Perspective…

It is a common error among many people that they do not consider the cost of living in Turkey when comparing surgery prices. For patients in countries such as the UK, Ireland or the USA earning their money in Pounds, Euros or Dollars, Turkey is much cheaper. However the average wage in Turkey is nowhere near the same amount.

• Accommodation – The average salary in Turkey is 4000 Turkish Liras, and the rent ranges between 1500-3000 TL. With lower wages and the cost of rent taking approximately 50% of their wages, saving is almost impossible.
• Transportation and food – The average public transport fee is 5 TL. On average monthly the cost is 600 TL An average lunch is 32 TL, and we haven’t even started talking about bills, entertainment fees and housing materials.

When taking this into account, the cost of surgery in Turkey for the locals is anything but cheap. To compare, the average salary in the UK is 2,800 GBP which works out at 32,700 TL monthly.

Locally produced…

Turkey supports the domestic manufacturing of products over importing – they prefer to use products made in Turkey rather than purchasing them from other countries. They discourage consumers from purchasing foreign products by selling them at a much higher price than their Turkish counterparts.This creates more business for Turkish companies, meaning they can afford to produce these products at a cheaper price, and it also eliminates the need for shipping, logistics and customs charges.

In Summary…

In a nutshell, the answer to why surgery is cheaper in Turkey is all due to the Turkish economy and nothing to do with the quality of materials or service. The price may seem cheap to you as a tourist converting your money from Pounds, Euros or Dollars. But when the prices are compared to the cost of living in Turkey, the average cost of surgery is out of reach for the majority of the public. And as Turkey locally manufactures its equipment, this prevents additional spending such as customs and shipping costs.

Why is it so cheap? Because you come from abroad.

If you are significantly overweight or obese then you are likely to be struggling with more than just the numbers on the scales. Being significantly overweight can increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, depression, infertility and even some types of cancer.

These obesity-related risks can be greatly reduced or even eliminated completely with bariatric surgery. In many cases patients can become much less dependent on diabetes medication or no longer need it at all.

Bariatric surgery is an effective aid to help you lose weight. Weight loss can help you to feel more confident about your appearance as well as improving your health and quality of life. We understand that often there is a fear that the weight will return after bariatric surgery, and with that the decision of which surgery you should have so that this will be less likely to happen. Two of the most common procedures are lap-band surgery and sleeve gastrectomy.

Gastric Band Surgery

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold by placing a small, inflatable band around the upper section of the stomach. The band restricts how much food can be consumed and controls the process of digestion by creating two large pouches – the upper pouch is where the food is initially held, while the lower, larger pouch is where the food is digested. This process can cause a number of problems – band slippage, severe acid reflux, obstruction, esophageal dilation, vomiting and poor nutrition.

For most patients this procedure is not suitable for long term weight loss and the majority go on to have gastric band to sleeve revision surgery later on. It is for these reasons we do not offer the gastric band – the success rate is not sufficient enough for us to offer this as a suitable bariatric surgery option.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is also a procedure which restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold, but also triggers favourable changes in the hormones in the gut such as reducing appetite, suppressing hunger and controlling blood sugar.

The procedure is performed by removing approximately 80-85% of the stomach and is performed via keyhole surgery and you can expect to be back to normal activities within 4-5 days after surgery. You may experience some acid reflux after surgery whilst your stomach is still healing but you will be provided with stomach protectors to alleviate these symptoms and aid with general healing.

In comparison to all other bariatric surgeries the sleeve carries the lowest risk of malnutrition due to the new pouch not absorbing nutrients correctly. By following a healthy lifestyle you can expect to lead an active life and a positive relationship with food.

For more information on our bariatric surgery options please get in contact with us at info@gastrolifeassistance.com

Many men and women choose the Brazilian Bum Lift (BBL) – one of the most confidence-boosting, figure lifting plastic surgery procedures. Patients with flatter figures find that a BBL hugely enhances their silhouette and image. However, this is still surgery and as with all surgeries there is a recovery period involved.

One of the most challenging aspects of this period is that you are not allowed to sit down for approximately 8 weeks after the procedure. Sounds impossible, right? Wrong! We have some tricks up our sleeve. Your exact recovery time will depend a lot on how well you follow all the instructions given to you by your surgeon and medical team.

What is involved in BBL surgery?

During this procedure the surgeon will remove fat from your hips, abdomen or thighs via liposuction. This fat will then be purified so that it is safe to transfer it into your buttocks.This fat is then inserted into both buttocks to achieve the look you have discussed with your surgeon.

Why can’t I sit on my bum?

It is important to note that a BBL does not include implants, it is just a transfer of fat. The success rates of fat transfer procedures are much higher than implants, as well as looking more natural. This fat transfer procedure is also the reason why you can’t sit down after surgery. If you sit on the transfer site your final results will not be as good as you imagined as the fat needs time to adjust to its new host. You can minimise your BBL recovery time (but not the sitting strike) by following the instructions given to you by your surgeon.

When can I sit again after surgery?

If you are worried 8 weeks is too early for you to start sitting, don’t fret. Eight weeks is plenty of time for tissue to heal and for the fat to lock into its new home. Before that time you need to stay off your buttocks completely. This might sound daunting but the results will be so worth it!

Recovery Tips

Many people can hesitate from committing to having a BBL because they just can’t see how they could go about their everyday lives without sitting down. We are here to make it manageable for you! Here are some tips:

Lie on your side

It might not be the most comfortable position whilst watching television but it will help you achieve those perfect results you dreamt of. You should also sleep on either your stomach or side.

Don’t Drive

It isn’t just the sitting position that can affect your recovery but also by pressing on the brake and accelerator this can destroy the implanted fat cells. Try to avoid travelling where possible after surgery but if you must travel, choose public transportation options which offer a standing position.

The Half Sit

After 4 weeks have passed your surgeon may give you permission to start partially sitting on your buttocks with surrounding support such as pillows or a doughnut pillow. It is worth remembering though that the less you sit on it, the better your results will be.

Stand and Walk

You may be tired and sore immediately after your surgery but it is essential for you to keep active and reduce pressure on the areas where you had liposuction.You can start normal standing activities 2-3 days after surgery. While we dont want you to push yourself too hard, staying active and maintaining motion can actually help you recover more quickly. Ask us for support whenever you need.

The bottom line is you need to stay off your butt! You will be so impressed with the results and the effort it took, even if it was tough at times. We don’t want there to be a need for you to have revision surgery, as then you will have to do another 8 week sit strike! As always, you can contact us here at Gastro Life Assistance with any questions or concerns you may have at info@gastrolifeassistance.com, we are always here to help.

Dental veneers can be a complete smile makeover for people with dental problems or even small dental imperfections. Veneers can recreate a natural look while protecting your original teeth from damage. They require gentle care and maintenance so that they can give you a long service. Regular cleaning and servicing will extend their life expectancy. Below are some guidelines on how to look after your cosmetic dental treatment looking its absolute best.

Keep Them Clean

It is a good idea to practice good oral hygiene even when you have veneers. The veneers may not decay but the tooth underneath the veneer might if you don’t clean regularly. Poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease and bad breath. Always use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth. Make sure you floss the veneers and bridges gently to avoid any breakage. Use mouthwash regularly to remove any bacteria.

Watch Your Diet

Avoid eating foods that can stain your teeth. Food and drinks such as wine, coffee, soda and tea can stain your veneers with regular consumption. If you love these foods in your diet, make sure you clean your teeth shortly after eating or drinking them to avoid permanent stains. İf it isn’t possible for you to brush your teeth, you can rinse your mouth with mouthwash.

Be Gentle

Crowns, veneers and bridges are breakable. Brush with a soft and gentle toothbrush. Do not bite on hard surfaces or use your teeth as bottle openers. Flossing too hard can dislodge or break your veneers. Brushing too roughly can also lead to receding gums which can mean veneers will fall off. Make sure you follow your dentists

instructions on correct cleaning and dental care.

Don’t Drink and Smoke

Cigarettes and tobacco products are detrimental to your health in many ways. They can reduce the lifespan of your veneers by a great deal. Nicotine found in tobacco products may discolour your veneers, turning them yellow and brown. Tobacco also causes gum disease which causes decay on the original teeth. Excessive intake of alcohol corrodes your teeth underneath which will also affect the lifespan of your veneers.

Be Safe During Sport

Use a Mouthguard when doing physical sports. Blunt trauma to the mouth can cause the veneers to move. There is a possibility that you could also break your teeth underneath or break a jawbone. If you have a tendency to grind your teeth whilst you sleep then you should use a nightguard.

Stay Healthy

Occasionally health issues such as periodontal diseases, vitamin deficiency, anemia and hormonal imbalance can affect your teeth. They can cause decaying teeth, weak teeth or receding gums. Get your teeth checked regularly to ensure that you don’t have any other conditions affecting your teeth.

Have you had a successful weight loss after bariatric surgery and hit a plateau? Or are you just interested in trying to revamp or kick start your weightloss journey? A pouch reset might be the best option for you.

Let’s start at the beginning…

Bariatric surgery is one of the most successful treatments for obesity. It can lead to a huge reduction in obesity-related diseases such as heart disease and diabetes as well as a significant weight loss. And although weight loss surgery may seem like the quick-fix diet option, it isn’t always the easy journey many think. Bariatric surgery comes with its own set of tests and challenges and everyone’s journey is unique.

One of the challenges that many people aren’t prepared for is the difficulty you may experience with long-term weight loss or the regaining of weight years after surgery. Weight will come off much easier in the beginning and then begin to level out as time moves on. You may also experience weight gain in the years following surgery.

Your one year surgery-versary…

The first six months to a year after surgery will be the honeymoon phase and you will probably find that weight loss is very easy, your obesity-related diseases may improve significantly or disappear altogether and you are more physically active. During this phase your food and calorie intake are restricted due to your post op diet and the changes in the size of your stomach and hunger hormones. Due to these drastic changes in anatomy, diet and lifestyle your weight may feel like it is just falling off – and this feels euphoric! At this stage we feel more motivated, and this will only encourage you to be more active, and be more aware of your diet.

After this phase it is normal for both your weight loss and motivation to begin to wane. Your weight loss will start to level out or plateau for a while, your appetite may begin to increase and you may start to feel less motivated. These situations may make your new weight difficult to maintain and further weight loss a losing battle. Add into that the holiday season, celebrations and events or going on holiday and it can seem like you will never be able to achieve your goal weight.

Please don’t worry – weight regain is very common after weight loss surgery. So if you are struggling, please know that you aren’t alone in feeling this way and there are ways to help you get back on track!

Next steps…

The most successful technique to help you get back on track is called the pouch reset diet. This diet was originally designed to shrink the size of your new pouch, but actually there isn’t a lot of scientific evidence that it can do this. So why should you try it? Well, the pouch reset is believed to be very effective in resetting your eating habits, hunger levels and weight loss. By resetting your eating habits you will feel fuller more quickly and satisfied with less food intake.

Pouch Reset explained…

This diet is a protein rich, short-term, low volume diet. The protein will help you feel fuller for longer and provide your muscles with enough energy to support your body throughout the day. You can do this diet for either 5, 7 or 14 days. Some people suggest that a pouch reset should only consist of liquids – protein shakes, soups and water – basically going completely back to basics. For some people these extreme methods are required to help get their motivation back.

Others can take a more relaxed approach, and can include low sugar/carb protein bars, protein yoghurt, scrambled eggs and fish in between liquids – as long it is high in protein, it will keep you full.

Please remember that the pouch reset isn’t a quick fix. In order to achieve your weight loss goals you will need to incorporate elements of this diet still present after you have finished it. Often weight regain is due to the wrong nutritional balance. After the pouch reset you will still need to prioritise protein and keep carbs to a minimum. You will still need to regularly exercise and stay as active as possible.

A few tips…

After bariatric surgery you will need to incorporate new habits into your everyday life to help you achieve your weight loss goals and maintain that weight loss.

It is the beginning of your new future, and every now and again life may get difficult and old habits can creep back up again. The pouch reset can help you regain those good habits again and help you get closer to that target weight!

If you need any additional hints and tips please feel free to get in contact with our team.

E-mail:info@gastrolifeassistance.com

It is so easy after surgery to become the type of person who needs to weigh themselves daily. And if those scales don’t go down it can affect our entire day. For most of us it has been ingrained that being a certain weight is desirable and not being that weight will have negative effects on our whole life. This can actually create its own set of bad habits – we set unrealistic goals for ourselves and punish ourselves for not meeting them. We can eat perfectly and still the scales remain the same. Even worse than this, sometimes the scales go up! After this we can spiral, give up, stop trying and let the emotional eating commence. It can feel like a never ending cycle.

Of course the scale has to play some part in your life post bariatric surgery, it is the reason we chose to have the surgery in the first place and a way to measure its success. You need to find what works for you. If you find that your motivation is suffering because of the scales then put them away for a little bit. 

There is so much more for you to be proud of on this journey! Remind yourself of those non-scale victories, and how far you have come since you started, measure yourself and set different goals like how active you will be that day or week and focus on fitness, diet and health and most importantly, have faith in yourself and trust the process.

Ladies, pregnancy and childbirth are amazing feats of strength and perseverance that you should never be ashamed of. Some mothers however, feel unhappy with stretch marks, excess skin, c-section scars and saggy breasts these feats leave behind.

Others may have battled with obesity, only to lose the weight and be left with saggy, excess skin and it can be difficult to feel the accomplishment of a large weight loss when you aren’t confident in your new body. You are considered a good candidate for Mummy Makeover surgery if you meet the following criteria:

• Have realistic expectations about this surgery
• Do not plan on having any more children
• Gave birth at least 6 months ago
• Struggle with loose/sagging skin What is included in a Mummy Makeover?

This procedure will be tailored to be unique to your body and your experiences. The Mummy Makeover isn’t a weight loss procedure but we can still do minor adjustments to enhance and sculpt your curves if you wish.

Tummy Tuck

The area of the body which changes the most after pregnancy or excessive weight loss is the stomach. The womb was your child’s safety and comfort for nine long months; there’s no shame at all in having some leftover skin from your little one’s stay! We love seeing women that love their bodies as they are and appreciate how hard they’ve worked, but when you’re ready for a change, we’re here for you.

Breast Augmentation

Another area of the body affected by both motherhood and weight loss is the chest. Regardless of whether you chose to breastfeed or not, your breasts will be affected due to naturally occurring hormone fluctuations. You may experience size changes or just sagging.

Some women experience size changes, while others simply experience sagging. Depending on how pregnancy and breastfeeding affected your breasts, your surgical needs may differ from someone else’s. You can discuss reduction, lifting and implants with our surgeon to achieve the look you want and deserve.

Should I have both surgeries together?

The best time to address your plastic concerns is while you are already under the knife. It is better to have all your planned surgeries done at once so you aren’t struggling through multiple recovery times, especially if you have children at home. If you have a sagging arms, turkey neck or excess skin on your thighs we can address it in one procedure.

Recovery Period

If you have ever had surgery before you will already know that it can take some time to recover. Especially after plastic surgery the standard full recovery time is approximately 6-8 weeks. It will probably take much longer than this for your scars to heal completely and diminish in appearance.

Remember you will need to take it easy on your return and delegate some of the more strenuous chores around the house.

Are you ready to get your body back? If so, the team at Gastro Life Assistance are here and ready to help you. Let’s schedule your consultation today – after all, you deserve it.