Gastric Sleeve Surgery Gone Wrong: Your Rights After Bariatric Malpractice in Turkey
Bariatric surgery has become a widely accepted and effective method for treating obesity and its related health complications. Among the most popular procedures is the gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy), which reduces the size of the stomach to promote weight loss. Turkey, with its advanced medical tourism infrastructure and cost-effective treatments, attracts thousands of international patients each year for these procedures.
While the majority of gastric sleeve surgeries are successful, complications can and do occur—sometimes with life-altering consequences. If a complication arises due to medical negligence, it may constitute malpractice, giving you the right to seek legal compensation under Turkish law.
At Oran Partners, Turkey’s only law firm exclusively focused on medical malpractice, we specialize in representing clients—especially international patients—who have suffered due to botched bariatric surgeries. In this article, we explain how these complications happen, how to recognize malpractice, and what steps you can take to pursue justice.
What Is a Gastric Sleeve and How Can It Go Wrong?
A gastric sleeve procedure involves surgically removing around 75–80% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow “sleeve” that limits food intake and alters hormone levels associated with hunger. While the surgery has a high success rate, it also carries risks—particularly if not performed or managed correctly.
Common complications resulting from medical negligence include:
- Staple line leaks, which can cause life-threatening infections
- Postoperative infections due to poor sterilization practices
- Severe acid reflux, nausea, or vomiting not properly addressed
- Internal bleeding or injury to nearby organs such as the spleen or liver
- Negligent follow-up care, failing to detect early signs of complications
- Improper patient assessment, including operating on individuals with contraindicated medical conditions
While not every complication is grounds for a malpractice claim, you may have a case if your injury resulted from a breach in the accepted medical standard of care.
When a Gastric Sleeve Surgery Becomes Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care that a reasonably competent professional would have provided in the same situation.
In gastric sleeve surgery, malpractice might involve:
- Performing the procedure without proper preoperative assessment (e.g., failing to evaluate existing conditions or psychological readiness)
- Using outdated or inappropriate surgical techniques
- Failure to provide informed consent, including not explaining the risks and alternatives
- Inadequate postoperative care, such as ignoring early signs of infection or leakage
- Failing to refer the patient for urgent intervention when complications develop
In these scenarios, the surgeon, medical team, or hospital may be legally liable for any resulting harm.
Legal Steps to Take After a Botched Gastric Sleeve
If you suspect that your complications resulted from negligence, it is essential to act quickly and follow a clear process:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health is the top priority. Visit a reliable hospital or surgeon—preferably one not affiliated with the original clinic—for evaluation and treatment. Request all findings and imaging to be clearly documented.
2. Collect and Secure Medical Records
Request a complete copy of your:
- Preoperative assessments
- Consent forms
- Surgical reports and operative notes
- Discharge papers and post-op follow-up instructions
These documents are critical for building a malpractice case.
3. Document the Harm
Keep detailed records of:
- Symptoms and complications (photos, videos)
- Medical bills and treatment expenses
- Any lost income or inability to work
- Emotional trauma and physical discomfort
4. Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Legal support is crucial in complex cases involving surgical negligence. A specialized lawyer will:
- Review your records
- Consult medical experts
- Determine if the standard of care was breached
- Prepare your claim and represent yourself under Turkish law
At Oran Partners, we have helped both Turkish and international clients recover compensation after gastric sleeve malpractice, providing legal-medical guidance throughout the process.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
If malpractice is proven, you may be entitled to damages that cover both financial and emotional losses.
Possible compensation includes:
Corrective medical procedures, including reversal surgeries
Ongoing healthcare costs, such as nutritional therapy or infection management
Lost wages or income potential if your ability to work is reduced
Pain and suffering, including emotional trauma and psychological distress
Travel and accommodation costs for extended or repeat medical treatment
The exact amount will depend on the severity of your injury, the level of negligence, and your documented losses.
Special Considerations for International Patients
A significant number of patients seeking gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey come from Europe, the UK, the Middle East, North America, and Australia. While Turkish law still governs malpractice claims, cross-border issues can create additional challenges, such as:
- Language barriers
- Lack of familiarity with Turkish legal procedures
- Difficulty accessing records remotely
- Communication breakdowns with overseas clinics
At Oran Partners, we offer:
Multilingual legal services
Virtual consultations via Zoom or phone
Translation of documents and case files
Court representation without requiring you to return to Turkey
Our experience in handling cases involving international medical tourists ensures that distance does not prevent justice.
Statute of Limitations: Act Without Delay
Medical malpractice claims in Turkey are subject to strict statutes of limitations. These vary depending on the procedure, the nature of the injury, and whether criminal negligence is involved.
General timelines include:
- 5 years for aesthetic surgeries
- 2 to 8 years for medical treatments, depending on how and when the harm is discovered
However, certain conditions—such as concealment of medical records or delayed discovery of complications—can affect the timeline. The safest option is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance to file.
Why Choose Oran Partners?
Oran Partners is Turkey’s only law firm that exclusively handles medical malpractice. With years of experience, particularly in bariatric surgery claims, we offer:
A deep understanding of gastric sleeve surgery and its risks
Legal-medical collaboration to build airtight cases
Access to leading Turkish and international medical experts
Success in recovering compensation for international clients
Clear, honest communication in multiple languages
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has suffered complications from botched gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Medical negligence should not be ignored—especially when it affects your long-term health, livelihood, and quality of life.
Contact Oran Partners today for a free consultation.
We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue justice with the care and confidence you deserve.
