From 164 kg to 73 kg: How Omowunmi Changed Her Life with a Gastric Sleeve in Turkey

What if the biggest decision of your life was just one flight away?

Omowunmi Sholaja from the UK asked herself that exact question back in early 2024. At 36 years old and weighing 164 kg, she knew something had to change. Her energy was low, her confidence was fading, and life just felt heavier than it should.

Fast forward to May 2025—she now weighs 73 kg. Yes, you read that right. She lost 91 kg after having gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey. And her story? It’s nothing short of inspiring.

Meet Omowunmi

Omowunmi is like so many people around the world. Juggling work, family, and daily life left little time to focus on herself. Over the years, her weight crept up—and so did her frustration.

She tried the usual routes: diets, gym memberships, online fitness plans. But nothing seemed to stick.

When she finally decided it was time for real, lasting change, she started researching gastric sleeve surgery. After lots of reading and watching patient stories online, she found VOILA in Istanbul—and something just clicked.

“I felt safe with them,” she said. “They answered my questions, didn’t pressure me, and made me feel like I was already part of a family.”

Quick Stats: Omowunmi’s Transformation at a Glance

• Surgery Date: 23 Feb 2024
• Location: Istanbul, Turkey (VOILA)
• Starting Weight: 164 kg
• Current Weight: 73 kg
• Total Weight Lost: 91 kg

Why Omowunmi Chose Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Let’s be honest: getting weight loss surgery in the UK isn’t always easy. Waiting lists are long. Costs are high. Support feels… limited.

That’s why Omowunmi looked into gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey, where she found VOILA—a medical team known for premium care, transparent pricing, and friendly, English-speaking staff.

“They didn’t treat me like a number. They treated me like someone who deserved a second chance.”

Her Journey Begins: Flying to Istanbul with Hope (and Nerves)

Omowunmi took the leap in February 2024. She landed in Istanbul, checked into a cozy hotel, and met her surgeon face-to-face for the first time.

• Full pre-op tests
• Warm, multilingual nurses
• A fully personalized care plan

She wasn’t just having surgery. She was starting a whole new life.

The Big Day: What Her Surgery Was Really Like

On February 23rd, Omowunmi underwent gastric sleeve surgery—a minimally invasive procedure that reduces stomach size and helps patients feel full faster.

The surgery took under 2 hours. Recovery? Smoother than she expected.

“I woke up with nurses checking on me constantly. Honestly, I felt safe, supported, and super hopeful.”

The First Few Months: Learning to Eat Again

Gastric sleeve surgery isn’t a shortcut—it’s a tool. Omowunmi knew this. She followed her new eating plan step-by-step:

• Week 1–2: Liquids only
• Week 3–4: Soft foods
• Month 2 onward: Small portions of healthy meals

She listened to her body. She walked every day. And she celebrated every single kilo lost.

One Year Later: The Woman in the Mirror is Unrecognizable

Fast forward to May 2025. Omowunmi is 73 kg—and thriving. She’s more active, more confident, and full of energy.

“It’s wild. I don’t just look different—I feel like I got my life back.”

• From squeezing into clothes to now loving shopping…
• From avoiding stairs to now leading the walk…
• From exhaustion to freedom.

What She Says About VOILA

“VOILA wasn’t just about the surgery. It was about the aftercare, the WhatsApp messages, the nurses checking in months later. I felt truly cared for.”

• Real results
• Real support
• Real people who actually listen

Before & After Photos: Seeing is Believing

Visual proof is hard to argue with. Her eyes shine brighter. Her smile’s wider. Her posture oozes confidence.

This isn’t just weight loss. It’s a complete rebirth.

Thinking About Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey?

You’ve probably been Googling things like:

• “Is gastric sleeve surgery safe in Turkey?”
• “Best place for weight loss surgery abroad”
• “Gastric sleeve before and after UK patients”

The answer? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to wait years or pay a fortune to change your life.

With VOILA, you get:

• Personalized consultations
• Trusted bariatric surgeons
• Transparent pricing
• Ongoing aftercare—even after you fly home

Final Thoughts: What If You Could Be Next?

Omowunmi started her journey with a single decision: to put herself first. What about you? Where could you be in 12 months?

“I was scared. But now, I’m so proud I said yes to myself.”

VOILA offers free consultations, English-speaking coordinators, and full aftercare. No pressure. Just honest support.

Message us now on WhatsApp for a free assessment. Your story could be the next one we tell. Let’s write your before and after—together.

FAQs: Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey

Q1: Is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey safe?

Yes! Turkey is known for its world-class medical tourism. Clinics like VOILA offer internationally accredited care, modern hospitals, and experienced surgeons.

Q2: How much does gastric sleeve surgery cost in Turkey?

It’s significantly more affordable than in the UK or US—usually starting from £2,500–£3,500, depending on the package and aftercare options.

Q3: How long do I need to stay in Turkey for surgery?

Most patients stay for 5–7 days. This includes pre-op tests, the surgery itself, and recovery time.

Q4: Will I get support after I return home?

Absolutely. VOILA offers long-term follow-up via WhatsApp, calls, and check-ins from your patient coordinator and aftercare doctor.

Q5: Is gastric sleeve surgery painful?

Most patients report mild discomfort in the first few days, but it’s very manageable. The procedure is minimally invasive and recovery is typically smooth.