By: Madel Bailey

Turkey, one of the countries with the most advanced surgical facilities in the world, is a country that sets world standards in health. Many people from the USA and Canada, and especially from Europe, prefer this country, which has major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya, for surgical operations. Certainly, Turkey has very important surgeons in obesity surgery as well as in the field of medical aesthetics. One of them is Bugra Kardaslar, one of the most successful surgeons in the country.

Bugra Kardaslar, whose reputation for gastric sleeve surgery exceeds the borders of Turkey, is also a surgeon who trains many physicians from all over the world. Therefore, this proves that he is a highly renowned surgeon in bariatric surgery. We asked Mr Kardaslar, one of the most popular surgeons in Turkey, about the increasingly widespread obesity problem in the world and the importance of bariatric surgery. Mr Kardaslar describes gastric sleeve surgery as the beginning of a new life.

Recently, patients from many countries around the world prefer Turkey for surgical operations. What is the reason for this?

In our country, which offers four seasons at a time, we have many impressive cities. Istanbul, one of the most important cities of the world, which is full of history and culture, Antalya, which is the capital of tourism and was called the paradise on earth during the Hellenistic period, and Izmir, which dates back to ancient times and is at the forefront with its touristic resorts, are the most favourite cities for health tourism. The physician quality in Turkey has also reached a level that sets world standards, which is very important. In addition, the fact that surgical operations in Turkey are relatively attractive in economic terms compared to other countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK and Germany is another important reason why we are preferred.

You are one of the most popular surgeons in your country in obesity (bariatric) surgery. Is there a lot of interest from outside Turkey in this regard?

Of course, the reasons I mentioned in the first question and extremely good hospital conditions are also very important for bariatric surgery because high-tech equipment is preferred in this surgery. Therefore, patients do not experience any uncertainty in this regard. So far, we have completed numerous bariatric surgeries without any problems and I am very happy with the feedback of our patients in this regard.

For example, what should patients pay attention to in gastric sleeve surgery, which has recently become the most preferred procedure?

Patients who decide to undergo such surgeries make a new start to their lives. In this respect, it is a very important decision. These surgeries also require strict discipline for the postoperative period. Patients should reduce the amount of high-calorie foods they eat and should do much more sport and exercise. These are the most important criteria for the success of these surgeries. I would like to point out that the increase in the consumption of processed foods and high-carbohydrate foods and the increase in the time spent in front of computers, televisions, game consoles, etc., in other words, the increase in sedentary life, is progressively increasing the problem of obesity all over the world. We frequently warn our patients about this subject before and after the surgery. In other words, although our patients return to their countries after their surgery, we continue to have online meetings with them. Our dietician also follows our patients over the course of a year. So far, all those who have chosen us for their surgery from different countries are extremely satisfied with their new lives.

And what should patients do to shape their body after a gastric sleeve surgery?

Before the surgery, many of our patients experience low self-confidence due to excess weight. It’s a natural state. We, as surgeons, intervene in our patients in order to restore their lost self-confidence and solve their health problems. Procedures such as tummy tuck, breast lift, liposuction, arm and leg lift are among these interventions. Of course, sometimes urgent interventions are required, but most of the time we recommend our patients to wait about a year for such procedures. After all, our body is our most valuable treasure and we need to take extreme care.

Finally, apart from patients, physicians from many parts of the world also come to Turkey to be trained by you, especially in the field of bariatric surgery. What would you like to say about this subject?

Many universities and clinics, which attract physicians from all over the world for observation and training, have been established by our esteemed professors and have contributed to bringing our country to the first ranks in the field of medicine with advanced technologies. It is the greatest pleasure to increase our knowledge by sharing and I enjoy contributing to many of my colleagues from various countries.