FAQs – Bariatric Surgery

How common is bariatric surgery in Australia?

By 2025 more than 80 per cent of Australians will be overweight or obese according to the Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute.

As a result of the obesity epidemic, the number of Australians undergoing bariatric surgery has increased from 500 in 1988 to 17,000 per year in recent decades.

Australian Gov Dept of Health (2009)

When should I speak to my doctor about surgery?

You should speak to your doctor about bariatric surgery if

• Your BMI is more than 30
• You have problems linked to weight such as sleep apnoea, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis
• Your BMI or waist circumference is increasing in between GP visits
• Your weight is limiting simple activities of daily living and quality of life
• You are concerned about missing out on those extra years of life

What are the risks of being morbidly obese?

Obesity is associated with a number of serious and or chronic health conditions including:

• Musculo-skeletal problems
• Cardiovascular disease & stroke
• Some cancers
• Sleep apnoea
• Type 2 diabetes (one of the six National Health Priority areas)
• Hypertension (High blood pressure)

Australian Gov Dept of Health (2009)

What are the benefits of losing weight via surgery?

Research has consistently found that obesity has a negative impact on your health, life expectancy and can be detrimental to your quality of life (Medical Journal of Australia 2005). Weight loss surgery is recognised as the most effective method to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off, and in turn reduce these negative impacts.

With regular follow-up, improved diet and exercise programs you may notice these benefits:

Your risk of premature death and obesity-related illness reduces dramatically.

• Obesity surgery reduces and often resolves symptoms of obesity-related sleep apnoea, arthritis and diabetes.
• You will have a reduced risk of heart attack, cardiovascular disease, heart failure or stroke.
• Cancer risk reduces too, with obesity now a significant risk factor for many cancers
• You may experience other health improvements. Infections heal more quickly and you’ll see the reduction in issues such as:
  • Nerve defects
  • Impotence
  • Blindness and eye disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Infertility, Irregular Bleeding or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
  • Reflux
  • High Cholesterol

You will enjoy a healthier, active and engaged lifestyle

• You’ll be able to move about easier, play sports, enjoy hobbies and social activities with friends
• Your body image, self-esteem and self-confidence will improve
• You may experience decreased depression and stress 

Do I need a referral?

Yes, you will need to see your GP to get a referral to one of our Bariatrics surgeons.

If you’re interested, book an appointment with your GP to speak about your options and request a referral.

What is the cost?

The costs of the surgery can vary based on whether you have private health insurance, the types of procedure and the weight loss solution you select. At your initial consultation, you and your surgeon will have a thorough conversation about the costs applicable to you.

At times, options are available for self-funded patients. If this is your preference, please speak to the surgeon whether you are suitable.

Do I need surgery?

Speak to your doctor about surgery if:

• Your BMI is more than 30
• You have a BMI between 25 and 30 plus health problems linked to weight such as sleep apnoea, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arthritis
• Your BMI or waist circumference is increasing in between GP visits
• You have a waist size of 80cm or more for women and 94cm or more for men
• You have diabetes related to obesity. In more than 80 per cent of cases this can be resolved or reduced post-surgery

Calculate your BMI here