Should I have weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a very effective way to lose weight. The clinical data and evidence supports the safety and efficacy of surgery for the treatment of obesity and its related issues (co-morbidities).
Obesity is becoming ever more prevalent and this creates significant and debilitating health consequences. People who are obese have shorter life expectancy, poor quality of life and increased risk of developing health conditions such as:
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diabetes
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joint problems (arthritis)
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high blood pressure
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stroke
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heart attack
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breathing difficulties (sleep apnoea)
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fertility issues
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cancers
What is the criteria for weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is recommended for individuals with:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 35 kg/m2
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BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 and presence of medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus or other co-morbidities
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BMI 30 to 34.9 kg/m2 who do not achieve substantial or durable weight loss or comorbidity improvement using nonsurgical methods
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Requirement for weight loss for other specialty surgery, such as abdominal wall hernia repair, joint replacements or organ transplantation
Do I qualify?
Is weight loss surgery safe?
"Long-term data consistently demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and durability of weight loss surgery in the treatment of clinically severe obesity and its comorbidities, with decreased mortality compared with nonoperative treatments."
Multidisciplinary team management for patients peri-operatively can greatly reduce complications and improve outcomes. You may be referred to see our specialist physicians (e.g. cardiologist, endocrinologist, bariatric medicine GP) and allied health practitioners (e.g. dietician, exercise physiologist).
Management of obesity is an ongoing requirement just like other health conditions such as high blood pressure. This may include revisional surgery and other supportive therapy to achieve success.
What are some complications from weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery risks are very low but these include:
Short term complications -
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Bleeding from blood vessels and abdominal organs which may require further intervention
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Leakage from a failed staple line or the newly created bowel join
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Injury to other organs during the surgery
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Bowel obstruction
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Infection and abdominal collection
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Blood clots
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Pain
Long term complications -
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Vitamin and mineral deficiencies as a result of malabsorption
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Reflux - acid/bile
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Dumping - early/late
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Excessive weight loss
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Bowel obstruction
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Pain
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Weight regain
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Excess loose skin
The risks are dependent on the type of surgery undertaken and relating to each individual's health characteristics (co-morbidities).
Which weight loss surgery should I have?
The type of surgery you have will depend on your health profile and the desired goal (e.g. weight loss target, treatment of diabetes). It is important to have a tailored approach to your weight loss journey.
In particular, key factors to consider include whether you have reflux disease, diabetes, take certain medications and body mass index (BMI). For example, a patient with significant reflux disease may have worsening of the reflux symptoms by having a sleeve gastrectomy.
How will I feel after weight loss surgery?
How you feel after surgery will depend on the type of surgery you have and your health profile. It is common to feel some surgical pain (e.g. shoulder tip pain) and nausea. Often theses are easily controlled with simple medications and subside after Day 1. You will be guided through what to expect from our helpful and dependable nurses before and after surgery. Most patients feel great after surgery and are very motivated to start their recovery and the expected weight loss journey. The diet progression will generally be upgraded every 2 weeks from a fluid diet to puree textured to soft, guided by your experienced dietician specialising in weight loss management. The main aim within the first week is to keep hydrated by sipping small amounts of fluid (as you will have a very small stomach) on a regular basis.
How much weight will I lose after weight loss surgery?
The amount of weight you lose will depend on how much excess weight you have, as well as the type of procedure you have. Around 40 to 70% of excess body weight can be lost with surgery.