Weight loss surgery is a growing solution for managing obesity in Australia, with over 14,000 procedures performed annually. But surgery isn’t the only path to better health.

For some, a less invasive and more personalised option like Vively’s CGM program may be a better first step—offering real-time insights into how your body responds to food, activity, and stress to help guide long-term lifestyle changes before considering surgery.

Key takeaways:

• Obesity in Australia: 65.8% of adults are overweight or obese. Severe obesity has doubled in the last decade.
• Types of surgery:
  
  • Sleeve gastrectomy: Removes 80% of the stomach. Irreversible but highly effective.
  • Gastric bypass: Creates a small stomach pouch and bypasses part of the intestine. Best for long-term results.
  • Lap band: Adjustable silicone band around the stomach. Fully reversible but less effective.
• Costs: Surgery costs range from $6,000 to $25,000. Medicare and private insurance can reduce expenses.
• Eligibility: BMI of 40+ or 35+ with health issues. Requires documented weight loss attempts and pre-surgery evaluations.
• Results: Significant weight loss and health improvements, including better diabetes management and reduced sleep apnea.

Quick comparison:

Weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision that requires careful planning, financial considerations, and long-term lifestyle changes. Excess weight loss (EWL) refers to the percentage of extra body weight a person loses after surgery. Start by checking your BMI, consulting a specialist, and reviewing your insurance options.

Common weight loss surgery options

In Australia, weight loss surgery provides effective ways to reduce food intake and support lasting weight management. Here's a breakdown of three common procedures and how they work.

Sleeve gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a widely chosen procedure. Surgeons remove around 80% of the stomach, leaving a smaller "sleeve" that holds about 200 mL (7 fl oz) compared to the original 2.5 litres (85 fl oz).

• Physical restriction: The smaller stomach makes you feel full after eating much less.
• Hormonal changes: By removing part of the stomach, ghrelin (the hunger hormone) production decreases, reducing appetite.

This option is considered for patients who need a shorter operation time or have higher surgical risks. However, it is irreversible and may lead to or worsen acid reflux in some cases.

Gastric bypass

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) is a more intricate surgery. It creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the lower small intestine, bypassing most of the stomach and upper intestine. This dual approach restricts food intake and reduces calorie absorption. It is especially effective for managing obesity-related health issues.

While gastric bypass offers reliable, long-term results, it requires ongoing monitoring to address potential risks like vitamin deficiencies and dumping syndrome (when food moves too quickly to the small intestine).

Lap band surgery

Lap band surgery uses an adjustable silicone band placed around the upper stomach. This creates a small pouch that slows food entry into the stomach. The band's tightness can be adjusted through a port located under the skin.

Here's a quick comparison of these procedures:

Note: Costs do not include Medicare rebates.

Lap band surgery has become less common due to higher complication rates and lower long-term effectiveness compared to the other options. As a result, most surgeons now recommend sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, depending on the patient’s health needs and goals.

Who can get weight loss surgery

Qualifying for weight loss surgery involves meeting specific medical criteria and undergoing several health assessments. Here's a breakdown of the eligibility requirements in Australia.

Weight and health criteria

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) and related health conditions play a key role in determining eligibility. Here's how it works:

For individuals of Indian or Asian descent, doctors may use lower BMI thresholds, as these groups often face obesity-related health problems at lower BMIs.

Common obesity-related conditions that could support a surgical recommendation include type 2 diabetes, severe sleep apnea, heart disease, high blood pressure, and serious joint issues.

Documented weight loss efforts

You’ll need to show evidence of previous weight loss attempts. This includes proof of supervised dietary programs, any prescribed medications, and a history of being at least 99 lbs (45 kg) over your ideal weight. This documentation highlights your commitment to weight loss before moving forward with additional health checks and financial planning.

Pre-surgery evaluations

Before surgery, you’ll undergo several assessments, including:

• Medical tests like metabolic panels, thyroid evaluations, imaging, sleep studies, and EKGs will be recommended by your doctor.
• A psychological evaluation to ensure you understand the risks and recovery process.
• A review of your diet, exercise habits, readiness for lifestyle changes, support system, and smoking status.

Meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee approval. Doctors will also assess your overall health and readiness to make substantial lifestyle changes. These factors are just as important as you explore the financial aspects of weight loss surgery in the next sections.

After weight loss surgery, you may notice changes in your body shape, including a reduction in visceral (belly) fat, which is often linked to imbalances in cortisol or insulin.

Surgery costs and payment options

Understanding the financial aspects of your procedure is key to proper planning. Costs depend on the type of surgery and your insurance coverage.

Medicare coverage

Medicare offers basic coverage for weight loss surgeries, providing the following rebates:

To qualify, you'll need to meet specific health requirements and show proof of prior unsuccessful weight loss attempts. Once you've reviewed Medicare, explore how private insurance can further reduce your expenses.

Private insurance coverage

Private health insurance can help minimize out-of-pocket costs. In 2022–23, about 79% of privately insured patients incurred some out-of-pocket costs for gastric bypass procedures. Here's a breakdown for gastric bypass:

• Patient payment: $990
• Medicare contribution: $1,500
• Insurance payment: $1,200
• Total specialist fees: $4,500

Coverage for bariatric surgery is usually limited to Silver 'plus' or Gold hospital policies, and most require a 12-month waiting period.

If your insurance doesn't cover all expenses, you'll need to consider direct costs and payment plan options.

Direct costs and payment plans

Here’s a look at the typical costs of various procedures:

Note: Insured patients usually pay about $3,500 out-of-pocket.

These figures generally include surgeon and anaesthesiologist fees, hospital charges, pre- and post-operative care, and dietary support. To avoid surprises, ask your surgeon for a detailed cost breakdown and confirm coverage with your insurance provider. Many clinics also offer flexible payment plans to make these procedures more manageable.

Surgery risks and results

Understand the potential risks of weight loss surgery and the long-term results you can expect, including weight loss outcomes and health improvements.

Known surgery risks

Weight loss surgery comes with risks, and understanding them is crucial for making informed decisions and taking the right precautions. It is important to go to your doctors appointments with plenty of questions to know all about the risks.

For long-term risks, the type of surgery matters. Gastric bypass patients may face issues like dumping syndrome, nutrient deficiencies, bowel obstruction, or ulcers. Those who undergo sleeve gastrectomy should watch for acid reflux, vitamin deficiencies, stricture, and gallstones. Even with these risks, many patients report major health gains post-surgery.

Expected health improvements

Research shows that weight loss surgery often leads to major health benefits. For example, a study analysing 22,000 patients revealed:

• 86% saw improvement or resolution of type 2 diabetes.
• 79–86% experienced relief from sleep apnea, depending on the procedure.
• 30–50% achieved normal blood pressure without needing medication.

Other benefits include a nearly 80% reduction in cancer risk and improved fertility. In one study, 47% of 783 women with pre-surgery fertility issues were able to conceive after the procedure.

Long-term weight loss results

Sustained weight loss requires consistent effort and lifestyle changes. Here’s what studies show about long-term outcomes:

To maintain these results, focus on:

• Exercising 300–400 minutes weekly
• Following protein-rich meal plans
• Drinking at least 2L of water daily
• Taking prescribed supplements
• Attending regular follow-up appointments

If weight regain occurs, addressing it quickly is key to staying on track. Regular monitoring and sticking to these lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

Post-surgery life changes

Learn how to navigate life after weight loss surgery, including dietary adjustments, physical activity guidelines, and ongoing lifestyle changes for lasting results.

New eating habits

After surgery, it's essential to follow a structured eating plan to aid recovery and ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. Nutritional supplementation is also vital to ensure that your body is still getting adequate micronutrients with less food intake.

Aim for 65–75 grams of protein daily. Stay hydrated by drinking 8 cups of water throughout the day, but avoid drinking liquids during meals as this can lead to feeling overly full at meal times. 

Daily supplements you’ll need include:

• High-potency chewable multivitamin
• 1,200-2,000 mg calcium (split into smaller doses)
• 800-1,000 IU vitamin D
• 500 mcg vitamin B12

Pair these dietary adjustments with gradual physical activity to support your recovery and seek support from an Accredited Practising Dietitian who can personalise the advice to your individual needs. 

Physical activity guidelines

Start with light movement during the first month, such as short walks, and gradually increase your activity level as your body heals.

Initial recovery (first 4 weeks):

• Take short walks multiple times daily.
• Gradually work up to 10,000 steps per day.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
• Make sure to check with your doctor if they have specific recommendations for returning to exercise.

Long-term activity goals:

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• For better results, increase to 300 minutes weekly.
• Include a mix of low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling and weekly strength training.

Getting help and support

Professional support:

• Regular check-ups with your GP.
• Consultations with a dietitian.
• Routine blood tests to monitor your health.

Community support:

• Join the Bariatric Support Australia (BSA) online community.
• Attend local support groups.
• Stay connected with your healthcare team.

Holistic tools for lasting change:

‍Beyond clinical support, holistic health tools can help you stay on track with your goals. For example, Vively’s CGM program provides a real-time, personalised view of your glucose response—offering insights into how your body reacts to food, stress, sleep, and movement. This can be particularly valuable if you are experiencing dumping syndrome or struggling to meet your nutritional needs. 

With support from Accredited Practising Dietitians and the Vively app’s tailored recommendations, you can build healthier habits that support long-term weight management and metabolic health.

Balancing diet, exercise, continuous glucose monitoring, and strong support systems is key to maintaining your progress after surgery. These tools work together to help you build lasting habits and set you up for long-term success.

Conclusion

Weight loss surgery in Australia provides effective, long-term solutions for managing obesity, with over 14,000 procedures performed annually. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most common, accounting for 70% of these surgeries.

Each procedure offers specific advantages. For instance, gastric bypass has an 80% success rate in managing Type 2 diabetes for eligible patients. These results often lead to better overall health and improved daily living.

Next steps

After reviewing eligibility criteria and financial considerations, here’s how to move forward:

Start here:

• Check your BMI and weight loss history.
• Evaluate your readiness for lifestyle adjustments.
• Look into your insurance coverage and payment options.
• Consider tools that support your long-term health, such as Vively’s CGM program, which helps you understand your body’s glucose response to food, movement, and stress—empowering you to build better habits post-surgery.

Professional Consultation:

• Use the ANZMOSS (Australian & New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society) directory to find a surgeon.
• Confirm the surgeon’s FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) credentials.
• Schedule appointments with your bariatric care team, including:
  
  • Bariatric surgeon
  • Dietitian
  • Psychologist
  • Obesity medicine specialist