Weight Loss Surgery Procedures in Australia
Weight loss surgery procedures help Australians achieve sustainable weight loss when diet and exercise alone haven't worked. Compare gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and other bariatric surgery options to find the right procedure for your health goals.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery is the most commonly performed weight loss surgery in Australia. The procedure removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a sleeve-shaped stomach about the size of a banana.
Quick Facts
How It Works
- 1 Performed laparoscopically through small incisions
- 2 Surgeon removes 80% of the stomach vertically
- 3 Remaining stomach sealed to create tube-shaped sleeve
- 4 Reduced stomach size limits food intake and hunger hormones
Benefits
- ✓ Significant long-term weight loss (60-70% excess weight)
- ✓ Improved obesity-related conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure)
- ✓ No foreign objects or intestinal rerouting
- ✓ Shorter recovery time compared to bypass
- ✓ Reduced hunger hormone (ghrelin) production
Risks & Considerations
- • Permanent and irreversible procedure
- • Risk of leakage at staple line (rare, <1%)
- • Possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- • Acid reflux may worsen in some patients
- • Lifelong dietary and lifestyle changes required
Who It's For
- → BMI over 40, or BMI over 35 with health conditions
- → Committed to long-term lifestyle changes
- → No severe acid reflux or GORD
- → Previous weight loss attempts unsuccessful
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine. This restricts food intake and reduces calorie absorption, making it highly effective for weight loss and diabetes management.
Quick Facts
How It Works
- 1 Small pouch created at top of stomach (size of egg)
- 2 Small intestine divided and connected to new pouch
- 3 Food bypasses most of stomach and first part of intestine
- 4 Reduces portion sizes and calorie absorption
Benefits
- ✓ Highest weight loss results (70-80% excess weight)
- ✓ Excellent for type 2 diabetes remission (80-90%)
- ✓ Gold standard procedure with long track record
- ✓ Sustained long-term weight loss
- ✓ Improves metabolic conditions effectively
Risks & Considerations
- • More complex surgery with longer recovery
- • Higher risk of vitamin/mineral deficiencies
- • Dumping syndrome possible (10-30%)
- • Permanent and largely irreversible
- • Lifelong vitamin supplementation essential
Who It's For
- → BMI over 40, or BMI over 35 with diabetes
- → Type 2 diabetes or severe metabolic conditions
- → Severe GORD or acid reflux issues
- → Seeking maximum weight loss results
Other Weight Loss Surgery Options
Explore alternative bariatric procedures available in Australia
Mini Gastric Bypass
Simplified bypass with one connection instead of two. Faster surgery with similar results.
- Weight Loss: 65-75%
- Surgery: 1-2 hours
- Cost: $16,000 - $27,000
Gastric Band
Adjustable silicone band placed around stomach. Reversible but less popular today.
- Weight Loss: 40-50%
- Surgery: 1 hour
- Cost: $12,000 - $20,000
Duodenal Switch
Most complex procedure. Maximum weight loss but requires strict compliance.
- Weight Loss: 70-80%
- Surgery: 4-5 hours
- Cost: $25,000 - $35,000
Gastric Balloon
Non-surgical option. Temporary balloon placed in stomach for 6-12 months.
- Weight Loss: 10-15%
- Procedure: 20 minutes
- Cost: $8,000 - $12,000
Compare Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
Side-by-side comparison to help you choose
| Procedure | Weight Loss | Surgery Time | Recovery | Cost Range | Reversible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve | 60-70% | 2-3 hours | 2-4 weeks | $15,000 - $25,000 | No |
| Gastric Bypass | 70-80% | 3-4 hours | 4-6 weeks | $18,000 - $30,000 | Difficult |
| Mini Gastric Bypass | 65-75% | 1-2 hours | 3-4 weeks | $16,000 - $27,000 | Difficult |
| Gastric Band | 40-50% | 1 hour | 1-2 weeks | $12,000 - $20,000 | Yes |
| Duodenal Switch | 70-80% | 4-5 hours | 6-8 weeks | $25,000 - $35,000 | No |
| Gastric Balloon | 10-15% | 20 minutes | 3-5 days | $8,000 - $12,000 | Yes |
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