The Truth About Bariatric Surgery in Türkiye: Not All Programmes Are Created Equal

Let’s be honest — bariatric surgery is life-changing, and for many, life-saving. But accessing it in New Zealand or Australia can feel out of reach. With public waiting lists stretching months — if not years — and private surgery costing tens of thousands of dollars, it's no wonder more Kiwis and Aussies are looking overseas for options.

Türkiye has emerged as a popular destination. The country is known for its hospitality, high-quality medical infrastructure, and affordability. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: not all programmes are created equal. And just because something is popular online doesn’t mean it’s safe or right for you.

The Hard Reality of Medical Tourism

We’ve seen it firsthand: patients choosing low-cost clinics because of flashy ads or influencer hype — only to return home needing corrective surgery or struggling without proper aftercare.

In some cases:

• Endoscopy (a critical pre-op test) isn’t done at all — meaning ulcers, hernias, or reflux go undetected.

• Surgeons aren’t bariatric-certified — some are general surgeons with limited obesity experience.

• Medication isn’t included post-op — increasing the risk of infection or complications during the healing phase.

• There’s no long-term support — patients are sent home and left to manage major lifestyle changes alone.

These shortcuts might reduce the price tag — but they massively increase the risks.

Why Staying Local Is Still Best (When Possible)

If you can access surgery in New Zealand or Australia, surrounded by your GP, dietitian, and mental health support — do it. Surgery is just the beginning. You’ll need wraparound care before and after to make it work long-term.

But the reality is, many people can’t afford to wait.

That’s where we come in.

What Makes Our Programme Different

At Oceanscape Group, we’re not just another medical tourism company. We’re NZ-owned, compliance-focused, and backed by a handpicked team of qualified Turkish professionals. Our clients are people — not numbers — and safety is non-negotiable.

What sets us apart:

• Full pre-op testing — including ECG, body composition, ultrasound, bloodwork, and endoscopy (often not included elsewhere).

• Certified Bariatric Surgeons — not general surgeons doing volume work. Our surgeons are credentialed and known for quality outcomes.

• Reflux and complex cases accepted — we don’t turn people away because they’re “too hard.”

• Post-op support — 21 days of meal replacement shakes, medications, and a personal support team including translators, NZ-based wellness coaches, and emotional care.

• Low daily surgical volumes — our partner hospitals only allow a maximum of five bariatric surgeries per day. No factory-line procedures here.

• Two years of follow-up — including support groups, resources, and options to return for revision or skin removal safely.

• Filmed surgery and complication insurance — transparency and protection matter.

  
  

The Bottom Line

There are good clinics in Türkiye — and there are dangerous ones. The glossy social media posts don’t tell you what happens when things go wrong. We’re not here to scare you — we’re here to help you make informed decisions.

If you're researching bariatric surgery in Türkiye, ask these questions:

• Is the clinic Ministry of Health accredited?

• Can I verify the surgeon’s credentials through official bodies?

• What happens if I have reflux or need a complex procedure?

• What post-op care is included?

• Who do I call if something goes wrong?

  
  

At Oceanscape Group, we’re proud to say we can answer all of those questions — and more.

Because your health is worth doing properly.

Ready to learn more?Reach out to our team for a free information session or download our Weight Loss Surgery InfoPack. We’re here to support you every step of the way — from Aotearoa to Türkiye and back.