It is also worth factoring in that if the surgery needs to be revised, that will be an additional cost as well. A lot of people only factor in the upfront cost of the surgery, which leaves them frustrated at other costs associated with it, or without the results, they desired because they did not access the services that would have benefitted them.

The surgery itself will cost slightly less than that, but the costs of add-ons including initial surgeon’s consultation fee, medications, dietitian and psychologists should be factored in as they are essential for the surgery’s overall success. Without insurance, the total process will likely cost between $12,000 to $18000 after factoring in the Medicare rebates. The cost can vary depending on a variety of factors. Dumping syndrome – which can lead to low blood sugar, malnutrition, vomiting, ulcers, bowel obstruction and hernias.Gallstones can be found in as many as 35% of weight loss surgery patients, due to the rapid weight loss.Nutrition deficiencies can occur due to the combination of decreased food intake and malabsorption of nutrients (not relevant for the gastric band).Infection – issues with the surgery related to leakage or band slippage can lead to infections.Inability to eat certain foods – certain foods may no longer be tolerated well.Consistently overeating can lead to it stretching back to its normal size. It is still possible for the stomach to stretch post-surgery.The staples can leak, which could cause infection.Since it can be dangerous for individuals who are extremely obese to get a bypass, a sleeve gastrectomy can be used as a stepping stone prior to that surgery. This surgery leaves the option open to be followed up with gastric bypass.People average 30-50% weight loss within the first 6 months to a year. Faster weight loss than the gastric band (although not quite as fast as the bypass).The most common type of bariatric surgery in Australia.The remaining stomach looks like a “sleeve” connecting the oesophagus to the small intestine, which is why it is often referred to as a gastric sleeve. Can be dangerous for people who are extremely obese.Ī sleeve gastrectomy involves the removal of roughly ¾ of the stomach and the area that is leftover is stapled shut.Since it is a more invasive surgery, there is a higher risk such as blood clots and infections.Higher risk for gallstones due to the faster weight-loss.This often means lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation. Malabsorption of nutrients (such as calcium, iron and B12) due to the decreased stomach size and increased speed of food progressing through the digestive tract.Due to the larger weight-loss, there are even more improvements in weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis and diabetes.In 6 months, as much as 50% of total weight loss takes place, and often it continues for up to 2 years. Usually leads to the most dramatic results.Revision rate for surgery 5-10% due to pouch dilatation, food obstruction, band slippage, leaking and wound infections.Statistically, it results in less weight loss than the other common forms of surgery (50% of excess weight loss – while the others average 70% of excess weight loss).No malabsorption of nutrients due to the stomach still being fully intact.Lower risk of mortality than other common forms of surgery.The surgery is completely reversable and it is also possible to adjust the level of restriction after the surgery.By tightening the band further, the amount of food that can be eaten in an individual sitting is reduced, while also reducing hunger between meals. The tightness of this band can be adjusted to change the size of the opening, which can adjust the level of restriction. Lap Band Surgery involves placing an inflatable band around the top of the stomach through keyhole surgery. The most common types of bariatric surgery in Australia are the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy. If everything goes as planned however, it can result in some life-changing health benefits. Because of this, some people view it as the “easy way out.” This certainly is not the case since the whole process requires a lot of effort and can often come with a range of difficult to manage side-effects. Bariatric surgery is the most effective way to lose excess weight and keep it off in the long term that we have available at this stage.

Stapled stomach surgery cost