Do I need a referral?

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

What is the cost?

The costs of the surgery can vary based on if you have private health insurance, the types of procedure and the specialist you select.

At times, options are available for self-funded patients, so please speak to your preferred surgeon about this option and whether you are suitable.

You can view our list of surgeons here.

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 benefits will surgery provide?

• 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.
• Cancer risk reduces too, with obesity now a significant risk factor for many cancers.
• You will embark on a healthier lifestyle with regular follow-up, improved diet and exercise programs.
• You will lose significantly amounts of weight, commonly 60 to 70kg.
• You will feel better about your appearance and self-confidence.

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

• Find out your BMI and gain an understanding of what it means
• Find out the health consequences
• Get practice weight loss information