Surgical vs non-surgical weight loss treatments: What should I decide?

When it comes to weight loss, many people assume there are only two choices; diet and lifestyle changes, or weight reduction surgeries like gastric bypass surgery.

In fact, the world of weight loss is more varied than ever.

Surgical options for weight loss, also known as bariatric surgery, can provide life-saving results for people struggling to improve their health.

But today, non-surgical weight loss solutions are not limited to lifestyle and dietary changes.

There are many non-invasive procedures which can aid in the reduction of both appetite and body mass.

Our team of medical professionals is here to guide you through this process, covering both surgical weight loss options and the best non-surgical weight loss procedures available in Australia.

Contact our weight loss clinic for a consultation today

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

 

Surgical Options for Weight Loss

	Gastric Bypass	Sleeve Gastrectomy	Adjustable Gastric Banding
Overview	Gastric bypass surgery works by altering the digestive system, reducing the amount of food the stomach can hold and limiting the number of calories absorbed by the body.  The surgery involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine to this pouch, bypassing a portion of the stomach and small intestine.	Commonly known as a gastric sleeve, this is one of the most common surgical procedures for weight loss.  It involves removing up to 80% of the stomach, leaving a tube-shaped remnant about the size of a banana.	Adjustable gastric banding is a weight loss surgery in which a silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch.  This limits the amount of food the stomach can hold, helping people feel full more quickly and eat less.  The band can be adjusted over time to control the amount of restriction.
Procedure	The gastric bypass procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia and can be done either via an open incision or more commonly, laparoscopically (using small incisions and a camera to guide the surgeon).	The procedure is performed laparoscopically, under general anaesthesia, with small incisions in the upper abdomen.	The procedure is minimally invasive and performed laparoscopically.  The surgeon places the adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch above the band.  The band is connected to a port placed under the skin, allowing the surgeon to adjust the band’s tightness by adding or removing fluid through the port.
Results	Most patients can expect to achieve significant weight loss, often losing 50% to 80% of their excess weight within the first 12-18 months of surgery.	Patients can expect to lose 60–70% of their excess weight within the first year, and most reach their lowest weight 12–24 months after surgery.	The adjustable gastric band can help patients lose a significant amount of weight by restricting food intake and promoting portion control.  Most patients lose 40-50% of their excess weight within 2-3 years. However, weight loss is based on the individual’s adherence to diet and lifestyle changes.
Recovery	Recovery from gastric bypass surgery usually involves a hospital stay of 2-3 days, followed by a gradual return to normal activities.  Initially, patients follow a liquid diet, progressing to pureed and solid foods over time.  Pain and discomfort are usually manageable with medication. Light physical activities can be resumed within a few weeks, but strenuous exercise is avoided for several months.  Long-term recovery includes adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise, along with lifelong vitamin and supplement intake to prevent nutrient deficiencies.  Ongoing follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress and ensure optimal health outcomes.	Most patients remain in hospital for two days, and many people are ready to return to most of their normal activities after a few weeks. In general, you should give yourself a full month before you return to work and physical activity at full capacity.	Recovery from adjustable gastric banding is generally quicker than more invasive surgeries.  Most return to normal activities within a week.  However, they will need to follow a strict diet plan, avoid certain foods, and take steps to ensure the band stays in place.  Regular follow-ups with the surgeon are essential for adjustments and monitoring for complications.

Non-Surgical Options for Weight Loss

	ESG	Intragastric Balloon
Overview	Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure in which a series of sutures are placed in the stomach to reduce the size and shape.  Like the sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure creates a sleeve-like structure, but without incisions or permanent removal of stomach tissue.  ESG is performed using an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera, inserted through the mouth.	A gastric balloon is a non-surgical option for weight loss.  A soft, silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach to help patients feel fuller faster.  The balloon is usually left in place for four to six months and can be used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes to promote weight loss.
Procedure	The ESG procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and takes 1-2 hours.  Using an endoscope, the surgeon places sutures to fold the stomach into a smaller, tubular shape.  These sutures reduce the stomach’s capacity, limiting food intake and promoting early satiety.  The procedure does not involve cutting or removing any part of the stomach, and no external incisions are made.	Considered a non-invasive weight loss surgery, the procedure involves the insertion of a deflated balloon through the mouth and into the stomach, either under light sedation or via swallowing a capsule with the balloon contained inside, depending on the balloon.  Once inside, the balloon is filled with a sterile solution, causing it to expand.  The entire procedure takes just 20-30 minutes and is minimally invasive, with no incisions required.  The balloon is then passed naturally after three to four months or removed under light sedation six months later (depending on the balloon), after weight loss has been achieved.
Results	Most patients experience significant weight loss after ESG, losing around 30-50% of their excess weight within the first year.  The amount of weight loss depends on the individual’s commitment to following a healthy eating and exercise routine.  ESG can help improve or resolve obesity-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnoea.	Patients can expect to lose 60–70% of their excess weight within the first year, and most reach their lowest weight 12–24 months after surgery.
Recovery	Recovery after ESG is relatively quick, with most patients able to go home the same day as the procedure.  There is usually minimal pain or discomfort, but patients will need to follow a liquid and soft-food diet for a few weeks to allow the stomach to heal.  Full recovery can take several weeks, and patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities during this time.  Follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor progress and ensure the sutures remain intact.	Recovery from a gastric balloon procedure is relatively quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within 1-2 days.  However, some discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or bloating may occur immediately after the procedure as the body adjusts.  A modified, soft-food diet is followed during the first few weeks to minimise discomfort.  After the balloon is removed, patients should continue with a healthy eating plan and regular physical activity to sustain long-term weight loss.

Medications

Weight loss medications are pharmaceutical treatments designed to help individuals reduce body weight by suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or decreasing fat absorption. These medications are usually prescribed for individuals who are struggling with obesity and related health issues and have not been successful with lifestyle changes alone, and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.

Types of Weight Loss Medications

There are several types of weight loss medications, each working in different ways :

• Appetite Suppressants : These medications, including phentermine and liraglutide, help to reduce hunger or increase satiety.
• Fat Absorption Inhibitors : These medications block the absorption of dietary fats in the body, like orlistat.
• Metabolism Enhancers : Some medications, like bupropion-naltrexone, help increase energy expenditure and fat burning.
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists : These help with insulin regulation, appetite control, and weight loss (e.g., semaglutide).

Results :

When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, weight loss medications can help individuals achieve significant weight loss – around 5-10% of their body weight.

The results vary depending on the medication, the individual’s response, and their adherence to the prescribed program.

Recovery

While medications can provide a significant aid in weight loss, they are not a quick fix.

Side effects can include nausea, constipation, or headaches, and they usually resolve within a few days to weeks.

Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are important to monitor progress, assess side effects, and make adjustments to the medication as needed.

Additionally, long-term weight loss requires a continued commitment to lifestyle changes, even after the medication is stopped.

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Dietary and lifestyle changes refer to the alterations anyone can make to their existing routine. These changes can be drastic, like adopting a vegan or keto diet, or they can be small, manageable adjustments, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or cutting down the sugars in your morning coffee.

Types of dietary and lifestyle changes

• Reducing processed foods and incorporating more whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
• Minimising mindless snacking and instead focusing on intentional mealtimes.
• Eating small, regular meals to reduce the risk of elevated hunger and binging.
• Increasing your step count by parking further from work, taking the stairs where possible, and utilising a standing desks or walking pads.
• Taking up a community sport like netball, indoor soccer, or cricket.

Results :

Ultimately, you’re guaranteed to drop kilograms if you can burn more calories than you’re consuming.

The health benefits of improving your diet and increasing movement are significant.

Even if you don’t want to rely solely on dietary and lifestyle variations, you should be making these changes in conjunction with any bariatric surgery or weight loss medication.

Pros and Cons of Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, surgical solutions can be hugely beneficial.

Compared with non-surgical treatment of obesity, bariatric surgery leads to greater body weight loss and higher remission rates of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

However, weight loss from surgery is not for everyone, and weight loss procedures without surgery are well worth considering.

The following breakdown can help you decide which path might be right for you, but ultimately, it’s important to speak to a medical professional who can guide you.

Surgical Procedures	Non-Surgical Procedures
Permanent	Reversible, or temporary
Invasive, requiring general anaesthesia and a hospital stay	Non-invasive or minimally invasive, and unlikely to require a hospital stay
Weeks to months	Days to weeks
Higher risk of complications	Lower risk of complications
High remission rates (60-80%) for Type 2 diabetes (especially with gastric bypass). Immediate improvement in insulin sensitivity	Lower remission rates for Type 2 diabetes. Medications and balloon treatments may help with glucose control, but full remission is rarer
Significant improvement in metabolic syndrome markers (cholesterol, blood pressure, triglycerides)	Some improvement in metabolic syndrome markers, but often less substantial and not as lasting
Leads to more significant weight loss (15-35% of total body weight)	Less significant weight loss (5-10% of total body weight)
Suitable for individuals with severe obesity	Suitable for individuals with moderate obesity
Higher initial cost, depending on procedure chosen	Lower upfront costs
Lower risk of regaining weight	Higher risk of regaining weight
Can have long term implications like nutrient deficiencies	Effectiveness of medications can diminish over time
Requires ongoing commitment to diet and lifestyle changes	Requires ongoing commitment to diet and lifestyle changes

 

What You Should Consider Before Getting Weight Loss Surgery

Surgical procedures, like a gastric sleeve, are permanent procedures that can never be reversed.

Undertaking invasive procedures is a serious decision and one that should be carefully considered.

Any surgery is associated with serious risks and side effects.

While deciding on weight reduction surgery options, you should consider the following :

Eligibility :

Not everyone is eligible for bariatric surgery.

To be considered, you need to meet specific guidelines.

In most cases, you must fit within a particular weight window.

You must have a BMI of 35 or higher, or a BMI of 30 or higher if you have an obesity-related condition, and weigh roughly less than 200kgs.

You must have consistently tried to lose weight through other methods for at least six months without success.

Lifestyle changes :

In the lead up to surgery, you will need to eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron. If you’re a smoker, you should quit at least six weeks prior to surgery.

Assessments :

You will need to pass physical, nutritional and psychological assessments to ensure that surgery is safe for you.

Cost :

Deciding how to pay for weight loss surgery is a major consideration.

Bariatric surgery is not always covered by Medicare. Some private healthcare providers offer partial or full coverage, but you will need to contact your provider to find out specifically your level of cover.

Many plans also necessitate that you acquire the health insurance well before you plan to have bariatric surgery.

This may be a period of months, or several years, and will vary from plan to plan.

So, What is the best way to lose weight?

The best way to lose weight combines sustainable dietary changes, regular physical activity, and behavioural adjustments.

A balanced, nutrient-dense diet in a caloric deficit, paired with a mix of cardio and strength training, promotes gradual weight loss while preserving muscle mass.

Long-term success is supported by mindful eating, tracking progress, and setting realistic goals.

For those with significant weight challenges or health conditions, medical options like weight-loss medications or bariatric procedures can be enormously beneficial.

Deciding how to lose weight is hugely personal, and dependent on several factors.

Healthy Weight Australia can help you navigate your choices and find the solution that’s right for you.

Start your weight loss journey today.