Best Obesity Doctors in Turkey for Australians

Associate Professor Burcin Batman has performed over 1,100 obesity and metabolic procedures with a remarkably low 0.1% complication rate.

• Specialises in gastric sleeve surgery and endoscopic gastric balloon applications
• Appointed as Associate Professor at Istinye University Faculty of Medicine
• Focuses on metabolic surgery to treat weight-related health issues
• Trained at Istanbul University, one of Turkey's oldest medical schools
• Provides ongoing postoperative support with direct patient contact

Associate Professor Vahit Mutlu has performed over 1,100 surgical treatments, specialising in metabolic and weight-loss procedures at Istanbul's JCI-accredited Memorial Ataşehir Hospital.

• Performs sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure that reduces stomach size to limit food intake and hunger hormones
• Expert in gastric balloon insertions, providing non-surgical weight-loss options for those not ready for surgery
• Senior surgeon at Memorial Ataşehir Hospital, which meets rigorous international standards for patient safety and care
• Served as a Research Assistant at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine

Dr Kaplan Baha Temizgonul has performed 1,100 bariatric procedures and is a graduate of Pamukkale University – the birthplace of sleeve gastrectomy in Turkey.

• Specialises in advanced laparoscopic surgery using small incisions for faster recovery
• Provides daily bedside visits to patients during their recovery in Istanbul
• Extensive experience in long-term care with some patient follow-ups reaching 17 years
• Trained at Bakirkoy Sadi Konuk, a high-volume surgical research and training centre

The doctor graduated from Istanbul University, Istanbul Medicine Faculty in 2007 and completed a specialization in surgery at Sisli Etfal Education and Research Hospital in 2013. Further advancing their expertise, they joined the General Surgery Clinic at Istanbul Okan University in 2020.

With extensive experience in various medical institutions, the doctor has worked at Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Siverek State Hospital, and Anadolu Medical Center. They are a member of several prestigious organizations, including the European Society of Coloproctology and the Turkish Surgical Society.

The doctor holds numerous certifications, such as the Turkish Surgical Association Qualification Certificate and has completed advanced courses in endoscopy, bariatric surgery, and laser techniques for hemorrhoidal diseases.

Professor Cemalettin Aydin is a senior specialist in gastroenterology surgery who leads obesity interventions at Medipol Acibadem District Hospital.

• Specialises in laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery to reduce stomach size with minimal scarring
• Performs gastric bypass procedures for patients requiring significant weight loss and metabolic control
• Completed a high-level fellowship in gastroenterology surgery at Turkiye High Specialisation Hospital
• Serves as a Professor of General Surgery, contributing to surgical education and clinical research

Professor Cemal Kara is a pioneering surgeon who holds a patent for a laparoscopic instrument used in keyhole procedures.

• Performed over 6,200 successful operations throughout his career
• Specialises in laparoscopic weight-loss surgery for faster healing and minimal scarring
• Holds a Certificate of Surgical Competence from the Turkish Surgical Association
• Active member of the Turkish Colon and Rectum Surgery Association
• Trained at Karadeniz Technical University, a leading Turkish medical institution

Professor Dr Samet Yardımcı is a standout in metabolic surgery, famously becoming Turkey's youngest gastroenterology surgeon after topping the national subspecialty entrance exams.

• Performed 900+ procedures focusing on laparoscopic obesity and metabolic surgery
• Trained in surgical oncology and organ transplant at MD Anderson in the USA
• Specialises in gastric balloon and minimally invasive weight loss techniques
• Former faculty at Marmara University specialising in inflammatory bowel and digestive surgery

Professor Mehmet Guler is a leading figure in bariatric surgery at Medical Park Antalya, having performed over 900 successful procedures.

• Specialises in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery using keyhole techniques for faster recovery
• Holds a professorship at Istanbul Aydin University, one of Turkey's top medical schools
• Active member of the World Association of Laparoscopic Surgery
• Recognised by the Association of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery for expertise in obesity care
• Board-certified by the Turkish Board of Surgical Competence

Professor Halil Alis is an internationally recognised surgical expert who has published extensively on bariatric and metabolic surgery outcomes.

• Specialises in laparoscopic weight loss surgery using small incisions for faster recovery
• International member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO)
• Active member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons
• Expert in gastrointestinal endoscopy for precise internal diagnostic assessments
• Trained at the Istanbul School of Medicine in general surgical specialisations

General Surgery 

Colorectal Surgery 

Obesity and Metabolic Surgery 

Medical Director 

Brief Curriculum Vitae 

I was born in Trabzon on 15.07.1969. After I attended Ismetpaşa Primary School and Cumhuriyet Secondary School, I was graduated from Trabzon High School. I had medical education and training in School of Medicine of Karadeniz Technical University from 1986 to 1992. I worked as medical practitioner in Alacahan subdistrict, Kangal District, Sivas City in 1992-1993 and in Sivas Police Headquarters to fulfill the conscription. I was assigned as Health Group Manager and Medical Practitioner in Dernekpazarı District of Trabzon in 1993-1994. I passed the Examination for Medical Specialty in 1995 and I had my residency training and education at Department of General Surgery in Istanbul School of Medicine of Istanbul University from 1995 to 2000. I was awarded the title of “General Surgeon” after I submitted the medical specialty thesis titled “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA” in 2001. After I worked at a privately owned hospital in 2000-2002, I started working in General Surgery Clinic of Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital in 2003. I had rotation in General Surgery Clinic of School of Medicine in Istanbul University for 9 months in 2007. I was awarded the title “Associate Professor of General Surgery” in 2010. I undertook Management duties in Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital from November 2012 to December 2013 and in Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital from December 2013 to April 2015. I had been Head of Education and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery clinic at Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital since 2010. I am Medical Director and General Surgeon at VM Medical Park Florya Hospital in Istanbul Aydın University as of 2017. 

I have intentionally dealt with renal transplantation during my residency education. After I was awarded the title “medical specialist”, I participated to diagnostic & therapeutic endoscopy, bariatric surgery, laparoscopy and robotic surgery educations abroad for short periods. I am intensively dealing with any and all laparoscopic surgical procedures (especially bariatric and gastrointestinal system surgery) and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP, endoscopic ultrasound) in this clinic since 2003 and I also play the role of trainer. I do and train others about General Surgery procedures with Da Vinci Robotic system since 2010. 

I authored 74 papers that are published in SCI and SCI-e journals and 55 papers that are published in local journals, along with 7 book chapters and 86 papers presented in local congresses and 180 papers presented in international congresses. 

I am member of Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Turkish Association of Endoscopic – Laparoscopic Surgery, Turkish Association of Obesity Surgery, Turkish Transplantation Centers Coordination Association and Istanbul Surgical Association. I am also member of International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES), International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES), International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO), International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO), International Active Member of International Federation Surgical Obesity (IFSO). 

Date of Birth: July 15th, 1969 

Educational Status: 

Bachelor’s Degree School of Medicine Karadeniz Technical University 1992 

Medical Specialty Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine İstanbul University 2001 

Title of Medical Specialty Thesis (abstract is attached) and Supervisor: 

1. “Relationship between gastrointestinal tumors and HLA”. February 2001 Supervisor: Prof. Uluğ Eldegez, M.D. 

General Surgeon Büyük Anadolu Hospital 2001-2003 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2003-2006 

General Surgeon Istanbul University Emergency Surgery Clinic, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul School of Medicine 2006-9 months 

General Surgeon Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006-2010 

Associate Professor of General Surgery Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010-…

Head of Training and Administrative Affairs, General Surgery Clinic Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2010 - …

 Doctorate thesis / proficiency in art studies supervised: 

1. Ede, B., “Changes in Thyroid Hormones After Thyroid Surgery”, Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

2. Dodur B., “Factors Influencing Mortality and Morbidity in Gastrointestinal Bleeding” Bakırköy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital 2006. 

Duties undertaken in Projects: 

1. “Enteral Stents for Colonic Obstructions (ESCO): Prospective, randomized European multisentric study, comparing enteral stent followed by elective surgery versus emergency surgical treatment in malignant colonic obstruction. “ European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Clinical Trial Center (CTC) Clinical Trial gov. Identifier: NCT00591695 

2. A phase III, randomized, double-blind, parallel group efficiency and safety study that compares safety and efficiency of oral dabigatran etexilate (150 mg BID) with warfarin (INR = 2.0-3.0) in semiannual treatment of acute symptomatic thromboembolism following initial treatment with a parenteral anticoagulant agent, which is approved for the relevant indication, minimum for five days – RECOVER II” Protocol code 1160.46

Editorialships: 

1. General Surgery Department, Advisory Board, Turkish Clinics Medical Sciences Journal, 2010 

2. “Global Journal of Surgery” Editorial Board 2010 

Scientific Organization Memberships: 

1. Turkish Surgical Association 

2. Association of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 

3. Turkish Association for Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgery 

4. Turkish Obesity Surgery Society 

5. Organ Transplantation Centers Coordination Association 

6. Istanbul Surgical Association 

7. International Active Member of Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). 

8. International Active Member of European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) 

9. International Active Member of International Association of Surgeons, Gastroenterologists, Oncologists (IASGO). 

10. International Active Member of International School of Surgical Oncology (ISSO). 

11. International Active Member of International Fedaration Surgical Obesity (IFSO)

Assistant Professor Omer Bilgehan Poyrazoglu specialises in metabolic and bariatric surgery, having completed advanced surgical training in France to master weight-loss procedures.

• Performs robotic-assisted surgery which uses smaller incisions for less pain and faster healing
• Member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders
• Uses advanced laparoscopic techniques for gastric sleeve and bypass procedures
• Published research in peer-reviewed journals on gastrointestinal and bariatric outcomes
• Treats patients at Büyük Anadolu Hospitals using evidence-based surgical protocols

Assistant Professor Gokhan Yilmaz leads metabolic and weight loss surgery at Medipol University Pendik Hospital.

• Specialises in gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures for weight management
• Trains future surgeons as a faculty member at Istanbul Medipol University
• Completed doctoral training at the Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital
• Focuses on obesity treatments including surgical interventions and long-term metabolic health
• Holds a Master degree from the prestigious Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine

Dr. İlhami Soykan Barlas was born in the year 1977 in Istanbul Moda. He is graduated from Kadıköy Anadolu High School and Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. He was awarded the title of General Surgery Specialist after completing his general surgery specialization in Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital in the year 2008. 

He went to Scotland 2 times in the years 2006-2007 and received advanced laparoscopic education. He awarded with ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey in the year 2009 for his contributions to the establishment of Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital Burn Center and for his related works. 

After completing his compulsory service at Kastamonu İnebolu State Hospital between the years 2009-2011, resigned from his duty at the state owned institutions, returned to Istanbul and started to work in private sector. He has been working as kidney transplant and general surgery specialist in Florence Nightingale group of hospitals since the year 2013. Since the year 2017, he has been serving as academic Doctor Lecturer in Faculty of Medicine of Demiroğlu Science University. He has more than 20 articles published in national and international journals in general surgery and kidney transplant and more than 30 proceedings that are submitted in national and international congresses. 

He also has been the book editor and chapter author on kidney transplant and he also has been chapter author in various surgery books. Dr Soykan Barlas has been awarded the title ‘General Surgery Associate Professor’ in the year 2020. Currently, he has been working within the organization of Medical Park Group of Hospitals .

 EXPERIENCES 

 İstanbul Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital 2003-2008 (Specialization Education ) 

 İstanbul Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital 2009 

 İnebolu State Hospital 2009-2011 (Compulsory Service Duty) 

 Private Hospitalium Şişli Hospital 2012-2013 

 Şişli Florence Nightingale Hospital Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center 2013-2020 

 Demiroğlu Science University Faculty of Medicine Surgery Department Lecturer 2017- Present 

 İstanbul Florence Nightingale Hospital Kidney and Pancreas Transplant Center 2020- Present 

 Private Osmanoğlu Hospital Şişli 2020-2022 Medical Park Göztepe Hospital 2022- present.

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES 

1.Soykan Barlas,ArzuAkan,YavuzEryavuz,GirayYavuz,SedatKamalı,Gülçin Kamalı: PrimaryHydatidosis of thegluteusmuscle:Report of a caseandreview of theliterature. Ind JSurg.2016; 78(2): 161–162. 

2.Metin Kement, Hakan Ahmet Acar, İlhami Soykan Barlas, Nihat Aksakal, Cem Gezen, Uygar Düzci, Mustafa Öncel: Clinical evaluation of a temporaryfecalcontainmentdevicefornonsurgicalfecaldiversion in perinealburns. Ulus Trauma Emergency Surgery Journal. 2011; 17(2): 123-127 

3.Bilgin Y, Hot S,BarlasIS,AkanA,Eryavuz Y:Short andlongtermresults of harmonicscalpelhemorrhoidectomyversusstaplerhemorrhoidopexy in treatment of hemorrhoidaldisease. Asian J Surg. 2015;38(4):214-9. 

4.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Sakaci T, Koc Y, Basturk T, Akin EB, Ecder T. NewOnsetDiabetesAfterKidneyTransplantationandPretransplantHypoma gnesemia.ProgTransplant. 2016 Mar;26(1):55-61. doi: 10.1177/1526924816633949. 

5.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Altunrende F, Akin EB, Ecder T. CalcifiedDouble J StentafterSequentialLiverandRenalTransplantationAssociatedtoprim aryOxalosis: Case Report. BANTAO journal, 2015;13(2), 97-99. 

6.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, KuskuCabuk F, Akin EB, Ecder T. A veryraretumor in a renaltransplantdonorcandidate: primarymesentericneuroendocrinetumor.InternationalJournal Of AdvancesIn Case Reports, 2015;2(4):244-249 

7.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Akin EB, Ecder T. Shouldtransplantureter be stentedroutinelyor not?EurRevMedPharmacolSci. 2014;18(23):3551-6. 

8.Sinangil A, Celik V, Barlas S, Koc Y, Basturk T, Sakaci T, Akin EB, Ecder T. Theincidence of newonsetdiabetesaftertransplantationandrelatedfactors: Singlecenterexperience. Nefrologia, 2017;37(2):181-188. 

9.Akin EB, Aydogdu I, Barlas IS. Introducing RobotAssistedLaparoscopicDonorNephrectomyAfterExperienceInHandAssistedRetroperitoneoscopicApproach. TransplantProceedings 2019;51, 2221-222. 

10. Barlas IS, Aydogdu I, Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, Koc Y, Sardogan C, Akin EB. IncisionalComplicationsandCosmetic Evaluation AfterHand-AssistedRetroperitoneoscopicDonorNephrectomy. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2215-2220. 

11. Barlas IS, Aydogdu I, Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, Koc Y, Ecder T, Akin EB. HandAssistedNephretomyPredisposesIncisionalHerniationInObeseL ivingDonors. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2210-2214. 

12.Sinangil A, Atan Ucar Z, KocY, Barlas IS, Abouzahir S,Ecder ST, Akin EB. TheOutcome of DesensitizationTherapy in Immunologically High-risk KidneyTransplantation: Single-Center Experience. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2268-2273 

13.GodeOguten E, Barlas IS, Akin EB. MentalDistressSymptomsand Life SatisfactionamongLivingKidneyDonors: FrequencyandAssociationwithSubjectiveEvaluations. TransplantProceedings 2019; 51, 2232-2236 

14. Atan Ucar Z,Sinangil A, Koc Y, Barlas IS, AbouzahirS, Ecder T, Akin EB. TheClinicalPrognosis Of TheRenalRetransplantPatients: A Single Center Experience. TransplantProceedings 2019;51, 2274- 2278. 

15. Barlas IS, Demir M, Akın EB. A single-center nineyearexperience in pediatrickidneytransplantation. Cumhuriyet MedicalJournal 2020; 42 (1), 126-135

Associate Professor Mete Akin is a subspecialist gastroenterologist at Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex. He focuses on non-surgical weight management using minimally invasive gastric interventions.

• Specialises in endoscopic procedures to help patients achieve weight loss without traditional open surgery
• Provides expert care for gastric and oesophageal conditions that impact metabolic health
• Previously served as Associate Professor at Akdeniz University – a prominent Turkish medical institution
• Dual-qualified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology for comprehensive patient oversight

Professor Alpaslan Terzi is a senior general surgeon at Private Yüzyıl Hospital with extensive academic and clinical expertise in surgical weight loss.

• Holds the highest academic rank of Professor in General Surgery
• A member of the Turkish Surgical Association and the Endocrine Surgery Association
• Trained at Akdeniz University – one of Turkey's premier medical faculties
• Specialises in surgical endocrine and metabolic health management
• Regularly attends national surgical congresses to stay updated on patient-care protocols

Associate Professor Mehmet Mehdi Deniz is a weight-loss surgery expert and a key member of the Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Association.

• Specialises in gastric bypass and ileal transposition to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity
• Expert in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – a keyhole procedure for faster healing
• Member of the Turkish Surgical Association with a formal Competency Certificate
• Published international research on managing complications like gastric perforations

Education and Expertise

Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine

Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine

Northwestern University, Transplantation Center

Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital

Bezmialem Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

Experience

1992 to 1997 – Research Assistant at Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

1998 to 2002 – Fellow at Northwestern University, Transplantation Unit

2003 to 2008 – Chief Assistant at Kartal Training and Research Hospital

2008 to 2011 – Associate Professor at Kartal Training and Research Hospital

2011 to 2013 – Associate Professor at Bezmialem University Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Surgery

2013 to 2018 – Associate Professor at Kartal Training and Research Hospital


Professional Memberships

-Deutsche Gesellschaft Für Chirurgie

-American Society for Transplantation

-Breast Surgery Association

-Trauma Association

-Hepatobiliary Surgery Association

-Colorectal Surgery Association

Education and Specialization

• Ankara University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Education
• Ankara University Faculty of Medicine – General Surgery Specialization
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine – Associate Professorship
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine – Professorship

Professional Memberships
• Turkish Medical Association
• Mediterranean Health Foundation
• Akdeniz University Development and Health Foundation
• Transplantation Organizations Coordination Association
• National Surgical Association

Professor Mehmet Tahir Oruç has performed over 900 successful procedures and serves as a senior member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders.

• Specialises in metabolic surgery to treat obesity-related conditions and laparoscopic gastric banding
• Completed specialist laparoscopic surgical training in Scotland and Austria
• Former Chief of Clinic at Antalya Training and Research Hospital
• Received robotic surgery training to perform complex gastrointestinal repairs
• Professor at Istinye University Department of General Surgery

Professor Yahya Ozel is a high-volume general surgeon who trained under world-leading specialists at Tokyo University Hospital in Japan.

• Specialises in bariatric surgery using laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques for smaller incisions
• Certified in surgical endoscopy by the Turkish Surgical Association for accurate internal assessments
• Expert in metabolic surgery to help manage weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes
• Former academic faculty member at Dogus University training the next generation of surgeons
• Holds the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate for meeting rigorous national surgical standards