Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) — Safe, Minimally Invasive Weight Loss in Istanbul
For Australians and New Zealanders seeking long-term weight management, ESG offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery — helping patients achieve lasting results safely and effectively. All-inclusive from $8,500 USD at a JCI-accredited hospital.
ESG Packages for ANZ Patients
Procedure Only
~$11,500 AUD / ~$12,500 NZD
- Complete ESG procedure
- Conscious sedation
- JCI-accredited hospital stay
- Pre-operative lab work & imaging
- Post-operative medications
All-Inclusive Package
~$13,000 AUD / ~$14,200 NZD
- Everything in Procedure Only
- VIP airport transfers
- 4-star hotel accommodation
- 12-month dietitian support (telehealth)
- Ongoing follow-up consultations
Australian/NZ private clinics: $15,000–$25,000 AUD/NZD | Public access limited with long waitlists
How ESG Works
ESG reduces the stomach's capacity through a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure, allowing patients to feel full faster and consume less food. A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth, and internal sutures reduce stomach volume by 70–80%. Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, no tissue is removed and the procedure is potentially reversible.
Published clinical data demonstrates 15–20% total body weight loss within 6–12 months, with durable results at 2–5 year follow-up. The procedure takes approximately 60–90 minutes under conscious sedation.
minutes
incisions
nights hospital
🇦🇺 🇳🇿 Why ANZ Patients Choose ESG Abroad
A growing number of Australians and New Zealanders are choosing internationally accredited facilities abroad for bariatric procedures — here's why.
Limited Access Locally
ESG is not widely available in Australia or New Zealand. Private clinics often charge $15,000–$25,000 AUD/NZD, and public access is limited with long waitlists that can stretch to 12+ months.
Affordable, Transparent Packages
Our all-inclusive package is $8,500 USD (~$13,000 AUD) — significantly less than ANZ private clinics, even after accounting for flights. Procedure, hospital, hotel, transfers, and 12-month aftercare included.
Internationally Accredited Care
JCI-accredited hospitals in Istanbul. Experienced ESG specialists with thousands of procedures. Multilingual international patient coordinators. Turkey is the world's 4th-largest medical tourism destination.
ESG vs Weight Loss Medications
Many ANZ patients start with GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy. Here's how ESG compares as a long-term solution.
| Factor | Medications | ESG |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term effectiveness | Limited — studies show significant weight regain after discontinuation | Sustainable — permanent structural stomach reduction with durable results at 2–5 year follow-up |
| Side effects | Common (nausea, diarrhoea, pancreatitis risk, thyroid concerns) | Mild and rare (bloating/cramping for 1–3 days) |
| Cost | Ongoing: $200–$400+/month AUD (PBS subsidies vary) | One-time: $8,500 USD all-inclusive |
| Weight regain | Significant after stopping medication | Limited with healthy lifestyle adherence |
| Treatment type | Weekly injections indefinitely | Single endoscopic procedure (60–90 min) |
ESG vs Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A detailed comparison of ESG with surgical sleeve gastrectomy.
| Feature | ESG | Gastric Sleeve |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure type | Endoscopic (through the mouth) | Laparoscopic surgery (4–5 incisions) |
| Invasiveness | Minimal | High |
| Duration | 60–90 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Hospital stay | Same day or 1 night | 2–3 nights |
| Recovery time | 1–3 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Scarring | None | 4–5 small scars |
| Weight loss | 15–20% of total body weight | 60–70% of excess weight |
| Reversibility | Potentially reversible | Permanent (stomach tissue removed) |
| Risk profile | Very low (<1% serious complications) | Low (1–3% serious complications) |
| ANZ cost range | $15,000–$25,000 AUD (ANZ) / $8,500 USD (Istanbul) | $15,000–$35,000 AUD (ANZ) |
Why Choose Istanbul Bariatric Center?
World-class medical expertise with a patient experience designed for ANZ patients who value trust, safety, and transparent care.
Experienced Team
Dr. Murat Üstün — pioneer of ESG in Turkey. Thousands of successful bariatric procedures with decades of combined experience.
JCI-Accredited Hospital
All procedures at Liv Hospital — JCI-accredited, the gold standard for healthcare quality and patient safety worldwide.
Full International Support
Pre-travel consultation, VIP airport transfers, English-speaking coordinators, and telehealth follow-up compatible with AEST/NZST.
Modern Facilities
Cutting-edge endoscopic units, comprehensive infection control protocols, and comfortable private recovery rooms.
Treatment Process for ANZ Patients
From your first inquiry to telehealth follow-up back home — we handle every detail.
Initial online consultation
Contact us via WhatsApp or our website. Our medical team reviews your BMI, health history, and goals to determine ESG eligibility — typically within 24–48 hours.
Travel to Istanbul
Choose your dates — we coordinate everything. Flights from Sydney (~18h), Melbourne (~19h), Auckland (~22h), or Wellington. Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines offer convenient connections.
VIP transfer & hotel check-in
A personal driver meets you at Istanbul Airport (IST) and takes you to your 4-star hotel. Comfortable accommodation with international amenities throughout your stay.
Pre-operative assessments
Comprehensive blood panel, ECG, abdominal ultrasound, and health screening at the hospital. In-person consultation with Dr. Murat Üstün to finalise your treatment plan.
ESG procedure
ESG is performed under conscious sedation at Liv Hospital (JCI-accredited). Duration: 60–90 minutes. No incisions, no scars, no tissue removal. Most patients are discharged the same day or after one night.
Recovery & return home
Rest at your hotel with continuous medical support. Fly home after 3–4 nights. Telehealth follow-up begins within one week of returning home — compatible with AEST/NZST time zones.
Why Choose Turkey?
Istanbul is a global hub for medical tourism — the world's fourth-largest destination for international patients. With highly experienced surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals, and cost-effective world-class care, it's no surprise that over 1.2 million patients travel to Turkey for medical treatment every year.
Expected Results
Based on published clinical data and our patient outcomes.
Total Body Weight Loss
Over 6–12 months
Metabolic Health
Blood sugar, cholesterol, BP
Quality of Life
Energy, mobility, confidence
🇦🇺 🇳🇿 What ANZ Patients Say
“After years of yo-yo dieting and spending thousands on weight loss programmes, ESG was the turning point. The team at Istanbul Bariatric Center were brilliant — professional, caring, and always available on WhatsApp. I've lost 19 kg in five months and feel like a different person.”
Sarah M.
Sydney, NSW
−19 kg
5 months
“I was sceptical about medical tourism at first, but the JCI accreditation and Dr Murat's credentials convinced me. The hospital was immaculate, the care was world-class, and the whole trip cost less than what I was quoted at a private clinic in Melbourne. Absolutely worth it.”
James T.
Melbourne, VIC
−22 kg
7 months
“I travelled from New Zealand and the flight is long, but the experience made it worthwhile. Everything was organised — hotel, transfers, consultations. The telehealth follow-ups have been fantastic. I've lost 16 kg and my blood pressure is back to normal.”
Emma L.
Auckland, NZ
−16 kg
4 months
Who is Eligible?
ESG is designed for individuals struggling with excess weight who are looking for a structured, evidence-based solution between lifestyle interventions and major surgery.
BMI between 30 and 40
Previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts
Looking to avoid surgical sleeve or bypass
Want a minimally invasive approach with rapid recovery (1–3 days)
Weight-related health conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea)
Willing to commit to dietary and lifestyle changes post-procedure
Am I a Candidate for ESG?
Calculate your BMI and check your eligibility
Safety & Quality Standards
ESG is recognised as one of the safest weight loss procedures available. Istanbul Bariatric Center maintains international safety and hygiene standards at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital — the gold standard for healthcare quality worldwide.
JCI-accredited hospital — gold standard for patient safety
Board-certified surgeon with thousands of ESG procedures
Comprehensive infection control protocols
Pre-operative health screening (blood panel, ECG, ultrasound)
24/7 medical support post-procedure
Short recovery time compared to surgical alternatives
Post-Procedure Guidance
Your personalised recovery and nutrition roadmap for lasting results.
First 24 hours
Clear liquids only. Rest and recovery under medical supervision at Liv Hospital.
Weeks 1–2
Full liquid diet — protein shakes, broth, water. Begin reintroducing nutrients gradually.
Weeks 3–6
Gradual transition to soft foods. Puréed proteins and well-cooked vegetables.
Week 7+
Transition to healthy solid foods. Focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and balanced macronutrients.
Months 3–12
Continued dietitian support via telehealth. Regular progress check-ins and plan adjustments — compatible with AEST/NZST time zones.
12-Month Dietitian Support via Telehealth
Every ESG package includes access to a qualified nutritionist who creates individualised dietary plans and guides you through the entire first year — via video consultations compatible with Australian and New Zealand time zones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before travelling to Istanbul.
Take the First Step Today
Book your free online consultation today. Receive a customised treatment plan designed specifically for ANZ patients.
Achieve safe, long-term weight loss with a minimally invasive procedure at a JCI-accredited hospital — no obligation.
Email: [email protected]