I had a gastric sleeve on 15th April 2023 with Dr Tahir Oruc. I’ve always battled with my weight, lacked confidence and been soo unhappy in my own skin. I did some research and found this surgeon. I looked into everything… medical certificates, all reviews, the hospital, articles etc. I felt so reassured in my choice and I just went for it (which surprised me, and everyone I know!) I liked that the Dr was also a professor and when researching, there were lots of lectures/presentations & also he could speak English.
When I arrived at the airport, I was picked up by a private transfer. He was lovely, but I’m assuming that this driver would be different each time as I booked directly with the surgeon and not through a clinic (possibly like a high end taxi company).
I arrived at the hospital in the evening which meant the main entrance was closed so had to go in via A&E. That was a bit scary, but I was quickly greeted by a translator and he explained the process. Consent forms, payment, and then up to the ward.
The ward was lovely! It had around 6 or 7 private rooms with en-suits, hospital beds, a futon type chair bed for your chaperone, TV and a fan. The view from my room was amazing… sea and mountains!
The translator introduced me to the nurses on the ward and stayed until I was all checked in. Again, the nurses were all lovely, can’t fault them at all. When I’d filled out all of the paperwork etc. I was told that I could go out into Antalya with my chaperone for a walk, something to eat or anything that I’d like to do, but that I had to be back for 10pm for my medication. The nurses and translator recommended a few places local. I felt that this was really good for the nerves!
When returning to the hospital I had my meds and was taken for a lung X-ray.
The following morning I met Prof Dr Mehmet Tahir Oruc and his assistant, they were both soo lovely, attentive and informative. They had the time to listen to any questions and to talk through the process.
I went for a huge number of tests. Some I don’t even remember! There was an endoscopy, lung and heart ultrasound, breathing tests. You wouldn’t believe the service too, in and out really quickly. Super efficient.
All was fine and I had my op that afternoon. I walked into theatre, was put to sleep very quickly and woke up in recovery. Please prepare yourself for the gas pain lol! I don’t have the best of pain thresholds, but wow. It was something. The nurses were really quick to give me pain relief though, and after I had burped a few times it eased. I was surprised that I didn’t really have any other pain. More so just like the muscle ache in my stomach when trying to sit up or when you’re laughing or cough.
I had 4 tiny incisions which have healed really well, I had no issues. Again this surprised me as I usually always have issues with healing.
Anyway, fast forward… the op was on Saturday, I felt well Monday, and I was discharged following a CT scan and leakage test and a visit from the dietician. My family were on holiday local to the hospital so I went to join them. I was told that if I had any issues at all then I could go back.
Touch wood, I haven’t had one issue up to now, I’m 12 weeks post op, have lost 27kg (starting weight: 17st1 and now 12st9). I have so much more confidence, energy and motivation.
The care hasn’t ended too, the Dr messages often to check that I’m ok, catch up with regard to weight loss etc. He’s super responsive if I have any questions.
I’m soo glad I found this Dr, the whole service from beginning to end has been amazing. Great clean hospital, great team. Can’t fault it.