recommended bariatric multivitamins.
- Skin Sagging: Losing 52 kg leads to some loose skin in the abdominal and arm areas. Resistance training helped tone my body, and I am considering cosmetic contouring in the future.
- Social Dining Pressure: Adapting to eating very small amounts during family gatherings or dinners required confidence. I learned to explain politely: "My stomach is full, thank you."
A gastric sleeve is a powerful anatomical tool, but it doesn't shrink your mental habits. Long-term success is built upon a conscious lifestyle change and a healthy relationship with food.
