Metabolic Surgery (Type 2 Diabetes Surgery) in Turkey

Diabetes surgery, also known as metabolic surgery, is a modern surgical approach for treating type 2 diabetes. It aims to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels by altering the digestive system. This procedure is particularly effective in patients with obesity and medication-resistant diabetes.

Metabolic surgery methods include gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, which trigger hormonal changes in the intestines. These changes enhance pancreatic function and stabilize glucose metabolism. Many patients achieve long-term remission of type 2 diabetes, reducing or eliminating the need for insulin or oral medications.

Before diabetes surgery, patients undergo detailed evaluations by endocrinologists, cardiologists, and nutrition specialists. Factors such as body mass index, duration of diabetes, and presence of complications are carefully considered. A multidisciplinary approach ensures optimal outcomes and patient safety.

Post-operative care is essential for sustained success after metabolic surgery. Patients follow a structured diet, engage in regular physical activity, and attend routine follow-up visits. With proper lifestyle changes, diabetes surgery not only improves glucose control but also lowers the risk of long-term complications like heart disease and kidney failure.

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Metabolic Surgery (Type 2 Diabetes Surgery) in Turkey

General Surgery Specialist
Who is Dr. Ahmet Bekin?

Dr. Ahmet Bekin, one of the doctors performing hernia surgeries in Istanbul, is specialized in general surgery. Throughout his medical career, he has gained extensive experience in hernia, reflux, and obesity surgery, as well as advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgical applications. He serves his patients with modern approaches such as minimally invasive surgery, laser surgical treatments, single incision surgery (Single Incision Surgery), endocrine and oncological surgery. He is fluent in Turkish, English, and Arabic.

2000 – 2006 Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine
2006 – 2011 Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine (Çapa), Department of General Surgery – Specialization

Certificates

What Is Diabetes Surgery?

Diabetes surgery, also known as metabolic or bariatric surgery, refers to surgical procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy that help manage type 2 diabetes by altering the digestive system. These operations lead to weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity, sometimes resulting in diabetes remission. They are typically recommended for patients with obesity and uncontrolled diabetes despite medical therapy. The surgery also reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications and improves overall metabolic health.

When Is Diabetes Surgery Performed?

Diabetes surgery offers an effective option for the control of type 2 diabetes, especially in patients who do not benefit from medical treatment and lifestyle changes. These surgical methods are applied considering the patient’s body mass index (BMI), accompanying health problems, and the status of diabetes control. The situations in which diabetes surgery is preferred according to different methods are as follows:

Patients with a BMI of 40 kg/m² or above
Those with a BMI of 35–39.9 kg/m² and accompanying health problems
Those with a BMI of 30–34.9 kg/m² and uncontrolled T2D
Patients with T2D that cannot be controlled with medical therapy

Procedures such as gastric reduction surgery, jejunoileal transit (SJIT), transit bipartition, gastric bypass and ileal interposition aim to increase insulin sensitivity, improve glycemic control, and reduce complications related to obesity. These approaches can yield promising results, especially for individuals with uncontrolled diabetes who do not respond to other treatments.

Who Is Not Suitable for Diabetes Surgery?

Diabetes surgery is not a suitable treatment option for some patients. Both absolute and relative contraindications affect the feasibility of surgery. Therefore, it is important for patients to undergo a comprehensive evaluation.
Absolute Contraindications:

Severe cardiopulmonary diseases
Active cancer
Severe bleeding disorders
Untreated psychiatric illnesses
Active substance abuse
Inability to comply with postoperative care

Relative Contraindications:

Inflammatory bowel diseases
Chronic kidney disease
Previous abdominal surgeries
Advanced age
Portal hypertension
Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease
Pregnancy

Surgical intervention is related not only to physical health status but also to psychological and social factors. The patient’s ability to maintain lifestyle changes directly affects the success of the surgery.

How Is Diabetes Surgery Performed?

Diabetes surgery includes various surgical procedures performed in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These operations usually focus on reducing stomach volume and improving the hormonal regulation of the intestines. The aim is to achieve blood sugar control and increase insulin sensitivity with different methods:

Gastric reduction surgery
Sleeve and Jejunoileal Transit (SJIT) method
Transit bipartition procedure
Gastric bypass method
Ileal interposition surgery

In every surgical method, laparoscopic techniques are preferred because they are less invasive and speed up the recovery process. During the procedure, the stomach is reduced or structural changes are made to the intestines. The goal is to fight diabetes both mechanically and hormonally.
Diabetes surgery is generally recommended for type 2 diabetes patients with high body mass index or who do not respond to medical treatment. However, a comprehensive evaluation must be performed before these operations. The surgeon determines the most appropriate method by considering the person’s general health status, blood sugar levels, and current complications. Therefore, these surgical procedures should be performed only by experienced and specialized surgeons.

What Are the Side Effects of Diabetes Surgery?

Although diabetes surgery is an effective method in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it may cause some short- and long-term side effects. These side effects may vary depending on the surgical method applied and may require medical intervention in some cases:
Short-Term Side Effects:

Suture line leakage
Bleeding
Postoperative infections
Intestinal obstruction
Nausea and vomiting
Pulmonary embolism

Long-Term Side Effects:

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Gastroesophageal reflux
Dumping syndrome
Malabsorption disorders
Intestinal stricture or obstruction
Marginal ulcers

The risk of side effects in diabetes surgery depends on the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s general health status, and the choice of surgical method.

What Are the Outcomes and Success Rates of Diabetes Surgery?

Diabetes surgery has a significant success rate in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and different surgical methods help patients regain metabolic balance. These methods offer effective results both in controlling diabetes and achieving long-term remission:

Gastric reduction surgery: Diabetes improvement rate is 60%–80%.
Sleeve gastrectomy and jejunal bypass: Decrease in HbA1c levels and reduction in diabetes medications.
Transit bipartition: 86% diabetes improvement rate.
Gastric bypass: High success rate in long-term remission.
Ileal interposition: Diabetes improvement 60%–100%.

The success rate and effects of each surgical method may vary depending on the patient’s weight, diabetes duration, and other metabolic diseases. Diabetes surgery not only improves blood sugar levels but also offers many additional benefits such as weight loss, reduced insulin resistance, and increased quality of life. However, for long-term results, regular follow-up, healthy eating habits, and lifestyle changes such as exercise are required. Moreover, since every individual’s needs are different, the choice of surgical method must be personalized by a specialist team. This is crucial both to reduce risks and increase the success rate.

How Should Preoperative Preparation for Diabetes Surgery Be Done?

Preoperative preparation for diabetes surgery is a vital process to increase the success of surgery and reduce the risks of complications. During this process, the patient’s physical, psychological, and nutritional status are thoroughly assessed:

Medical evaluation
Nutritional regulation
Psychological support
Weight management
Breathing exercises
Blood sugar control

Patients should also be informed to prepare for lifestyle changes before surgery. The education process facilitates postoperative adaptation and enables patients to have a more efficient recovery process.

What Are the Lifestyle Changes After Diabetes Surgery?

Lifestyle changes after diabetes surgery are vital for the patient to achieve long-term health goals and to get the maximum benefit from the surgery. Many factors from dietary regulation to physical activity, psychological support to regular medical follow-up, directly affect the recovery process. The following points should be considered during this process:
Nutrition Stages:

Liquid foods
Full liquids
Pureed foods
Soft solid foods
Balanced normal diet

Nutritional Supplements:

Multivitamins
Vitamin B12
Iron
Calcium
Vitamin D

Physical Activity:

Light walks
Exercise program
Long-term sports plan

Medical Follow-Up:

Follow-up appointments
Blood tests
Psychological support

All these changes not only increase the success rate of surgical intervention but also help the patient adapt to a new lifestyle. In the long term, individuals need to take personal responsibility and strictly follow doctor’s recommendations to maintain a healthy life.

Türkiye’nin En İyi Şeker Ameliyatı Yapan Doktorlara Sahip Olmasının Nedenleri

Genel cerrahi alanında uzman hekimler: Türkiye’de göbek fıtığı (umbilikal herni) cerrahisinde deneyimli, laparoskopik ve açık cerrahi konusunda uzman birçok doktor bulunmaktadır.
Modern cerrahi teknikler: Laparoskopik (kapalı) yöntemler, ağrıyı azaltan ve iyileşmeyi hızlandıran özel yama teknikleri (mesh) yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır.
Yüksek başarı ve düşük komplikasyon oranı: Ameliyat sonrası nüks (tekrarlama) oranı düşüktür; enfeksiyon ve komplikasyonlar nadirdir.
Hızlı tanı ve planlama: Muayene, görüntüleme ve ameliyat süreci hızlı ve organize şekilde ilerler.
Donanımlı cerrahi merkezler: Hem kamu hem özel hastanelerde teknolojik açıdan güçlü ameliyathaneler ve sterilizasyon sistemleri mevcuttur.
İyileşme sürecinin yakından takibi: Ameliyat sonrası kontroller düzenli yapılır; hastaya özel beslenme ve hareket önerileriyle iyileşme desteklenir.
Erişilebilir sağlık hizmeti: Gelişmiş cerrahi hizmetler, birçok ülkeye kıyasla daha ekonomik fiyatlarla sunulmaktadır.

Ortalama Şeker Ameliyatı Fiyatları Ne Kadar ?

Ortalama Şeker Ameliyatı fiyatları hastanın durumuna, cerraha ve ameliyatın yapılacağı ile ( İstanbul, İzmir, Ankara vb) değişiklik gösterebilir.

Şeker Ameliyatı Yaptıranların Yorumları

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Türkiye'de Şeker Ameliyatı Yapan Doktorlar & Hastaneler

Şeker Ameliyatı Türkiye'de genel cerrahlar tarafından uygun alt yapıya sahip özel hastanelerde ve devlet hastanelerinde yapılır.

Location of our clinic in Istanbul, Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

Which patients are eligible for diabetes surgery?

Diabetes surgery is usually performed on patients with type 2 diabetes who cannot achieve blood sugar control despite medication and insulin, and who are also obese.

Does the need for insulin decrease after diabetes surgery?

In many patients, the need for insulin significantly decreases after surgery, and in some cases it may disappear completely. However, this depends on the individual’s health status and pancreatic reserve.

How does weight loss occur after diabetes surgery?

The surgery reduces the stomach size and changes the absorption process in the intestines, leading to weight loss. This change improves blood sugar control and reduces obesity-related risks.

Is diabetes surgery safe for women planning pregnancy?

Before pregnancy, diabetes surgery can improve blood sugar control, but it is recommended to wait at least 12-18 months after surgery. This period is important to maintain the mother’s nutrition and vitamin balance.

What dietary rules should be followed after diabetes surgery?

After surgery, small portions, a protein-based diet, and regular vitamin-mineral supplementation are recommended. Sugary and high-calorie foods should be avoided for long-term success.

Does diabetes surgery carry risks of complications?

Like any surgery, diabetes surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and leakage. However, with an experienced surgeon and proper patient selection, the risk of complications is low.

How long does it take for blood sugar to stabilize after diabetes surgery?

In some patients, blood sugar normalizes within a few days. In others, it may take weeks to months. Regular check-ups and dietary compliance affect the success of the process.

Does diabetes surgery reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases?

Yes, the improvement in blood sugar and cholesterol levels after surgery can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, diabetes surgery provides long-term benefits.

Are vitamin and mineral deficiencies common after diabetes surgery?

Since intestinal absorption changes, deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D may occur. Regular monitoring and supplementation help prevent these risks.

Is lifelong follow-up necessary after diabetes surgery?

Yes, regular blood tests, nutritional evaluations, and surgical follow-ups should continue for life. These follow-ups are crucial for preventing complications and maintaining health.

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