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The day that Tanya Rasher had gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey became the first day of her brand new life.
The Fahan woman, who has lost a staggering 16 stone in four years, was terrified that her weight was going to kill her one day.
Tanya’s weight ballooned to 27 stone during the pandemic, and everyday activities like shopping and going up the stairs became a painful struggle.
“I didn’t realise how bad it was until my son rang my mum one day and said “I’m really worried about mum, she can’t even walk up the stairs anymore”,” Tanya tells Donegal Daily.
“That’s when I thought I really need to do something about this, because if I don’t I’m either going to be bed bound or I’m not going to be here anymore.”
Tanya found information about gastric sleeves online and decided to commit to do something once and for all.
“I’d been to Slimming World, I’d done the shakes, I can lose the weight but I can’t keep it off,” she said.
“I now know I had a food addiction, which I wouldn’t really admit, but until you are at rock bottom you can’t see you are struggling.”
Tanya’s gastric sleeve procedure was carried out by The Health Store Turkey in Izmir, a leading Irish-owned company offering cosmetic, dental, weight loss and general surgeries for international patients.
“I could have gone on a waiting list here in Ireland but I was told there was a 3-4 year waiting list. I didn’t have the luxury of time,” Tanya said.
Tanya Rasher before and after her bariatric surgery at The Health Store Turkey
Tanya, chasing her “last hope”, flew to Turkey with her partner Mark in April 2021. They were collected at the airport by a coordinator, who stayed with Tanya during her hospital experience. She underwent ultrasound checks and mental health checks before the procedure.
“It is a big surgery, so they make sure you are fully ready,” she said.
On the day of her surgery in April 2021, Tanya says she felt euphoric that she was starting a new life.
She recalls being up and walking an hour after the minimally invasive surgery, and the trip took just four days.
“I liked the Health Store Turkey for their ethics,” Tanya said. “It’s not just a surgeon, it’s a team of people including a nutritionist and counsellor, they are always with you, even though they are in a different country you have that support 24/7. There is always somebody at the end of the phone.
“I kept my GP involved the whole way, they were so supportive as well.”
As Tanya adjusted her diet to the gastric sleeve, the weight dropped off but she gained knowledge and confidence.
“The gastric sleeve is only a tool to help with weight loss. With the nutritionist, I was educating myself about foods and nutrients and I discovered cooking again.”
Tanya also took the opportunity to work on her mental health. Rather than hiding behind self-deprecating jokes about her size, she chose to be more open about how she was feeling.
“It’s nearly four years on and I’ve lost 16 stone and kept it off.
“For my birthday this year, I got into a pair of size 12 jeans!”
Now Tanya can enjoy 10K walks around Inch Island, she can hop in the car without needing a seatbelt extender, and she can enjoy travelling without worrying about discomfort on a plane.
Tanya is also grateful for being able to support her family at a challenging time. Originally from Essex, she moved to Donegal with her family 18 years ago and they are a close-knit clan. When her sister, Lisa, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, Tanya was able to provide the support she needed.
“I was so glad I was able to be there for her. If she needed anything I could drop everything and go. Before my surgery, it was a struggle. I was becoming a recluse,” Tanya said.
Thankfully, Lisa completed her treatment that same year, and the sisters now enjoy volunteering and doing charity fitness events together.
“Volunteering at concerts in the summers has opened up a whole new life for me now that I can sleep in a tent. We did Electric Picnic last year which was so much fun,” said Tanya.
Tanya’s newfound confidence has inspired her to represent The Health Store Turkey consultation event in Letterkenny on Sunday 9th March at Station House Hotel Letterkenny where she and Nihal Terzi, CEO of The Health Store Turkey, will meet with individuals exploring safe and effective bariatric surgery options.
“I thank The Health Store Turkey so much for giving me the chance to get my life back. I have a future now. Before, it was pretty bleak. I was a single mum of two boys before meeting my partner, and I couldn’t imagine not being here for them,” says Tanya.
“I love telling people my story because I want to share this experience,” she said.
“Yes it’s hard and you’ve got to be prepared to put the work in on yourself and your body, but within a year, you will fly. You will be a new person inside and out.”
The free information event on 9th March is a must-attend for anyone considering high-quality, affordable healthcare overseas.
With the growing global interest in weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, bariatric surgery continues to play a crucial role in providing long-term, sustainable weight management solutions. While medications can be effective in certain cases, surgery remains the most reliable option for individuals with severe obesity, offering lasting results that address both weight loss and associated health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The event is an incredible opportunity to meet Nihal Terzi along with three specialist surgeons covering bariatric (weight loss), cosmetic, and dental treatments. They will be available to answer all your questions about undergoing private healthcare in Turkey, ensuring it is safe, affordable, and reliable.
Why Attend?
- Speak directly with medical experts in bariatric, cosmetic, and dental surgery.
- Meet Tanya Rasher, who lost 16 stone after a gastric sleeve procedure with The Health Store Turkey, and hear her inspiring story.
- Get clarity on costs, procedures, and aftercare for treatments abroad.
- Learn how to ensure a safe and high-standard experience when traveling for surgery.
Event Details: Location: Station House Hotel, Letterkenny
Date: Saturday, March 9th
Time: 11am – 6pm
FREE ENTRY (Registration required)
Register online here: https://share.hsforms.com/1r_i6OZNsT1aUs3zLmvv1fA4weip
Company founder Nihal lives between Carrigart in Donegal and Izmir in Turkey. If anyone can’t make the consultation day on the 9th but would still like to meet with Nihal, she is more than happy to do so in person in Donegal or over a video call online. The best way to reach her is through the website www.thehealthstoreturkey.com on the online chat service.
Don’t miss out – register today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you!
