Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss surgery is a major procedure. Talk to us and you’ll quickly realise that our approach to weight loss goes beyond a surgical procedure. It embraces long-term care and how you see yourself.
The goal is a healthier you. It’s your body. Your life. And we believe you deserve the best it has to offer.
What is weight loss surgery?
Also known as bariatric surgery, weight loss surgery uses advanced procedures and surgical treatment to assist patients with weight loss and treat other weight related health problems such as diabetes. There are different types of surgery, and they’re listed below. Our world class bariatric surgeons work with patients to help them achieve sustainable weight loss and improve their medical conditions, ultimately improving quality of life.
Weight loss procedures
If you’re ready to explore weight loss surgery, our highly skilled specialists offer a range of advanced procedures. They help you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat. Some bariatric procedures also limit how many nutrients your body can absorb. Your surgeon can explain the options and design a tailored plan for you.
This procedure involves removing approximately two-thirds of the stomach. You lose weight afterwards because your stomach is smaller and therefore you eat less. Removing part of the stomach also changes the way gut hormones signal hunger and fullness, which aids the weight loss process.
Your surgeon starts by making a smaller stomach pouch using a surgical stapling device. The pouch is joined to the small bowel approximately two metres downstream. This creates a shorter channel for nutrients to be absorbed and digested. You lose weight because your stomach can hold less food, and because modifying the course food takes through the digestive tract reduces hunger and increases fullness.
Your surgeon first divides the stomach to create a smaller pouch. The larger part of the stomach is bypassed and can no longer hold or digest food. Then they divide the small intestine and join it to the new stomach pouch so food can pass through. The section of small bowel that the bypassed section of stomach empties into is reconnected approximately 1.5 metres downstream. This means the channel where nutrients can be absorbed and digested is shorter. You lose weight because your stomach can hold less food, and because changing the course food takes through the digestive tract reduces hunger and increases fullness.
If you’ve had bariatric surgery but did not achieve the desired result, or you experienced concerns afterwards, you may be able to have a revisional procedure. Depending on which operation you had, this might involve a removal (e.g. of a gastric band), reversal or a different weight loss surgery.
Revisional procedures can be more complex, so it’s important to discuss the options with your surgeon. They can work with you to find a suitable solution.
World class surgeons
Choose Northern Beaches Hospital for your weight loss surgery and you’re in good hands. With minimal wait times our team of surgeons, dietitians, psychologists and nurses provide high-quality care from diagnosis to treatment and aftercare. Be assured, the focus is you.
Meet our weight loss surgeons
Dr Christos Apostolou
Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgeon
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Dr Carla Gillespie
Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgeon
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Dr Phil Le Page (Clinical Lead)
Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgeon
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Dr Andrew Pearson
Bariatric & Weight Loss Surgeon
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The approach that cares for body and mind
Because we’re a private hospital, you can expect better. Like being able to choose your own surgeon, who’ll provide a range of holistic support services.
Your team of experts will understand who you are and what you want to achieve, giving you your best chance of long-term weight loss, and its potential for physical and emotional benefits.
Benefits of choosing Northern Beaches Hospital as a private patient
- Minimal wait times
- Choose your preferred surgeon from our network
- Get holistic care including psychological and dietary support via your chosen surgeon
Cost
Like all surgeries performed in a private hospital there’s an out-of-pocket fee. The amount will depend on the health fund cover you have and the surgery that’s right for you. Your surgeon will be able to give you an indication of out-of-pocket cost.
You can choose to self-fund your surgery. Your surgeon can talk to you about this option.
Are you suitable for weight loss surgery?
Talk to your GP if you haven’t already. They’ll discuss weight loss surgery with you and help you understand the risks and potential benefits of weight loss surgery.
If you want to take the next step let your GP know you’re interested in having weight loss surgery at Northern Beaches Hospital. They can refer you to one of our expert surgeons for a consultation.
Please remember, only a bariatric surgeon can advise whether weight loss surgery is right for you. And only you can be comfortable going ahead once you have all the information.
Weight loss surgery is a major life-changing procedure. It involves a commitment to making life-long changes to your diet, exercise and lifestyle to help you maintain a healthy weight after surgery. It’s vital that you seek specialist medical advice that’s right for your circumstances.