Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) for UK Patients — A Safer, Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solution in Turkey
Struggling with weight loss? Tried every diet, gym membership, and even medications like Wegovy or Ozempic — but the weight keeps coming back? ESG offers UK patients a powerful, non-surgical alternative at a fraction of private UK costs.
What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a cutting-edge, incision-free weight loss procedure that reduces the size of your stomach using an endoscope inserted through the mouth. Unlike traditional gastric sleeve surgery, no cuts are made on the abdomen, no part of the stomach is removed, and recovery is significantly faster.
The procedure uses a specialised suturing system — the Apollo OverStitch technology — to reshape and reduce your stomach by up to 70–80%, helping you feel full faster and eat less. It takes approximately 60–90 minutes under general anaesthesia, and most patients return home the same day or after one night in hospital.
For UK patients, ESG represents a breakthrough alternative to both surgical weight loss and long-term medication use. It bridges the gap between lifestyle interventions that haven't worked and invasive surgery that many people aren't ready for — or don't qualify for through the NHS.
Minutes
Incisions
Days Recovery
🇬🇧 Why UK Patients Are Choosing ESG in Turkey
Thousands of British patients travel to Istanbul each year for bariatric procedures. Here's why ESG abroad is becoming the preferred choice.
Limited NHS Access
ESG is not widely available on the NHS. Most NHS bariatric pathways focus on surgical options with strict eligibility criteria — often requiring a BMI of 40+ and years of documented weight management attempts. Private ESG in the UK remains limited to a handful of specialist centres, with long waiting lists even for initial consultations.
Significant Cost Savings
In the UK, ESG typically costs £8,000–£15,000 at private clinics. At Istanbul Bariatric Center, all-inclusive packages start from £4,950 — that's up to 60–70% savings. Your package includes the procedure, hospital stay, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, pre-operative tests, and 12-month dietitian support.
Average UK patient saves £5,000–£10,000
No Waiting Lists
Even private consultations in cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham can take weeks or months. With Istanbul Bariatric Center, you can have your consultation within days, your procedure scheduled promptly, and your entire treatment completed within a single short trip — typically 3–4 days from departure to return.
ESG vs Weight Loss Medications in the UK
Many UK patients start their weight loss journey with GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Ozempic. But what happens when the medications plateau, the side effects become difficult, or the monthly costs add up? ESG is increasingly seen as the next step.
| Factor | Wegovy / Ozempic | ESG |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Effectiveness | Often limited — weight returns when medication stops | More durable — physical stomach reduction is permanent |
| Side Effects | Common (nausea, diarrhoea, pancreatitis risk) | Minimal (mild discomfort for 1–3 days) |
| Cost Over Time | £200–400/month ongoing (£2,400–4,800/year) | One-time investment from £4,950 |
| Weight Regain | Frequent when medication is stopped | Less common with lifestyle adherence |
| NHS Availability | Limited — strict criteria and long waits | Not available on NHS |
| Procedure Required | No — weekly/daily injections | Yes — one 60–90 minute endoscopic procedure |
ESG provides a one-time physical intervention that supports long-term weight management without ongoing medication costs.
ESG vs Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Not sure whether ESG or gastric sleeve surgery is right for you? Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide. ESG is ideal for patients seeking a less aggressive, non-surgical approach.
| Feature | ESG | Gastric Sleeve |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Endoscopic (through mouth) | Laparoscopic surgery (4–5 incisions) |
| Anaesthesia | General | General |
| Duration | 60–90 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | Same day or 1 night | 2–3 nights |
| Recovery Time | 1–3 days | 2–3 weeks |
| Scarring | None | 4–5 small scars |
| Weight Loss | 15–20% total body weight | 60–70% excess weight |
| Reversibility | Potentially reversible | Permanent (stomach removed) |
| Risk Profile | Very low | Low |
| Starting Price (Istanbul) | From £4,950 | From £2,950 |
Both procedures are performed at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital, Istanbul. View all treatment options.
Why Choose Istanbul Bariatric Center?
We combine world-class medical expertise with a patient experience specifically tailored for UK travellers.
Dr Murat Ustun
Pioneer of ESG in Turkey with thousands of successful bariatric procedures. Internationally recognised for endoscopic innovation and patient-centred care.
JCI-Accredited Hospital
All procedures are performed at Liv Hospital, Istanbul — holding the gold standard Joint Commission International accreditation for patient safety and quality.
🇬🇧 UK Patient Team
Dedicated UK patient coordinators who understand British expectations. Clear communication, transparent pricing, structured aftercare. Support available via UK WhatsApp number.
All-Inclusive from £4,950
No hidden fees. Packages include procedure, hospital stay, hotel, airport transfers, pre-op tests, UK dietitian, and 12-month aftercare programme.
Your ESG Journey — Step by Step
From your first enquiry to returning home, we take care of every detail. Here's exactly what to expect as a UK patient travelling to Istanbul for ESG.
Free Online Consultation
Contact us via WhatsApp or our website. Our team will review your BMI, medical history, and goals to confirm you're a suitable candidate for ESG.
Book Your Travel
Choose your dates and we'll arrange everything. Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh to Istanbul take just 3.5–4 hours.
VIP Airport Transfer & Hotel
A private driver meets you at Istanbul Airport and takes you to your hotel (e.g., Radisson Hotel). Relax and prepare for the next day.
Pre-Operative Assessment
Comprehensive blood tests and health screening at the hospital. Meet Dr Murat Ustun and the medical team, review the procedure plan.
ESG Procedure
The ESG is performed under general anaesthesia at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital. Duration: approximately 60–90 minutes. No incisions, no scars.
Recovery & Return Home
Rest at your hotel with full medical support available. Most patients fly home within 2–3 days feeling well and ready to begin their new journey.
World-Class Comfort & Care
Your comfort is our priority throughout your stay in Istanbul. From the moment you land, you'll experience VIP-level service designed specifically for international patients. Our partnership with luxury hotels like the Radisson ensures you have a comfortable base, while Liv Hospital provides state-of-the-art medical facilities that meet and exceed international standards.
Every aspect of your stay is coordinated by our UK patient team — from arranging your airport transfer to ensuring your hotel room is ready with everything you need for recovery. Many UK patients describe their experience as "better than any private clinic at home."
ESG Results — What UK Patients Can Expect
ESG delivers meaningful, sustainable weight loss when combined with the lifestyle changes our aftercare programme supports.
Total Body Weight Loss
Over 12–18 months
Average Loss (BMI 38+)
Within first 6 months
Health Improvements
Diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnoea
Results depend on your commitment to the post-procedure nutrition plan, regular physical activity, and ongoing follow-up support. Our 12-month aftercare programme with a UK-registered dietitian is included in all packages and is designed to help you achieve — and maintain — your weight loss goals. View patient success stories.
🇬🇧 What UK Patients Say
Real experiences from British patients who chose Istanbul Bariatric Center for ESG.
“I'd been on Wegovy for 8 months and hit a plateau. After researching ESG, I found Istanbul Bariatric Center and everything was brilliant — from the airport pickup to the aftercare. I've lost 19kg in 6 months and feel incredible.”
Sarah J.
London
19kg lost
in 6 months
“The whole experience was seamless. Dr Murat and his team made me feel completely safe. The hospital was spotless and modern — better than any private clinic I'd visited in the UK. I'd recommend it to anyone considering ESG.”
Claire M.
Manchester
15kg lost
in 4 months
“I was nervous about going abroad for a medical procedure but everything was first-class. The VIP transfer, the Radisson Hotel, Liv Hospital — it all exceeded my expectations. The cost savings compared to London were enormous.”
David R.
Birmingham
22kg lost
in 8 months
Who Is a Good Candidate for ESG?
ESG is designed for people who have struggled with long-term weight loss and are looking for a solution that falls between lifestyle interventions and major surgery. You may be a good candidate if:
Your BMI is between 30 and 40
You've struggled with long-term weight loss despite diet and exercise
You're not ready for — or don't want — invasive surgery
Weight loss medications haven't been effective or are too expensive
You want a procedure with minimal recovery time
You have obesity-related health conditions (Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea)
Before proceeding, our medical team will conduct a thorough evaluation of your health history to ensure ESG is the right procedure for you. If your BMI is above 40, gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass may be more appropriate.
Am I a Candidate for ESG?
Check your BMI to see if ESG could be right for you
Safety & Standards
ESG is considered one of the safest weight loss procedures available when performed by experienced specialists in an accredited facility. Compared to surgical alternatives, ESG offers lower complication rates, no surgical scars, and significantly faster recovery.
At Istanbul Bariatric Center, your safety is paramount. Dr Murat Ustun has performed thousands of ESG procedures with an excellent safety record. All procedures take place at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital, which meets the same international standards as top UK and US hospitals.
JCI-accredited hospital (gold standard international certification)
Board-certified surgeon with thousands of ESG procedures
Modern endoscopic suturing technology (Apollo OverStitch)
Full pre-operative health screening
24/7 post-procedure medical support
Comprehensive insurance and medical protocols
Life After ESG
Your ESG procedure is just the beginning. Here's what to expect in the weeks and months following your treatment, and how our aftercare supports your long-term success.
First 8 Hours
Clear liquids only. Rest and recovery at the hospital or hotel with medical support available.
Weeks 1–2
Full liquid diet — protein shakes, clear soups, water. Your stomach is healing and adjusting to its new size.
Weeks 3–6
Semi-solid foods introduced gradually. Pureed meals and soft proteins. Your dietitian will guide every step.
Week 7 Onwards
Gradual transition to healthy solid foods. Focus on protein-rich, balanced meals with controlled portions.
Months 3–12
Continued dietary guidance from your UK-registered dietitian. Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust your nutrition plan.
12-Month UK Dietitian Support Included
Every ESG package includes access to a UK-registered dietitian who provides personalised meal plans, regular consultations, and ongoing support throughout your first year. This isn't generic advice — it's a structured programme tailored to your lifestyle, preferences, and goals.
🇹🇷 Why Turkey for Medical Tourism?
Turkey has become one of the world's leading destinations for medical tourism, and Istanbul is at the heart of this transformation.
Global Healthcare Hub
Turkey performs over 1 million medical tourism procedures annually, with internationally accredited hospitals across Istanbul.
Highly Experienced Surgeons
Turkish bariatric surgeons are among the most experienced in the world, with many trained internationally and members of IFSO.
Competitive Pricing
World-class medical care at a fraction of UK costs, without compromising on quality, technology, or safety standards.
Easy Travel from UK
Direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and more. Just 3.5–4 hours to Istanbul.
Istanbul — A World City
A vibrant, modern city bridging Europe and Asia. Safe, well-connected, and welcoming to international visitors.
International Standards
Multiple JCI-accredited hospitals, strict regulatory oversight, and medical tourism infrastructure built for international patients.
Frequently Asked Questions — ESG for UK Patients
Everything you need to know before travelling to Istanbul for ESG.
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ESG Procedure Details
Full ESG procedure information
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Gastric Balloon
Non-surgical temporary option
All Treatments
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Patient Results
Before & after success stories
Health Profile Assessment
Check your eligibility
About Us
Meet Dr Murat Ustun & the team
Contact Us
Get in touch with our UK team
Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today
If you're in the UK and looking for a safe, effective, non-surgical weight loss solution, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty could be the answer you've been searching for.
Contact our UK team today for a free online consultation. We'll assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and create a personalised treatment plan — with no obligation.
Or email us at [email protected]