Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery can have life-changing benefits for you, not just with weight loss, but by reducing the impacts of other obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and poor mobility.

• Obesity surgery reduces and often resolves symptoms of obesity-related sleep apnoea, arthritis and diabetes.
• You will receive regular follow-up, with nutritional support and exercise programs.
• Your risk of premature death and obesity-related illness reduces dramatically.
• Cancer risk reduces, too, with obesity now a significant risk factor for many cancers.
• You will lose significant amounts of weight, reducing barriers to better health.

You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a:

• BMI greater than 40.
• BMI greater than 35 with one or more significant health conditions related to obesity.

Bariatric surgery assists patients to achieve sustained weight loss, improve serious medical conditions and improve quality of life. Each type of bariatric surgery has its pros and cons. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach and your surgeon will help you decide which is the most suitable. At The Wesley Hospital, we provide the following types of bariatric surgery.

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery: The Sleeve Gastrectomy works by reducing the size of the stomach. This means a patient’s meal size reduces down to a bread-and-butter plate-sized meal. The stomach remnant makes less of the hunger-producing hormone ghrelin, which switches off the desire to eat. This is the most common weight loss operation performed in Australia.
• Gastric Band Surgery: Gastric banding surgery is usually performed with keyhole surgery. This minimally invasive surgery usually results in less discomfort and recovery time. A gastric band is fastened around the upper stomach to create a small pouch, which restricts the amount of food that can be consumed. The gastric banding surgery does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach or intestines, providing the option to reverse the treatment.
• Gastric Bypass Surgery: Roux-Y Gastric Bypass surgery uses a combination of restrictive and malabsorption techniques. Staples are used to create a smaller stomach to limit the amount of food intake and a large portion of the small intestine is bypassed to limit the nutrients and calories absorbed. Food is then routed past most of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine, hence the name “Gastric Bypass”.
• Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery: Mini Gastric Bypass is a weight loss procedure where the first step is to create a smaller stomach. As a result, the patient’s meal size is reduced to a small plate, and approximately 80% of the energy is absorbed from food. Mini Gastric Bypass is usually performed with laparoscopy or keyhole surgery.
• Gastric Balloon: Gastric balloons are placed in the stomach endoscopically for up to six months to reduce gastric capacity, enhance feelings of fullness, and induce weight loss. While less invasive than other forms of weight loss surgery, the results long-term are not as successful as lap band surgery, sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery.

What happens when you decide to embark on your surgical weight loss journey? From funding to pre-op, surgery and starting your new life, discover more about the journey here.

Do I need a referral to see a bariatric surgeon?
Yes! You require a referral to see any specialist. This can be obtained through your local general practitioner and will last for 12 months. If you have a referral from a specialist, it will be valid for three months only.

Can I have weight loss surgery without private health insurance?
Yes. Uninsured patients are liable for all costs associated with the procedure and may be able to use their superannuation to cover the cost. Please seek independent financial advice.

Why am I required to go on a pre-operative VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet)?
Before your surgery, a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD), which consists of low-carbohydrate meals, makes your operation safer. Your dietitian will help you with this preparation.

How much weight will I lose and at what rate should I expect to lose my excess weight?
This is variable based on gender, age, and the excess weight one has to lose. Weight loss will also differ for those who adhere to the dietary changes and amount of exercise done post-surgery.

How long will it take to recover after surgery?
Most patients who undergo sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery will require about two weeks off work. Gastric band surgery patients often feel well enough to return to work after a week. Every patient is different and recovery times will vary from patient to patient.

Can I exercise after surgery?
It is recommended that patients do not engage in cardio exercise for at least three weeks following a procedure, no weightlifting for at least six weeks and no swimming for three weeks post procedure.

Can I fall pregnant following surgery?
Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. We recommend avoiding pregnancy within the first 12 months during the rapid weight loss phase.

Can I eat anything in moderation?
After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort. However, because you can eat only a little, it is important to include foods full of important vitamins and nutrients as advised by your surgeon and/or dietitian.

What are costs for bariatric surgery?
The costs for bariatric surgery can vary depending on the surgeon. Each bariatric surgeon at The Wesley Hospital publishes cost information on their websites.

Patients may be able to access their superannuation to fund their weight loss surgery. We would advise you seek independent financial advice regarding this decision.

If I have Coeliac Disease prior to weight loss surgery, will I still have it after surgery?
Yes unfortunately, weight loss surgery will not get rid of Coeliac Disease or sensitivity to gluten. Gluten intolerant patients may need to pay increased attention to their vitamin D levels after their weight loss surgery which will be monitored by your surgeon and dietitian.

If I need my gallbladder removed as well as weight loss surgery can both procedures be performed at once?
Around 20% of patients need their gallbladder removed after weight loss surgery. If a patient is experiencing gallbladder pain before weight loss surgery, then usually their gallbladder can be removed at the same time that their surgery is performed. You can speak with your surgeon if you have any concerns.

If I have had my gallbladder removed prior to weight loss surgery will it affect me in any way?
This is actually a benefit as it removes the risk of the gallbladder causing any problems after your weight loss surgery.

After weight loss surgery are there any increased chances of stomach problems?
The remaining stomach after weight loss surgery usually doesn't cause any problems and continues to make digestive enzymes. However, like any surgical procedure there is a small chance of some complications. These can include stomach ulcers, polyps and very rarely stomach cancers. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you at the time of your consultation. That is why we aim for long-term follow-up post bariatric surgery.

Can weight loss surgery help manage weight gain that is the result of medication for other health conditions?
Your surgeon will discuss each procedure, their benefits, and their also their effectiveness at helping you losing weight. They will aim to tailor your treatment to be the most advantageous in your individual circumstances.

The costs of bariatric surgery vary based on your personal circumstances, including the type of procedure you are having, and your level of private health cover. Please call one of our bariatric surgeons to discuss the costs for your individual situation.

For patients without the appropriate level of private health cover, there is an option to self-fund your surgery. If this is your preference, please ask our surgeons to discuss pricing and other support options that may be available to you.