Weight Loss Surgery in Melbourne
Connect with experienced, AHPRA-registered bariatric surgeons across Melbourne and surrounding areas. Get transparent pricing, expert guidance, and comprehensive support for your weight loss journey.
Weight Loss Surgery by Melbourne Suburb
Find detailed information for your local area
Box Hill ⭐
Epworth Eastern Hospital
Footscray ⭐
Western Private Hospital
Richmond ⭐
Epworth Richmond
St Kilda ⭐
Cabrini St Kilda
Sunshine ⭐
Sunshine Hospital
Epping ⭐
Northern Private Hospital
Pakenham ⭐
St John of God Berwick
Bentleigh ⭐
Mulgrave Private (da Vinci Robot)
Springvale ⭐
Victorian Bariatric Centre
Ringwood ⭐
Calvary Private Box Hill
Heidelberg ⭐
Warringal Private (30+ yrs)
Doncaster ⭐
Calvary Box Hill (Robotic)
Narre Warren ⭐
St John of God Berwick
Frankston
Peninsula Private Hospital
Dandenong
Mulgrave Private Hospital
Geelong
St John of God Geelong
Werribee
St Vincent's Private Werribee
Cranbourne
Peninsula Private (25 min)
Berwick
St John of God Berwick
Melbourne Metro Service Areas
Our network of qualified bariatric surgeons operates across Greater Melbourne, from the Mornington Peninsula to the outer suburbs, and from the CBD to regional Victoria. No matter where you live in Melbourne, there's an experienced weight loss surgeon nearby.
Inner Melbourne & CBD
Major facilities include Epworth Freemasons (East Melbourne), St Vincent's Private Hospital (Fitzroy), and The Avenue Hospital (Windsor).
Suburbs served: Melbourne CBD, East Melbourne, Fitzroy, Carlton, South Yarra, Windsor, Prahran, Richmond, Collingwood, St Kilda
Eastern Suburbs
Excellent access to Epworth Eastern (Box Hill), Knox Private Hospital, and Cabrini Hospital (Malvern) with state-of-the-art bariatric facilities.
Suburbs served: Box Hill, Doncaster, Glen Waverley, Ringwood, Camberwell, Hawthorn, Kew, Malvern, Caulfield, Brighton
Western Suburbs
Western Private Hospital (Footscray) and Sunshine Hospital provide comprehensive bariatric services for Western Melbourne residents.
Suburbs served: Footscray, Sunshine, Werribee, Point Cook, Hoppers Crossing, Altona, Maribyrnong, Essendon, Keilor, Caroline Springs
Southern Suburbs & Regional
Jessie McPherson Private Hospital (Clayton), Frankston Private Hospital, and Peninsula Private Hospital offer excellent southern access.
Suburbs served: Clayton, Dandenong, Frankston, Mornington, Moorabbin, Bentleigh, Cheltenham, Mordialloc, Carrum, Seaford
Regional: Geelong and surrounding areas
Major Hospital Locations
Epworth Freemasons
320 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Tram: Routes 48, 75 (Victoria Parade)
The Avenue Hospital
40 The Avenue, Windsor VIC 3181
Tram: Route 78 (Chapel Street)
Cabrini Hospital Malvern
183 Wattletree Road, Malvern VIC 3144
Train: Tooronga Station (5 min walk)
Epworth Eastern
1 Arnold Street, Box Hill VIC 3128
Train: Box Hill Station (adjacent)
Western Private Hospital
1-9 Marion Street, Footscray VIC 3011
Train: Footscray Station (5 min walk)
All facilities are accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards and equipped for laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
Your Weight Loss Surgery Journey in Melbourne
From first consultation to long-term success
Initial Consultation
Meet with your bariatric surgeon at a Melbourne location convenient to you. Discuss your weight loss goals, medical history, and which procedure suits your needs.
- • Comprehensive health assessment
- • Procedure comparison and recommendations
- • Cost breakdown and insurance discussion
- • Q&A with your surgeon
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Complete required tests and attend pre-operative appointments. Many Melbourne surgeons offer telehealth options for some appointments.
- • Blood tests and medical clearances
- • Dietitian consultation (covered by Medicare)
- • Pre-operative diet (typically 2 weeks)
- • Hospital admission arrangements
Timeline: 2-8 weeks
Surgery Day
Your procedure is performed at a Melbourne private hospital by your chosen bariatric surgeon using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.
- • Arrive at hospital 2 hours before surgery
- • Surgery duration: 1-4 hours depending on procedure
- • Hospital stay: 1-3 nights
- • Pain management and monitoring
Hospital stay: 1-3 nights
Early Recovery
Return home with detailed post-operative instructions. Access Melbourne-based support services including dietitians and support groups.
- • Follow liquid diet progression
- • Attend post-op check at 1-2 weeks
- • Light walking encouraged from day 1
- • Return to work: 2-4 weeks
Duration: 2-6 weeks
Ongoing Support
Regular follow-ups with your Melbourne surgeon and support team. Join local support groups and access ongoing nutritional guidance.
- • Regular surgeon follow-ups (3, 6, 12 months)
- • Ongoing dietitian support
- • Melbourne bariatric support group meetings
- • Blood tests to monitor nutritional status
Timeline: Lifelong
Long-Term Success
Achieve and maintain your weight loss goals with comprehensive support from Melbourne's bariatric community.
- ✓ 60-80% excess weight loss achieved
- ✓ Improved health conditions
- ✓ Enhanced quality of life
- ✓ Ongoing community support
Goal: 12-18 months post-surgery
Melbourne Support Resources
Dietitians & Nutritionists
Access Medicare-rebated dietitian appointments at locations across Melbourne or via telehealth.
Support Groups
Join regular in-person and online support groups connecting Melbourne bariatric patients.
Exercise Physiologists
Work with accredited exercise professionals familiar with post-bariatric surgery exercise protocols.
Cost of Weight Loss Surgery in Melbourne
Transparent pricing for all procedures
Gastric Sleeve
- • Surgeon fees: $8,000 - $12,000
- • Hospital fees: $5,000 - $9,000
- • Anaesthetist fees: $2,000 - $4,000
- • Medicare rebate: ~$1,500
Gastric Bypass
- • Surgeon fees: $10,000 - $15,000
- • Hospital fees: $6,000 - $11,000
- • Anaesthetist fees: $2,000 - $4,000
- • Medicare rebate: ~$2,000
Gastric Band
- • Surgeon fees: $6,000 - $10,000
- • Hospital fees: $4,000 - $7,000
- • Anaesthetist fees: $2,000 - $3,000
- • Medicare rebate: ~$1,200
Factors Affecting Melbourne Surgery Costs
Hospital Location
Premium hospitals in inner Melbourne and Eastern suburbs may charge higher facility fees than outer suburban locations. All facilities maintain the same high standards.
Surgeon Experience
Highly experienced surgeons with specialised fellowship training may charge higher fees. However, experience often correlates with better outcomes and fewer complications.
Insurance Coverage
Gold-level private health insurance can reduce out-of-pocket costs to $5,000-$15,000. Your surgeon's gap fees and chosen hospital affect final costs.
Complexity
Higher BMI, previous abdominal surgeries, or complex medical conditions may increase surgical time and costs. Your surgeon will provide a personalised quote.
Detailed breakdown including Medicare, insurance, and payment plans
Insurance & Medicare Coverage in Victoria
Understanding your coverage options
Medicare Rebates
Medicare provides rebates for eligible weight loss surgery patients in Australia. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can claim:
- ✓ Surgeon fees: Medicare rebate of approximately $1,500-$2,000
- ✓ Anaesthetist fees: Medicare rebate of approximately $300-$600
- ✓ Pre-op dietitian: Medicare covers 5-10 allied health visits per year with chronic disease management plan
Medicare Eligibility
- • BMI over 40, OR
- • BMI over 35 with obesity-related conditions (diabetes, sleep apnoea, hypertension)
- • Failed previous weight loss attempts
- • GP referral to specialist surgeon
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance significantly reduces your out-of-pocket costs for weight loss surgery in Melbourne. Top hospital cover is required.
Popular Melbourne Insurers
- • Bupa: Large network of participating Melbourne surgeons
- • Medibank: Comprehensive coverage at major Melbourne hospitals
- • HCF: Good hospital network across Victoria
- • NIB: Competitive premiums with good hospital network
Insurance Coverage Details
- • Requires Gold/Top hospital cover
- • 12-month waiting period for new policies
- • Covers hospital accommodation and theatre fees
- • Gap payments vary by surgeon ($5,000-$15,000)
- • Some insurers cover complications and revisions
Payment Plans Available in Melbourne
Many Melbourne bariatric surgeons and clinics offer flexible payment options to make weight loss surgery more accessible:
Medical Payment Plans
Finance options like Mac Credit, Zip Money, or in-house payment plans allow you to spread costs over 12-60 months with interest.
SuperCare
Early release of superannuation for bariatric surgery may be possible on medical grounds. Requires specialist approval.
Package Pricing
Many Melbourne surgeons offer all-inclusive packages covering surgeon, hospital, anaesthetist, and follow-up appointments.
Getting to Melbourne Bariatric Hospitals
Travel and accessibility information
Public Transport
Train Access
- Epworth Eastern: Box Hill Station (adjacent)
- Cabrini Malvern: Tooronga Station (5 min walk)
- Western Private: Footscray Station (5 min walk)
- Frankston Private: Frankston Station (10 min walk)
Tram Services
Inner Melbourne hospitals are well-serviced by trams. Routes 48 and 75 service Epworth Freemasons. Route 78 services The Avenue Hospital Windsor.
Tip: Use a Myki card for easy travel to your appointments. Seniors and pensioners receive concession fares.
Driving & Parking
Major Routes
- From Eastern Freeway: Easy access to Epworth Eastern and Eastern suburbs
- From Monash Freeway: Quick access to Clayton and Southern hospitals
- From Western Ring Road: Direct to Footscray and Western suburbs
- From CityLink: Inner Melbourne hospitals easily accessible
Parking
All major private hospitals offer:
- • Multi-storey car parks
- • Disabled parking bays near entrances
- • Patient drop-off zones
- • Daily parking rates: $15-$30
Post-Surgery Note: You cannot drive for 24-48 hours after surgery. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Accommodation for Regional Patients
If you're travelling from regional Victoria or interstate for surgery in Melbourne, consider staying nearby for 3-7 days post-surgery:
Hotels Near Hospitals
Most major hospitals have hotels within walking distance, offering patient rates for recovery accommodation.
Serviced Apartments
Weekly rates available for serviced apartments with kitchen facilities near all major hospital hubs.
Ronald McDonald House
Low-cost accommodation may be available for patients travelling long distances. Enquire through your hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melbourne-specific weight loss surgery questions
How much does weight loss surgery cost in Melbourne?
Weight loss surgery in Melbourne typically costs $15,000-$30,000 depending on the procedure. Gastric sleeve ranges from $15,000-$25,000, gastric bypass from $18,000-$30,000, and gastric band from $12,000-$20,000. Costs vary by surgeon, hospital, and whether you have private health insurance. Medicare rebates of up to $2,000 are available for eligible patients. With top-level private health insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be reduced to $5,000-$15,000.
What is the average wait time for weight loss surgery in Melbourne?
In Melbourne's private system, the average wait time is 4-8 weeks from consultation to surgery, depending on surgeon availability and insurance waiting periods (typically 12 months for new policies). Public hospital wait times through Victorian Health can be 12-24 months or longer. Most patients choose private surgery for faster access. If you have existing health insurance with bariatric coverage, you can often schedule surgery within 6-8 weeks of your initial consultation.
Which Melbourne hospitals perform weight loss surgery?
Major Melbourne hospitals offering bariatric surgery include:
- • The Avenue Hospital (Windsor)
- • Epworth Freemasons (East Melbourne)
- • Epworth Eastern (Box Hill)
- • Cabrini Hospital (Malvern)
- • St Vincent's Private Hospital (East Melbourne)
- • Masada Private Hospital (East St Kilda)
- • Jessie McPherson Private Hospital (Clayton)
- • Western Private Hospital (Footscray)
- • Knox Private Hospital
- • Frankston Private Hospital
All facilities meet Australian safety standards and are equipped for laparoscopic bariatric procedures.
Do Melbourne bariatric surgeons bulk bill consultations?
Most Melbourne bariatric surgeons do not bulk bill initial consultations. Consultation fees typically range from $150-$350, though Medicare rebates of $80-$150 may apply if you have a GP referral. Some surgeons offer reduced-cost initial consultations as part of comprehensive surgical packages. Always ask about consultation fees when booking. If cost is a barrier, some surgeons offer payment plans or sliding scale fees.
Which private health insurance is best for weight loss surgery in Melbourne?
For weight loss surgery in Melbourne, top-level hospital cover is required from providers like Bupa, Medibank, HCF, NIB, or Australian Unity. Gold or Top hospital policies typically cover bariatric surgery after a 12-month waiting period. Bupa and Medibank have the largest networks of participating Melbourne surgeons. Compare policies for excess fees, gap payments, and whether they cover complications or revisions. Out-of-pocket costs with insurance typically range from $5,000-$15,000 depending on your surgeon's gap fees.
Can I travel from regional Victoria to Melbourne for weight loss surgery?
Yes, many regional Victorian patients travel to Melbourne for weight loss surgery due to the larger number of experienced surgeons and facilities. You'll typically need to stay in Melbourne for 3-7 days post-surgery before returning home. Plan for pre-operative appointments (can sometimes be done via telehealth), surgery day, 1-2 nights hospital stay, and follow-up appointments. Many Melbourne surgeons offer telehealth follow-ups for regional patients. Consider accommodation near your hospital and have a support person available for travel home.
Find Your Melbourne Bariatric Surgeon
Connect with experienced, AHPRA-registered bariatric surgeons across Melbourne. Compare qualifications, read patient reviews, and book consultations at locations convenient to you.
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What to Expect
- Connect with experienced Melbourne surgeons within 24 hours
- Personalised procedure recommendations based on your health goals
- Transparent cost breakdown including Medicare and insurance
- No obligation - just expert advice from AHPRA-registered surgeons
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Individual results may vary. Weight loss surgery carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals.
All procedures should be performed by AHPRA-registered surgeons. For more information about bariatric surgery, visit the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
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