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Bariatric
Surgery

What is bariatric surgery?
How does it work?
Treatment options
Our expertise
FAQs

What is bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery)?

There are many different bariatric surgery options available and we pride ourselves on having not only the widest range of options available, but experience and safety that is unmatched anywhere else in Australia. We provide a variety of weight loss surgery procedures such as: gastric sleeve (removing a large portion of the stomach), laparoscopic gastric bypass (the stomach is bypassed and food enters a small gastric pouch and then into the small bowel for digestion) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (an adjustable band around the stomach to assist in controlling eating habits).

How does bariatric surgery work?

This surgery alters the anatomy and function of the oesophagus, stomach and small bowel to drastically reduce hunger and eating capacity. Once patients have had bariatric surgery they are able to more easily control their eating, lose weight and gain health. Following successful bariatric surgery, most patients find that diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea significantly improve or disappear altogether.

Some of our
treatment options

Gastric Bypass Surgery

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Gastric Band Surgery

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Gastric Sleeve Surgery

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Revision Surgery

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Why choose Upper GI Surgery
for your bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery has been conclusively shown to increase life expectancy and quality of life of patients suffering from morbid obesity. Obesity is a complex, lifelong disease that requires long-term treatment. Patients who have undergone a successful weight loss surgery require more than just an operation to get a good result.

The three most important determinants of a good outcome are safety, effectiveness, and follow-up.

Safety

No unit/hospital in Australia has performed as many of the most common Bariatric surgery procedures (gastric sleeve and gastric bypass) for as long as the Bariatric surgeons at St George Hospital. Our safety data is continuously audited and has always been in the top 90% with regard to complications and readmissions. Dr Talbot has been performing gastric banding and gastric bypass surgery since 2003 and sleeve gastrectomy since 2004, performing over 4,000 bariatric surgeries in this time. He performs a large number, perhaps the largest number in NSW of revisions, repairs and complication management on patients who are struggling after previous bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness

While all Bariatric surgery operations are on average ten times more likely to help patients lose weight than dieting, there is no doubt that not all patients suit all operations. We are happy to offer treatments that are not ‘procedure specific’ but rather those that are focused on an individual’s requirements. We offer the widest range of treatments including the more common gastric sleeve/bypass options, gastric plication, experimental procedures, endoscopic procedures, and repair/revision of failed or complicated surgery.

Follow-up

Obesity is a chronic lifelong condition. The habits that reinforce someone’s weight problem take years to develop and also may take many years to change. Patients who come back for follow-up appointments lose more weight and suffer fewer complications than patients who don’t attend follow-up. We have assembled a large multidisciplinary team whose job is to support patients before, during and after surgery.

Follow-up appointments are included in your surgery fee for up to 3 years after your surgery date.

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Our patient journey

FAQs

How much does bariatric surgery cost?

We provide tailored, patient-centred care that includes varying bariatric surgery options and follow-up care by the team to ensure that you achieve your weight loss goals. Because each patient is different, therefore each treatment plan is different, it is very difficult to provide a one size fits all cost example. For a comprehensive cost breakdown, please visit our Bariatric Surgery Costs page.

By making an appointment with one of the specialists here at UGIS, they can discuss your individual needs and provide an accurate quote of surgery costs (for both insured and uninsured patients).

How much weight will I lose?
The amount of weight you can lose following surgery will depend on the type of surgery that you undergo, a patient’s genetic makeup, and their adherence to the post-bariatric program (diet, exercise). On average, patients with a lap band will lose 15 – 25% of their total body weight (TBWL). A sleeve gastrectomy will give you 25 – 30% TBWL and a gastric bypass would be around 30 – 40%. However, surgery such as the gastric bypass will mean taking vitamin supplements for the rest of your life and is a more complicated operation.
How soon can I have bariatric surgery?
There are a series of steps that each patient has to take before surgery:

  • Usually 2 medical/surgical appointments and 1 dietician appointment are required before surgery, however some patients schedule potential theatre dates after their first appointment.
  • Access to funds (insurance, super, paying directly).
  • 2 – 3 weeks of Optifast to minimise liver size to make surgery safer.
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
The requirements for people wishing to undergo bariatric surgery for a weight problem are listed below. The most important determinant of eventual success regardless of the type of treatment chosen is understanding that an operation, although facilitating weight loss, will not create weight loss magically, rather it will help you eat less.

We are able to lend support to help make this happen, but the ability of the person undergoing surgery to work with the operation is the key to successful ongoing weight loss.

People suitable for bariatric surgery:

  • BMI greater than 40
  • BMI greater than 30–35, with medical complications
  • No hormonal cause for obesity
  • Obesity present for at least five years and persisted despite adequate attempts with other weight loss measures
  • No alcohol or drug abuse
  • Absence of major, untreated psychiatric conditions
  • Ability to comply with long-term vitamin supplements and follow-up after surgery
  • Actively supportive GP
Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
Bariatric surgery changes your digestion and limits the amount of food consumed at a mealtime therefore limiting the nutrients your body can absorb. Studies undertaken on patients who have had Bariatric surgery indicate that as many as 15% will end up with neurological (nervous system) disorders if they don’t take supplementary vitamins. As a result, it is important to take multivitamins daily for the rest of your life to protect you from long-term deficiencies.

Why Choose Us

3 Years of Follow-up Appointments

Our patients benefit from having access to follow-up appointments with a Bariatric Specialist for up to 3 years after surgery, which is included in the clinic fee.

Over 20 Years of Experience

Our Bariatric surgery expertise is second to none. We have Australian-leading experience in many procedures, including the less commonly performed complex revision and robotic surgery.

Our Dedicated Support Team

Our welcoming and committed team is comprised of Nurses, Dietitian and Psychologist, as well as Admin support staff, making sure you are in the best hands for the duration of your treatment and the crucial aftercare period.

Ongoing Care Program (OCP)

Our Ongoing Care Program provides continuous support, offering access to helpful resources and expert guidance to ensure you stay on track and achieve lasting success in your weight loss journey.

Bariatric Centre of Excellence

Surgical Review Corporation (SRC) accreditation is achieved by providing the highest quality of care to patients as determined by an independent, external process of evaluation.

Bariatric Surgery Registry (BSR) Leading Contributors

We have contributed data since the BSR was first available in NSW and are pleased to report that our audit results are excellent. Audit is part of the “quality mindset” driving us towards excellence.

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Everything you need to know, including our clinic cost, procedure options and much more.