Answer :

If you are interested in getting a free surgery done from a public health facility, you should consult your GP. They should be able to direct you to a Medicare funded bariatric facility (Obesity and Metabolic clinics) where there are waiting times and certain qualifying criteria that must be met.

If you are a holder of a Private Health Insurance, weight loss surgery may be covered under your insurance. Depending on your cover, you may still incur some out-of-pocket expenses. Please check with your private health insurance provider for more details.

At Healthy weight Australia, We do not provide any free surgeries or procedures at any of our locations.

Answer :

The gastric balloon can be uncomfortable but is generally not painful

Answer :

We aim for weight loss of 10-15kg in first 3 months and then 10-30kg by the end of 12 months. However, how much you lose is also dependant on the lifestyle changes you make

Answer :

The weight loss can be rapid during the first month but everyone is different

Answer :

After discharge on around day 2 following the procedure, we recommend a week or two of resting at home before getting back into work and regular activities. Walking is excellent for recovery and we recommend building up the distance as tolerated. You should not be performing vigorous exercise, specifically anything that causes you to strain your abdominal muscles or require you to lift more than 10kg until you have been cleared at your post op visit. This will be around week 4-6. On discharge, you will go home on a liquid diet. This will gradually be upgraded so that at the 6 week mark you will be introducing regular foods, but in smaller portions.

Answer :

Yes. Following the recommended diet plan and continued cardiovascular and resistance exercises are key to avoid weight regain after a gastric sleeve.

Answer : You can definitely overeat, which can lead to feeling overfull or even cause you to vomit. This is not recommended! But in short no, it is not technically possible for you to do something to cause a tear.

Answer : Dumping syndrome occurs when simple carbohydrates quickly enter the small bowel, causing fluid to be rapidly drawn into the gut. This can lead to low blood pressure and a sympathetic response. The main symptoms patients complain of are cramping abdominal pain, sweating, diarrhoea and light headedness.

Answer : Leaks can occur early (ie within 7 days), but they can also occur up to a few months post procedure. Although it is an uncommon complication, occurring in <5% of patients, it is one of the main issues that doctors will monitor for. If you experience new fevers, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or can feel your heart racing- we suggest seeing your GP or presenting to the emergency department for review. You should also get in contact with us so we can advise and assist.

Answer : Leak tests are not routinely performed. However if there is concern, we may ask you to drink some contrast and have either an xray study (where they follow the contrast as you swallow it) and/or a CT scan.

Answer : Leaks can present with symptoms such as fever, raised heart rate, a higher breathing rate, abdominal pain or shoulder tip pain. Some people just feel generally off, especially if they had felt they were improving and things start getting worse again. If you experience any of these symptoms after discharge, please contact your GP or get in contact with us directly as you may need further investigations. In rare circumstances, people may present with sepsis and be extremely unwell. This is far less common.

Answer : The main thing you will notice is a restriction of your normal oral intake. You will feel full quicker, from smaller portions and will stay full for longer. You may also not even get hungry for a few weeks following the procedure. This restriction does not last forever and some people will notice a gradual ability to eat more. This is why we like to think of a gastric sleeve as a tool for weight loss. It should teach you to concentrate on protein intake, as well as including high fibre foods, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Once you get into the habit of eating this way, it won’t matter if your restriction decreases over time.

Answer : You need to have a BMI>40 or BMI>35 with obesity associated illnesses. This can include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, polycystic ovaries, sleep apnoea and osteoarthritis.

a. Can you get gastric sleeve if you are not obese? No.

b. Can you be too overweight for weight loss surgery? Yes. There are risks associated with the surgical procedure which increases with your BMI. We then aim to commence the weight loss process with life style changes, meal replacements (VLCD) and/or weight loss medications prior to proceeding with surgery

Answer : You are only under anaesthetic for a short time before and after the procedure with the surgery time still approximately 60minutes. The total time of general anaesthetic is around 90 minutes.

Answer : Most people lose weight quickly in the first 3 months following surgery and then the weight loss gradually slows down. We aim for around 30% total body weight loss at the end of 12 months. However, you can continue to lose weight depending on your diet and exercise which is key.

Answer : We remove approximately two thirds of your stomach so yes it is a major surgery! Having said that, the operating time is minimal and the stay in hospital is usually only a few days.

Answer : Like any operation, there will be some pain involved. You receive local anaesthetic and pain medications during the procedure and afterwards the surgeon and anaesthetist will do their best to keep you comfortable. We encourage you to get moving as soon as you’re able after the procedure as this is the best thing you can do for your recovery.

Answer : Approximately 60minutes.