Bariatric Surgery – Starting Out | Upper GI Surgery | Bariatric Surgery

Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: What Actually Causes It?

purpleeffect — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 03:16:42 +0000

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective long-term treatments for obesity. Most patients achieve significant weight loss in the first 12-18 months, however for some individuals, weight regain can occur in the years that follow. This can feel discouraging, particularly after the effort involved in surgery and recovery.

It is important to understand that weight regain is rarely about willpower. In most cases, it reflects biological adaptation, behavioural patterns and life circumstances.

What is normal weight regain?

A small amount of regain after reaching your lowest weight is common. The body often stabilises slightly above the lowest number on the scale. More significant regain, usually defined as more than 10-15% of the weight lost, or at our clinic, anything over 3 kg, we would recommend coming to chat to us about your options and getting back on track.

What causes weight regain after bariatric surgery?

Metabolic and Hormonal Adaptation

The body is designed to defend against weight loss. After significant weight reduction, resting metabolic rate can decrease and hunger hormones can increase. This is a normal physiological response and not a personal failure.

Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass alter gut hormones in ways that reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control, while reducing the amount of food a person can consume in one sitting. Over time, some of these effects can soften, leading to a gradual increase in hunger.

Eating Patterns Over Time

Certain behaviours can reduce the effectiveness of bariatric surgery. Grazing/snacking throughout the day can increase total calorie intake even when portions remain small. High-calorie liquids and frequent snacking on energy-dense foods bypass new restrictions and accumulate gradually. These patterns and ‘bad habits’ often develop slowly over time and may not be immediately obvious.

Lifestyle and Psychological Factors

Stress, poor sleep, emotional eating and major life transitions can all influence weight gain and weight management. Hormonal changes such as perimenopause can also affect appetite and fat distribution. Long-term follow-up is important because weight management is not only surgical. It is behavioural and metabolic.

Anatomical or Medical Factors

In some cases, the stomach pouch or sleeve may stretch slightly over time. If weight regain is significant, an assessment can determine whether dietary adjustment, medication or revision surgery may be appropriate.

Weight regain after bariatric surgery is multifactorial. It is rarely due to lack of effort alone. Obesity is a chronic condition. Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but long-term success depends on ongoing support, monitoring and early intervention when changes occur.

If you are concerned about weight regain, early review with your team allows practical strategies to be implemented before the situation progresses further.

Bariatric Surgery in 2026: Where Does It Fit in the Age of Weight Loss Injections?

purpleeffect — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:10:26 +0000

Weight loss injections have transformed public awareness of obesity treatment. Many patients now ask whether surgery is still necessary. Bariatric surgery still remains the most effective treatment for severe obesity.

The Rise of GLP-1 Medications

Weight loss medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control. For many patients they provide meaningful weight loss, however weight loss medications can require long-term use. When a person stops using these medications, appetite typically increases and they regain the weight, unless they are committed to diet and lifestyle changes.

Bariatric surgery alters gut hormones, insulin sensitivity and appetite signalling in a sustained way, along with reducing the volume of food a person is able to consume in one sitting. Long-term studies continue to demonstrate durable weight loss and improvement in type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and hypertension amongst other chronic conditions.

When Bariatric Surgery May Be More Appropriate

For people living with obesity, especially those with type 2 diabetes, high BMI or repeated cycles of weight regain, bariatric surgery continues to offer the most reliable long-term results. It is currently the only intervention with decades of data demonstrating sustained weight loss.

When Weight Loss Medication May Be Suitable

For some people, particularly those earlier in their weight journey or not ready to consider surgery, medication can be a reasonable starting point.

Why Hunger Comes Back After Stopping Weight Loss Medication

One of the most common concerns patients express is weight regain after stopping weight loss medication. To understand this, we need to understand how these medications work.

Appetite Regulation – GLP-1 receptor agonists act on the brain to reduce appetite and slow gastric emptying. While the medication is active, hunger is suppressed.

Biological Set Point – The body defends its highest sustained weight. When weight decreases, hormonal signals such as ghrelin can increase and metabolic rate can decrease. This creates biological and psychological pressure to regain weight.

What Happens When Medication Stops

When a person stops taking weight loss medication, appetite signalling doesn’t return to baseline; in fact, a person often finds themselves hungrier than ever before. Without strong lifestyle strategies, increased hunger can lead to gradual weight regain and you end up back where you started or worse.

How Bariatric Surgery Is Different

Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass alter gut hormone release and reduce ghrelin production, while reducing your stomach capacity. Weight management is not about willpower. It is about understanding physiology and choosing the approach that aligns with long-term health goals.

Choosing the Right Milk After Bariatric Surgery

purpleeffect — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:00:05 +0000

After bariatric surgery, every sip and bite counts. Your new stomach capacity is smaller, so the foods and drinks you choose need to be packed with nutrition, not empty calories. Milk can be a great source of protein and calcium, but not all milk is created equal. Understanding the differences can help you make choices that support your recovery and long-term health.

Why milk matters

In the early months after bariatric surgery, protein is essential for healing, maintaining muscle mass, and keeping you feeling satisfied. Milk can be an easy, gentle source of protein and calcium, especially when your portions are small. But many types of milk, especially plant-based ones, vary widely in their protein, sugar and calorie content.

Comparing your options

Cow’s milk

Regular cow’s milk naturally contains protein, calcium and some natural milk sugars (lactose). Choose reduced-fat or skim milk to lower overall calories while still getting around 8 grams of protein per cup. It’s often fortified with vitamin D, which supports calcium absorption. For most bariatric patients, this remains the gold standard unless lactose intolerance or dietary preference suggests otherwise.

Lactose-free cow’s milk

If you experience bloating or discomfort from lactose, lactose-free milk can be a good alternative. It has the same nutrients and protein as regular milk, just with the lactose broken down for easier digestion.

Soy milk

Of the plant-based milks, unsweetened soy milk is the closest nutritionally to cow’s milk, offering around 7–8 grams of protein per cup. Make sure you choose one that’s unsweetened and calcium-fortified, as some flavoured or sweetened versions can contain up to 10 grams of added sugar per cup.

Almond, oat, coconut and other plant milks

These tend to be much lower in protein (often less than 1 gram per cup) and can contain added sugars to improve taste. Oat milk, for instance, is naturally higher in carbohydrates and often sweetened, making it a poor choice if you’re managing your sugar intake. Coconut milk is higher in fat and calories, with little protein benefit. If you prefer these milks, look for unsweetened and fortified versions and use them occasionally rather than as your main source of protein.

Protein-enriched or high-protein milks

Several brands now offer high-protein or “ultra-filtered” milk options. These can contain up to twice the protein of regular milk with less sugar, making them a smart choice for bariatric patients who struggle to meet daily protein goals.

What to look for on the label

When comparing milk options, check the nutrition label carefully:

Protein: Aim for at least 7–8 grams per 250 mL serve
Sugar: Choose milks with 0–3 grams of added sugar per serve
Calcium: Look for at least 100 mg per 100 mL (fortified if plant-based)
Fat: Reduced-fat or low-fat options help reduce unnecessary calories

A few final tips

Always opt for unsweetened varieties – “original” or “barista” blends are often sweetened.
Avoid milks marketed as “light” or “diet” unless you’ve checked the protein content. Some sacrifice protein for fewer calories.
If you enjoy flavoured milk, treat it as an occasional indulgence – some contain as much sugar as a soft drink.
If you’re struggling to meet protein goals, consider adding a spoonful of your approved protein powder to milk or a smoothie for an extra boost.

After bariatric surgery, your nutrition choices matter more than ever. Milk can be a valuable part of your diet, but it’s important to choose wisely. Go for options that are high in protein, low in added sugars, and enriched with calcium. Read labels carefully, and when in doubt, check with your dietitian about which milk best supports your stage of recovery.

Talking About Weight With Someone You Care About: A Compassionate Guide

purpleeffect — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:07:44 +0000

Health, body and weight are deeply personal topics. Many people avoid talking about them – even health professionals struggle to do so well. But when someone you love is struggling with their weight, you might feel torn: you want to help, but fear causing shame, hurting the relationship, or being misunderstood. This guide is designed to help you approach the subject gently, respectfully, and in a way that builds connection rather than conflict.

Why is this conversation so difficult?

Weight is more than a number on a scale – it’s tied to identity, self-worth, and years of social conditioning. Research shows that weight stigma remains widespread, not only in society but also in healthcare settings. Studies published in the BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care have found that stigma contributes to poorer mental health, discourages people from seeking medical help, and increases stress-related eating behaviours.

Even GP’s and allied health professionals report finding this conversation challenging. A UNSW study found that when doctors used supportive, non-judgmental language, patients were far more open to change and felt greater trust, whereas critical or shaming language immediately reduced motivation. Understanding this context helps you approach your loved one with empathy rather than frustration.

Ask permission before you begin

One of the most respectful things you can do is to ask permission before raising the topic. You might say:

“Can I share something I’ve been worried about?”

“Would it be okay if I mentioned something I’ve noticed about your health?”

This simple act gives your loved one control. It signals that you respect their boundaries and it reduces the chance of defensiveness.

Focus on health, not appearance

Frame the conversation around wellbeing, energy or quality of life, not looks or body size. Instead of saying, “You’ve gained weight,” you could say, “I’ve noticed you seem more tired lately, are you okay?”. Research consistently shows that people respond better when discussions focus on how they feel and function, rather than how they look. This keeps the tone supportive and avoids reinforcing social beauty ideals that have nothing to do with health.

Use kind, person-centred language

Language matters more than many realise. The British Dietetic Association and other professional bodies recommend avoiding words like “fat” or “obese” unless the person themselves uses those terms comfortably. Instead, use phrases like “weight,” “body size,” or “health changes.” Avoid saying things like “You need to lose weight” or “You should start exercising.” Try instead, “I care about you and want to see you feeling your best,” or “Would you like to do something together to feel healthier?” This shifts the focus from criticism to collaboration.

Share observations, not judgements

When you talk about what you’ve noticed rather than what you assume, it helps your loved one feel seen rather than attacked. For example:

“I’ve noticed you’ve been avoiding walks lately, and I wondered if your joints have been sore?”

That’s very different from: “You’ve gotten too heavy; you need to exercise.”

Describing behaviour rather than assigning blame creates space for honesty.

Listen more than you talk

Once you’ve opened the conversation, pause and give them space. You might discover things you didn’t know, such as underlying medical issues, emotional challenges, or past failed attempts at weight loss that left them disheartened. Listening shows respect and builds trust. It also helps you understand whether they want your help right now or whether they simply need to feel heard.

Offer to support, not to fix

Your role isn’t to prescribe or correct, it’s to support. You could offer to make small changes together, like cooking healthier meals, walking after dinner, or researching dietitians or support programs if they’re open to that. Statements like “We can figure this out together” or “Would you like me to help find someone you can talk to?” are far more effective than “You should…” Even if they’re not ready, knowing you’re there and non-judgmental makes a difference.

Acknowledge that change takes time

Behavioural change is rarely linear. There will be starts, stops, and moments of frustration. Be patient, especially if you’ve seen your loved one try before. The goal is not to rush them but to stay beside them.

Common fears (and how to manage them)

“They’ll feel judged or ashamed.” That’s a valid worry. This is why tone and timing are everything. Keep the conversation private, gentle and loving.

“What if they don’t want to talk?” If they say “not now,” respect that boundary. You’ve opened the door; they know they can come to you when they’re ready.

“I don’t want to make things worse.” You may stumble, but if your intent is genuine and you’re open to apologising if something lands wrong, your care will come through.

What not to do

Don’t bring it up in public or during conflict.
Don’t use guilt or ultimatums (“If you don’t change, you’ll regret it”).
Don’t make assumptions about willpower or effort. Weight is complex, influenced by genetics, metabolism, medication, sleep, mental health and environment.
Don’t compare them to others or yourself.
Don’t make it a one-time “intervention.” The best conversations are ongoing and adaptive.

Why talking about weight the right way can help

When handled compassionately, these conversations can strengthen trust and connection, reduce feelings of isolation, encourage professional support (GP, psychologist, dietitian, or bariatric specialist), and reframe weight in terms of overall wellbeing rather than shame. Even if nothing changes straight away, showing that you care enough to have the conversation and that you’re a safe person to talk to can be life-changing.

Weight is a deeply personal subject surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. But silence can also be isolating. When you approach the conversation with permission, empathy and respect, you send a powerful message: “I care about you, and I’m here to support your health, not to judge you.” You don’t need the perfect words; you just need kindness, patience and a willingness to listen. Over time, that can do far more than any single piece of advice.

Protein After Bariatric Surgery – Why Real Food Matters

purpleeffect — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 23:30:07 +0000

After bariatric surgery, your body needs protein to heal, maintain muscle mass and support weight loss. Many patients start with shakes and supplements in the early weeks, but over time, these shouldn’t be your main source of protein.

Why shakes and supplements aren’t enough

Protein shakes and powders can be helpful right after surgery when your stomach is still healing. But they often lack the variety of nutrients found in whole foods, and they don’t train your body (or your taste buds) to enjoy a balanced diet. Relying on them too much can mean missing out on other essential vitamins, minerals and fibre.

Protein + fibre = a powerful duo

Protein helps you feel full and preserve muscle, while fibre supports gut health, regulates digestion and keeps blood sugar steady. Combining both in your meals, for example, chicken with roasted vegetables or lentils with leafy greens, gives your body long-lasting energy and supports your recovery.

Ways to add more protein naturally:

Include eggs, lean meats, poultry, or fish in every meal
Choose dairy or dairy alternatives with higher protein content (e.g. Greek yoghurt)
Add legumes such as lentils, chickpeas or beans to soups, salads, or stews
Sprinkle nuts or seeds over salads, porridge or smoothies
Use wholegrain bread or crackers with cottage cheese, tuna or boiled eggs

Protein-enriched foods

Some everyday foods now come in high-protein versions – bread, pasta, yoghurt and even snacks. These can help you reach your daily protein target, especially when combined with other whole food sources.

Supplements can be a useful tool after surgery, but your long-term goal should be to get most of your protein from real food. Pairing protein with fibre-rich foods will help you stay fuller for longer, support your health and make your weight loss results sustainable.

Gallbladder Removal After Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

purpleeffect — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:48:29 +0000

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you’re already making big changes to your health. But rapid weight loss can also trigger side effects, and gallstones are one of the more common ones. While not every patient will have problems, some may need their gallbladder removed in the months or years that follow. Understanding why it happens, what to look out for, and how it’s treated could be useful for the future.

What does the gallbladder do?

The gallbladder is a small organ located under the liver. Its main job is to store bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. While there is always bile trickling out of the liver and into the small intestine, some is diverted into the gallbladder. When you eat, the gallbladder releases bile to mix with your food. If bile becomes too concentrated, it can form hard deposits known as gallstones. While gallstones can be present in people for some time without causing problems, in around 5% of people per year they can start to damage the gallbladder or surrounding organs, causing pain and other symptoms.

Why can gallstones develop after bariatric surgery?

Rapid weight loss after surgery changes the balance of cholesterol and bile salts in the gallbladder, making gallstones more likely to form. Eating smaller portions also means the gallbladder empties less often, giving bile more time to crystallise. In some procedures, like gastric bypass, there can also be changes to the nerve signals that control gallbladder contractions, which may further increase the risk.

How common is gallbladder removal?

While 10-20% of patients develop gallstones in the first year after bariatric surgery, only around 8% experience symptoms, and roughly 4% require gallbladder removal. The highest risk period is the first 6 – 18 months after surgery, when weight loss is at its fastest.

When surgery might be needed

Not all gallstones cause problems. “Silent” gallstones can be left alone, but if they cause symptoms such as sudden right-side upper abdominal pain (often after eating), nausea, vomiting or fever, then removal of the gallbladder – known as a cholecystectomy – may be recommended. If gallstones are found to be causing problems before bariatric surgery, the gallbladder can sometimes be removed during the same operation, although this does involve extra risks. Patients who have had gastric bypass surgery are usually counseled to consider having gallbladder surgery if they develop gallstones, because of the higher risks of gallstone complications after bypass surgery.

Recovery after gallbladder removal

Most gallbladder surgeries are performed laparoscopically, which means small incisions and a fast recovery. Patients are usually back to light activities within a week and fully recovered in two to four weeks. While the body can digest food without a gallbladder, some people may experience temporary changes in digestion. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding very high-fat foods in the early weeks can help.

Can gallstones be prevented?

Not all gallstones can be avoided, but following your bariatric team’s nutrition guidelines and staying hydrated may help. If patients are particularly worried about developing gallstones after bariatric surgery, they can ask to be prescribed a medication called ursodeoxycholic acid. This medication, which isn’t PBS subsidised, helps prevent the formation of gallstones but must be taken for 12 months or more following surgery.

Gallbladder removal after bariatric surgery is not inevitable, but it’s worth knowing about, especially during the rapid weight loss phase. By understanding the risks, recognising symptoms early and seeking prompt medical advice, you can stay proactive in protecting your health.

Interview with Dr Daniel Chan – Upper GI Surgeon Sydney

purpleeffect — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 04:42:54 +0000

We would like to give our followers the opportunity to get to know the medical team here at Upper GI Surgery a little bit better. We recently asked one of the bariatric surgeons, Dr Daniel Chan, to participate in a quick interview to get to know him a little better. From why he became involved in upper gastrointestinal surgery in the first place, to what his favourite film is, we hope today’s blog gives you a deeper insight into the life of one of the team.

Let’s start at the beginning Dan, how long have you been doing this?

I completed my training in General Surgery and attained my FRACS in 2019. Since then, I have been undertaking subspecialty training in upper GI surgery and have been practising in the field since then. My experience includes working in both public and private hospitals across Australia and overseas.

What is your role and how do you contribute to part of the team?

I am a Consultant Surgeon at St George Hospital, St George Private, and East Sydney Private Hospitals, specialising in upper gastrointestinal, bariatric, and hernia surgery. I work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide personalised, evidence-based care, while also mentoring junior staff and contributing to clinical governance.

Why did you get into the upper gastrointestinal field?

It was the last year of my fellowship at St George Hospital, and we were doing a lot of bariatric work. It seemed to be a fertile field with many improvements to be made and plenty of unknowns. Knowledge was far from complete, and there was a real curiosity about how the obesity epidemic had come about. I figured that if I stayed in the field long enough, I might be able to help work it out.

What excites you about the future of upper GI surgery?

Advances in surgical technology, including robotics and AI integration, are transforming the way we approach complex procedures. I’m particularly excited about the increasing role of precision diagnostics and personalised care pathways in improving long-term outcomes.

Do you do anything outside of work towards UGIS care? Conferences? Research?

Yes – I’m an active researcher and am currently completing my PhD, focusing on the objective assessment of oesophageal hiatus pathology. I regularly present at national and international conferences, supervise research projects, and peer-review for several surgical journals.

Other than bariatric UGIS, what other types of surgery do you perform?

In addition to bariatric procedures, I perform anti-reflux, hiatus hernia, and benign and malignant gastric and oesophageal surgery, as well as complex abdominal wall hernia repairs. My military surgical experience has also included emergency trauma and general surgery in austere environments.

We understand you speak multiple languages, tell us more.

Born and raised in Sydney to parents from Hong Kong, I speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin. This has helped bridge communication with patients and colleagues in multicultural settings both locally and abroad.

What’s it like working at UGIS?

It’s a dynamic, supportive environment with a strong focus on collaboration and patient-centred care. There’s a real culture of research and excellence that makes it rewarding to be part of the team.

What’s your favourite part of the day?

The early morning theatre brief and first cases of the day – when the team is focused and energised. It’s also a moment to teach, troubleshoot and align for the day ahead.

What do you do when you’re not being a surgeon?

I serve as an Army Reservist and am involved in veteran and community organisations. When time allows, I recharge by running, listening to audiobooks and exploring new culinary spots.

Where’s your favourite place to travel?

Asia – I love the blend of tradition and innovation, the food, and the calmness of nature in various places across China and Japan in particular.

Favourite movie?

It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to, then probably The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and that whole trilogy really.

What sort of music do you like?

A bit of everything – from chilled classics to pop, and I tend to listen in music in both English and Chinese (Cantonese/ Mandarin).

Understanding BMI in 2025

Upper GI Surgery — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:30:10 +0000

You have probably heard the term BMI used before when relating to a person’s weight, but what is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is an estimation of a person’s body fat based on their height and weight. To calculate your BMI you first need to find out your weight and height, then you can enter this into our handy BMI calculator on our homepage and it will calculate your BMI. If you want to know how the calculator works:

With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

What does this number mean?

It is important to remember that this number is simply a guide and isn’t the only factor to be taken into account when determining a healthy weight or lifestyle.

Below 18.5 – Underweight

18.5 – 24.9 – Normal Weight

25.0 – 29.9 – Overweight

30.0 – 39.9 – Obese

40.0 and Above – Morbidly Obese

As we have mentioned, your BMI gives an approximation of a person’s body fat; however other factors such as waist measurement and lifestyle need to be taken into consideration when determining whether your weight will have a negative effect on your health. For example a person’s age, race or even gender can mean BMI can be interpreted differently. A person may be very muscular resulting in a higher BMI, or body fat may be underestimated in an older person that has lost muscle mass.

Now I understand it, why does it matter?

Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing various medical issues such as high blood pressure (your blood pressure rises as your body weight increases), heart disease, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and many more.

There are other factors that can increase your risk of related disease further such as not being physically active or being a smoker. If you are overweight it is important to be physically active, avoid smoking or lose weight in order to minimise the risk associated with your high BMI.

My BMI is in the Obese range, what should I do?

If your BMI is indicating that you are obese remember that there are also other important factors to be taken into account, and the best step to take would be to seek advice from your GP or health professional. They will be able to take into account other aspects such as your waistline and lifestyle before providing you with further advice on the best course of action for you to reach a healthy weight.

My BMI says I am obese, am I eligible for weight loss surgery?

Although BMI is a useful guide for individuals and medical professionals, there are still many more considerations to be taken into account before you would be considered eligible for weight loss surgery. Again the first step to take would be to consult your GP or health professional for advice; often lifestyle changes such as improved diet and increased physical activity can result in long-term weight loss, reducing your BMI.

The Future of the Sleeve Gastrectomy

purpleeffect — Wed, 21 May 2025 00:59:00 +0000

Gastric sleeve surgery is now the most commonly performed weight loss procedure around the world. It’s effective, but not perfect. Around 5 – 6% of patients need another surgery within five years, often due to weight regain or reflux. In this video, we look at what might help bring that number down.

In this video:

00:00 – 00:10 Introduction from A/Prof Michael Talbot: New Developments in Sleeve Gastrectomy

00:10 – 01:18 Gastric Sleeve Evolution: What Started as a Step Became the Standard

01:18 – 01:50 Why is the sleeve so popular?

01:50 – 02:19 Weight loss after a gastric sleeve

02:19 – 02:50 Common challenges after gastric sleeve surgery

02:50 – 04:15 How the new one-line stapler is shaping the future of sleeve surgery

04:15 – 04:26 Start your journey today

A/Prof Talbot has been performing bariatric surgery in Australia since 2003. Gastric sleeve surgery was once considered a stepping stone to the gastric bypass, but it proved so effective that it became the most commonly performed weight loss procedure worldwide.

Still, up to 5 – 6% of patients need revisional surgery within five years, often due to weight regain or reflux.

Research has shown (Lin, L. 2025) that patients who had a sleeve with a single-fire stapler experienced:

• A 73% lower rate of reflux after surgery – 7.1% with the single-fire stapler vs. 26.4% using a multi-fire stapler.
• Decreased incidence of new reflux symptoms (that weren’t there before surgery) – 1.8% with the single-fire stapler vs 10.9% using a multi-fire stapler.

If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery and would like to discuss whether this new technique is right for you, contact our practice on (02) 9553 1120 to make an appointment.

Ying L, Rutledge R, Butensky S, Lugo DF, Morton J, Ringold F. Does Stapling Platform Influence Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy Postoperative Outcomes? Obes Surg. 2025 May;35(5):1838-1844. doi: 10.1007/s11695-025-07855-z. Epub 2025 Apr 14. PMID: 40227538; PMCID: PMC12065732.

Titan SGS™ Stapler – standardbariatrics.com/titansgs

Benefits and Drawbacks of Weight Loss Surgery

Upper GI Surgery — Thu, 01 May 2025 00:30:09 +0000

If you are considering bariatric surgery it is important to first discuss this with your doctor and/or specialist so they can provide you with guidance on the best treatment for your individual circumstance. In the meantime we have listed some basic benefits and drawbacks of the different weight loss surgery options offered here at Upper GI Surgery.

Gastric Bypass – Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

Permanent but reversible.
Rapid weight loss, in 6 months can generally expect to lose about 50% of their excess weight.
Weight-loss continues out to two years after surgery
Faster recovery from weight related co-morbidities
Results tend to last longer
Excellent for people with bad diabetes or bad reflux.
Food intolerances are less common than band.

Drawbacks

Lifelong nutritional supplementation required
Major surgery which carries significant risks (0.5%) at the time of surgery
Possibility of developing gallstones

Find out more

Gastric Sleeve – Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

Rapid weight loss.
Suitable for patients that may be at higher surgical risk
Lowest side effect profile of the available procedures.
Lose weight faster than a gastric band (though not quicker than a gastric bypass)
In 1 year can generally expect to lose 60-80% of excess weight

Drawbacks

Irreversible
Patients will not lose much weight after 1 year.
Major surgery so significant risks (05%)
Poor dietary decisions and snacking will lead to weight regain
Possibility of developing gallstones

Find out more

Gastric Banding – Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

Permanent but reversible.
Can be easily removed
It’s safer with a quicker recovery time (Compared to other procedures)
Adjustable, so can be tightened or loosened by your Doctor

Drawbacks

Weight loss takes more time than other surgical options
Requires dedication to lifestyle change in order to achieve weight loss.
Small yearly risk of device related complications. 1-2% for patients who eat well, up to 10%+ in patients who “abuse” their band.
Intolerance to some “lumpy” foods. Patients are unable to eat quickly.
Possibility of developing gallstones

Find out more

As with any major surgery your individual circumstances needs to be taken into consideration, these are discussed during your specialist consultations and interactions with our team. If you would like more information on any of these surgery options, or would like to discuss whether you are eligible for weight loss surgery, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss this further with you.