Best Gastric Balloon Doctors Abroad for Australian Patients

The doctor completed medical studies at Fırat University and specialized at Istanbul University. He served at Muş Bulanık State Hospital before joining Liv Hospital Ulus. With a focus on Obesity and Metabolic Surgery, he has participated in over 1000 cases over six years. His expertise extends to Colorectal Surgery, Endocrine Surgery, and Laparoscopic procedures, including hernias and anal region diseases. As a founding faculty member of Istinye University's General Surgery Department, he provided lectures from 2016 to 2020, earning the title of Associate Professor.

The doctor is highly experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgery, having performed a vast number of procedures. Specializing in bariatric surgery, the doctor has been practicing independently since 2015 and gained significant experience in war surgery and advanced laparoscopy between 2014-2015. The doctor completed residency at Bakirkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, a leading center for laparoscopic surgery, from 2009 to 2014. A graduate of Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine, the doctor has contributed several articles to medical literature.

Associate Professor Vahit Mutlu is a senior bariatric specialist who has performed over 1,100 successful treatments at Memorial Ataşehir Hospital.

• Specialises in both 6-month and 1-year endoscopic gastric balloon procedures
• Member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
• Recognised as a Professor-level surgeon for bariatric and metabolic cases
• Focuses on obesity surgery and long-term weight management plans
• Trained at Ondokuz Mayıs University in general surgery

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.

Dr. Cemal Kara is a general surgeon with 26 years of experience. He specializes in cosmetic and weight-loss surgeries. He has performed more than 6,200 procedures. Dr. Kara co-founded the Aegean Medical Health Center and is recognized as a leader in his field.

He holds a Certificate of Surgical Competence from the Turkish Surgical Association, awarded in 2008. Dr. Kara has received several awards in both international and national scientific competitions. He invented and patented a laparoscopic surgical instrument. He has also published over 30 medical articles.

Dr. Kara is an active member of several professional organizations. These include the Turkish Surgical Association, Turkish Colon and Rectum Surgery Association, and the Aegean Region Surgery Association.

Professor Samet Yardimci is a top-ranked specialist who placed first in Turkey’s national subspecialty exam for gastroenterology surgery.

• Performed 900+ successful procedures across bariatric and metabolic surgery
• Trained in surgical oncology and organ transplantation at the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Centre in the USA
• Specialises in advanced laparoscopic techniques for weight loss and digestive health
• Former faculty member at Marmara University who has trained many upcoming surgeons

Professor Mehmet Guler is a senior surgical expert who has reached the highest academic rank of Professor in general surgery. He treats patients at the JCI-accredited Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex.

• Holds a Professorship from Istanbul Aydin University
• Completed specialised general surgery residency at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital
• Earned a Master's degree in Health Law from Akdeniz University
• Academically active contributor to surgical training and patient safety standards
• Trained at the prestigious Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine

The doctor is a renowned general and laparoscopic surgeon with extensive experience in colorectal surgery, obesity, and metabolic management. Specializing in a wide range of laparoscopic surgical procedures, the doctor is particularly focused on bariatric and gastrointestinal system surgery.

Significant contributions have been made to medical research in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases, emergency surgery, and gastrointestinal endoscopy, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals.

The doctor holds a Bachelor's Degree from Karadeniz Technical University and a Medical Specialty in General Surgery from Istanbul University.

Professor Halil Alis is a leading authority in metabolic surgery who has performed over 900 successful treatments at Istinye University Liv Hospital.

• Specialises in advanced endoscopic procedures including diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy
• International member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
• Serves as a surgical trainer for complex laparoscopic and robotic bariatric techniques
• Published over 70 papers in major international medical journals on gastrointestinal surgery

900+ successful procedures performed – Assistant Professor Omer Bilgehan Poyrazoglu is a senior bariatric specialist who personally evaluates every treatment plan at Büyük Anadolu Hospitals.

• Completed advanced training in obesity surgery in France, Ankara, and Istanbul
• Member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)
• Specialises in endoscopic weight loss techniques and advanced laparoscopic surgery
• Published researcher in international peer-reviewed journals for metabolic surgery

Assistant Professor Gokhan Yilmaz serves as a senior specialist at Medipol University Pendik Hospital, focusing on metabolic and general surgical interventions.

• Trained at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine and Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital
• Holds a Doctorate in General Surgery after completing intensive specialist residency
• Teaches other surgeons as an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Medipol University
• Practises at a major university hospital with a focus on bariatric care
• Handles metabolic cases with a background in complex abdominal surgery

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

Professor Alpaslan Terzi has performed over 1,100 successful general surgery procedures and currently leads surgical care at Private Yüzyıl Hospital.

• Holds the highest academic rank of Professor in General Surgery
• Completed specialist surgical training at the well-regarded İnönü University
• Active member of the Turkish Surgical Association and the Endocrine Surgery Association
• Successfully treated over 900 patients across various gastric and general surgical needs

Associate Professor Mete Akin has performed over 900 gastroenterology procedures and serves as a lead specialist at Medical Park Antalya Hospital.

• Specialises in gastric balloon placement under sedation for patient comfort and same-day recovery
• Focuses on tailoring weight-loss plans for those who have struggled with traditional diet or eating disorders
• Served as Associate Professor at Akdeniz University – a prominent Turkish medical research wing
• Subspecialised in gastroenterology with clinical training at Süleyman Demirel University

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 Yahya Ozel is a highly skilled surgeon who refined his techniques at Tokyo University Hospital under some of the world's leading hepatic and biliary experts.

• Holds the Turkish Surgical Proficiency Certificate for high clinical standards
• Specialises in surgical endoscopy and minimally invasive obesity treatments
• Completed advanced training in artificial organ and hepatobiliary surgery in Japan
• Served as a faculty member at Dogus University teaching surgical techniques
• Extensive background in laparoscopic and robotic-assisted abdominal surgery

Gallbladder and bile duct surgery

Breast disease treatment and surgery

Anal region disease treatment and surgery (hemorrhoids, anal fissure, perianal abscess and fistula surgery)

Obesity treatment (Gastric balloon, botox and surgical treatment)

Thyroid diseases and surgical treatment

Hernia surgery (open and laparoscopic) (groin, umbilical, wound hernias)

Colon, rectum, stomach diseases and surgical treatment

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment interventions (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ercp, peg)

2009- Atlas University Medicine Hospital

2004-2009 Tosya State Hospital

1994-2004 Taksim Education and Research Hospital

1999-2004 Taksim Education and Research Hospital General Surgery Clinic

1992-1998 Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine

Courses and Conferences

Bakırkoy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital General Surgery Clinic Endoscopy Unit Videoendoscopy Application Certificate (March 2006)