What non-surgical weight loss covers
Non-surgical weight loss means procedures that reduce the working size of the stomach without cutting through the abdominal wall. The surgeon or gastroenterologist passes a flexible camera through the mouth, so there are no external wounds and no scars. In Turkey the two options most often offered are the gastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, usually shortened to ESG.
They sit between lifestyle change and operations such as a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, which you can read about under Bariatric Surgery treatments in Turkey. They are not shortcuts: both work only alongside a change in eating, and both need follow-up with a dietitian.
Non-Surgical Weight Loss in Turkey
How the two procedures differ
Gastric balloon
A deflated silicone balloon is passed into the stomach through the mouth and then filled with saline or gas. It takes up space, so you feel full sooner and eat smaller portions. The balloon is temporary: depending on the type it is removed, again by endoscopy, after about six months to a year. Placement is usually quick and done under sedation, and many patients go home the same day.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)
ESG uses an endoscopic suturing device to place a row of stitches inside the stomach, folding it into a narrower, tube-like shape. Nothing is removed and nothing is left to take out later, but the change is intended to last only as long as the stitches hold and your eating habits support it. It takes longer than a balloon, is done under general anaesthesia and often needs an overnight stay. It requires an endoscopist trained in suturing, so fewer centres offer it.
- Balloon: temporary device, removed later, shorter procedure, wider availability.
- ESG: stomach reshaped with stitches, no device to remove, longer procedure, narrower availability.
- Both: no incision, no visible scar, dietitian support afterwards.
Who these procedures are for
Non-surgical options are generally considered for people whose weight is above a healthy range but who do not meet the criteria for, or do not want, bariatric surgery. They can also suit people who want to lose weight before another operation, such as a knee replacement or fertility treatment. They are less suitable for very high body weights, where surgery usually offers more, or for people with certain stomach conditions such as a large hiatus hernia, active ulcers or previous stomach surgery.
What the trip and recovery look like
Most people need a short stay. For a balloon, plan on two to three days in the city for tests, the procedure and a check afterwards. For ESG, allow a few more days so the team can see you after the first night and review how you are eating. Balloon removal later is a separate short visit, so ask whether it can be done near home or must be done by the same team.
Early recovery commonly brings nausea, stomach cramps and reflux, especially after a balloon, and these usually settle as the stomach adjusts. Your hospital will give you medication for the first days and a staged diet that moves from liquids to soft foods and then to small normal meals.
What affects the price
Quotes differ because they are not always comparing like with like. The main factors are the procedure itself, the type of balloon or suturing system used, whether it is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the number of nights in hospital, and the pre-procedure tests. For a balloon, ask whether removal is included in the quote or charged separately, and what happens if it has to come out early. For both, ask whether dietitian follow-up and any remote check-ins are included. Do not compare two quotes until you have checked that they list the same items.
How to check a hospital and endoscopist
Choose a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, with a named doctor who performs the procedure regularly. Ask how many balloon or ESG procedures that doctor has done, which device is used and whether it is approved for use in your home country. A responsible team will assess you before offering anything, will explain when they would advise against a procedure, and will give you a written plan.
Ask what happens if there is a complication, who you can reach after you leave, and how to contact the team from abroad. Our bariatric surgery pages list the hospitals that offer weight-loss treatment, with their doctors and facilities.
How an enquiry with us works
You send your height, weight, medical history and the procedure you are considering through the form. A hospital reviews your details and replies with a written treatment plan that names the doctor, the procedure and device, the length of stay and the full cost. The quote is free and does not commit you to anything. You can ask a hospital for a second opinion, compare plans from more than one, and ask any questions before you decide. Start with a free quote, and our team will help you with appointments and travel details once you choose.
Hospitals with Bariatric Surgery in Turkey
Conditions
Other Bariatric Surgery categories
Frequently asked questions
A gastric balloon is a temporary device placed in the stomach and removed later by endoscopy. ESG uses stitches placed inside the stomach to make it narrower, with nothing left to remove. Both are done through the mouth, with no incision.
Both procedures are generally well tolerated, but like any medical procedure they carry risks, including nausea, pain, reflux and, rarely, bleeding, infection or a balloon problem needing early removal. Your doctor should explain these before you decide.
It depends on the type of balloon. Most are removed after about six months to a year. Ask which type the hospital uses, when removal is planned and whether removal is included in your quote.
No. ESG is performed through the mouth with an endoscope, so there are no cuts on the abdomen and no visible scars. Stitches are placed inside the stomach, and nothing is removed from the body.
A balloon often needs two to three days, while ESG may need a few more so the team can check you after the first night. Your hospital will tell you when it is safe to fly home.
People with certain stomach conditions, previous stomach surgery, bleeding disorders, or some other medical problems may be advised against them. Pregnancy is also a reason to wait. A doctor decides after reviewing your history.
Yes. Both procedures work only alongside smaller portions, a staged diet and regular follow-up with a dietitian. Without those changes, the benefit may not last once a balloon is removed or the stomach adjusts.