How much is weight loss surgery?

Understandably, the first thing many people ask is “How much does weight loss surgery cost?” Unfortunately, there’s not one simple answer to this question.

The amount you’ll need to pay for weight loss surgery depends on several things:

• Which type of surgery you have
• Your surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees
• Hospital charges
• Whether you have private health insurance.

If you have private health insurance that includes covers for bariatric surgery, you will need to discuss your out-of-pocket costs with your surgeon and health fund. 

If you do not have private health insurance, you can self-fund your surgery. There are three fees for any surgery: the hospital fees, the surgeon’s fee, and the anaesthetist’s fee. Your surgeon will be able to give you a detailed breakdown of costs. 

It’s important to note that different surgeons offer a different range of services within their packages. For example, the price you pay may cover not only the cost of surgery, but also follow up care and consultations with a dietitian and psychologist. 

Your surgeon can explain their fees, payment options and what their pricing includes. Talk to your health fund to find out more about what you are covered for and the rebates you can expect.

Can I use my super for weight loss surgery?

You may be able to use your superannuation to pay for bariatric surgery. The application for early release of super needs to go through the Australian Tax Office. If you’d like to do this, you’ll need to follow the steps below.

● Check that your super fund allows early release of superannuation. Most funds do, but it’s a good idea to make sure before you plan to have surgery. 

● If you haven’t already, create an online account with MyGov and the ATO. You’ll need to submit your application through these portals. 

● Talk to your GP and surgeon about your plans to fund weight loss surgery through early release of super. They will both need to fill out the “Report by registered medical practitioner” form which can be downloaded from the Services Australia website.

● Allow several weeks for your application to be approved and the funds to be released into your bank account.

Most surgeons can assist you with this process. Find out more about early release of super to fund weight loss surgery on the ATO website.

Do I qualify for weight loss surgery?

The guidelines around who is eligible for weight loss surgery changed in late 2022. You may be able to have weight loss surgery if:

• your BMI is over 35
• your BMI is between 30 and 34.9 and you have a weight-related health condition (such as diabetes or heart disease)
• you have made a concerted effort to lose weight through diet and exercise but have not been successful.

What is the best gastric surgery for weight loss?

Modern bariatric surgery techniques are all designed to support effective and long-term weight loss. There is not one single ‘best’ bariatric procedure. Your surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of different types of weight loss surgery and provide guidance on the best option for you.

Types of weight loss surgery

Is weight loss surgery reversible?

This depends on the type of surgery you have. If the procedure involves removing a portion of the stomach (such as a gastric sleeve), this obviously cannot be reversed.

Implants such as a gastric band (lap band) can be removed. Gastric bypass procedures that involve rerouting the digestive tract may be reversible. However, this involves having another surgery and is only recommended under very specific circumstances (to manage serious complications, for example).

It’s important to note that obesity is a chronic health condition that needs long-term management. Rather than thinking of bariatric surgery as a temporary and reversible solution, it can be helpful to think of it as a long-term approach to reaching and staying at a healthy weight.

Revision weight loss surgery

How much weight will I lose and how fast?

Weight loss after bariatric surgery varies from one person to another. It will depend on various factors, including:

• the type of bariatric procedure
• your starting weight
• how well you follow the post-operative diet and physical activity plan following surgery.

On average, most people can expect to lose approximately 30 – 40% of total body weight after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.

Weight loss typically occurs very quickly in the first few months after surgery. While the rate of weight loss usually slows down after about six months, most people continue to lose weight for 12 to 18 months after surgery.

Comparing types of weight loss surgery

What can I eat after weight loss surgery?

Different surgeons have different protocols for eating after weight loss surgery. In general, you can expect to start on liquid foods, gradually progressing to soft foods and then a regular diet over several weeks.

Your stomach will be smaller, so you’ll only be able to eat smaller portions. You should continue to eat small portions of healthy foods for life. Some people experience dumping syndrome (see below) if they eat foods that are high in sugar, so they develop an intolerance to these foods. It’s best to limit these foods anyway because they usually contain few nutrients and can contribute to weight regain.

Ask your surgeon about what you’ll be able to eat after weight loss surgery. Many surgeons have a dietitian on their care team to give you expert, personalised dietary advice.

Recovery after weight loss surgery

When can I go back to work after bariatric surgery?

Most people can return to work after about two weeks, although this may be a bit longer or shorter depending on the type of work you do. Your surgeon can explain specifics in your case.

What is dumping syndrome?

Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small bowel after you eat. It is also known as rapid gastric emptying. It can affect some people who have surgery of the stomach or oesophagus, including bariatric surgery.

The symptoms of dumping syndrome include:

• stomach cramps
• nausea
• diarrhoea
• feeling tired or light-headed after eating.

These symptoms can occur anywhere between 30 minutes and three hours after a meal.

You can help to prevent dumping syndrome by changing the way you eat after surgery. You might need to eat smaller meals and limit foods that contain a lot of sugar. Some people need medication and occasionally surgery to manage dumping syndrome. However, it can often be managed with simple changes to your diet and eating patterns.

Will I need to have excess skin removed after the surgery?

After losing a lot of weight, many people have some loose skin. The degree to which you are affected will depend on various things including:

• your age
• how much weight you lose
• your genetics
• whether you exercise or smoke.

Many people find that they can cover loose skin with compression garments or clothing. However, some people choose to have plastic surgery to remove it. It is usually recommended you wait at least 18 months after weight loss surgery to have excess skin surgery.

Do I need to wait to get pregnant after bariatric surgery?

Many women have weight loss surgery to improve their chances of falling pregnant. One of the benefits of losing excess weight is that it helps to improve fertility. It also leads to a reduced risk of pregnancy and birth complications such as gestational diabetes, eclampsia, and post-birth haemorrhage. Bariatric surgery also reduces the likelihood of needing to have a C-section.

However, most surgeons advise you should wait for 12 to 18 months after bariatric surgery before you fall pregnant. This is because the surgery and rapid, significant weight loss can affect your nutritional intake and hormone function. It’s best to wait until your weight has stabilised and your nutritional intake is optimised. Falling pregnant earlier may also lead to difficulties with reaching your goal weight.

If you’re planning a pregnancy after weight loss surgery, be sure to let your surgeon know. They can provide tailored advice for you.

Will I regain weight after bariatric surgery?

Many people regain a little bit of weight (about 5%) two or more years after bariatric surgery. However, studies have shown that most people who have gastric bypass or gastric sleeve continue to maintain a total weight loss of at least 30% for up to 10 years after surgery.

Will I lose hair after bariatric surgery?

It is common to lose some hair between three and six months after weight loss surgery. The reason why this occurs is not fully understood. However, hair loss is nearly always temporary. Getting enough essential nutrients, especially iron, zinc and folate in your diet can encourage hair regrowth and reduce the chance of longer-term hair thinning. Your surgeon or dietitian can give you advice about eating for healthy hair.

Will I need to take supplements after surgery?

After weight loss surgery, most people need to take a multivitamin supplement for life. You may need higher doses of some vitamins or minerals, such as calcium, iron, and vitamin D. You will need to have regular blood tests to check your nutrient levels. Your surgeon or dietitian will monitor your nutritional status closely and explain the supplements you need to take.

Will I need to change my lifestyle after bariatric surgery?

Yes. Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix; it’s a way to get you on track to reach and maintain a healthier weight. One of the biggest things that influences the success of surgery is your commitment to making healthy changes.

While obesity is a complex condition, it is usually related to eating a diet that gives you more energy (kilojoules or calories) than you need. Returning to such a diet could cause you to regain lost weight. Being active can also help you maintain a healthy weight, in addition to its various other health benefits.

However, changing long-term habits can be difficult. Food and eating also have emotional or social associations for many people. For this reason, many surgeons have a dietitian and psychologist either on their teams or as referral partners.

A dietitian can design a tailored eating plan and provide support to help you build and maintain healthy eating habits. A psychologist can help you to recognise and deal with any unhelpful thoughts or beliefs related to food, eating and your body. Working with these professionals can assist you to not only reach a healthier weight, but also to experience better physical and mental wellbeing over the long term.

Reviewed by Dr Anthony Cheng 
General Surgery, Obesity & Bariatrics 
Sunnybank Private Hospital.