Assoc. Prof. M.D. Ayşenur Özderya

As a 68-year-old retired teacher with severe osteoarthritis, my weight was destroying my knees and my quality of life. Multiple doctors told me I was 'too old' for bariatric surgery. Dr. Özderya was the first to truly listen. She didn't see my age as a barrier, but considered my overall health and determination. She designed a modified sleeve gastrectomy approach, considering my slower metabolism. Her team coordinated with my rheumatologist. The surgery was 8 months ago. I've lost 35kg, my knee pain has reduced dramatically, and I can walk in the park with my grandchildren again. Her compassionate, non-ageist approach changed everything.

Our 16-year-old son, Ali, struggled with severe obesity since childhood, leading to prediabetes and social isolation. This wasn't about vanity; it was a medical crisis. Pediatricians offered only dietary advice, which failed. Dr. Özderya's clinic at Acibadem Altunizade has a dedicated adolescent bariatric program. She conducted a profound family evaluation, involved a pediatric endocrinologist and psychologist, and determined he was a candidate for a gastric bypass after exhaustive conservative efforts. She spoke to Ali with respect, not condescension. The surgery was 14 months ago. His diabetes resolved, he's lost 48kg, and he's joined the school football team. She gave him his future back.

Mine was not a planned journey. I was admitted to Acibadem's emergency department with an incarcerated hiatal hernia and uncontrollable vomiting. I had a BMI of 52. The general surgeon consulted Dr. Özderya, as the hernia was massive and complicated by my obesity. She came immediately, even though it was late. She explained that performing a standard hernia repair alone would likely fail due to my weight, and proposed a combined, emergency laparoscopic procedure: hernia repair plus sleeve gastrectomy. The complexity was immense, but her calm confidence was reassuring. She successfully performed the 5-hour surgery. That emergency intervention two years ago solved both the acute crisis and the root cause. I've had no hernia recurrence and have maintained a 70kg weight loss. She is a master of complex, adaptive surgery.

I traveled from Germany specifically for a revision surgery—a nightmare scenario. My initial gastric band, placed abroad years ago, had eroded, causing infection and chronic pain. Several surgeons refused me, citing excessive risk. Dr. Özderya reviewed my files with a forensic eye. She proposed a two-stage plan: first, remove the infected band and manage the inflammation, then months later, convert to a gastric bypass. Her transparency about the risks and the lengthy process was brutal but honest. The first surgery was tricky, dealing with scar tissue and infection. Her follow-up was meticulous; weekly video calls from Turkey to Germany during the healing phase. The second surgery was textbook. Now, 18 months post-revision, I am healthy, pain-free, and losing weight again. Her expertise in surgical 'rescue' is unparalleled.