Common Bariatric Surgery Questions

At our practice, we are often asked the same sequence of questions from our patients that are discussing their bariatric surgery options with one of our practitioners or surgeons. How much weight will I lose? What type of bariatric surgery options are there? What is the cost of bariatric surgery? 

Bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) is major surgery, and even with sufficient medical insurance, it can still carry a significant out of pocket cost. It requires lifelong changes to diet and lifestyle in order to be successful and most often is non-reversible. 

Today we are going to cover some of the common questions we are asked about bariatric surgery, to hopefully provide more insight for those who are curious whether it would be an option for them (or a family member/friend) to consider to help achieve a healthier lifestyle. 

Let’s tackle the big ones first. 

How much weight will I lose after bariatric surgery? 

This is the question that every patient wants to know the answer to, as bariatric surgery is a tool to help obese patients lose excess weight. How much weight a patient will lose is individual to the patient; it depends on what type of bariatric surgery they have, their individual genetic makeup as well as adherence to the post-bariatric surgery program of diet and exercise. To give you an idea: 

Gastric Band Surgery (Lap Band Surgery) – on average patients will lose 15 – 25% of their total body weight. 

Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery – on average patients will lose 25 – 30% of their total body weight. 

Gastric Bypass Surgery – on average patients will lose 30 – 40% of their total body weight. 

It’s important to remember that each surgery is different, carries different risks and required lifestyle changes in order to be successful. For example, gastric bypass surgery may demonstrate the highest overall weight loss, but is a more complicated procedure and requires taking vitamin supplements for the rest of your life. Your doctor will be able to determine which surgery type is most suitable for your condition. 

Do I have to lose weight before bariatric surgery? 

Yes, your weight loss journey will start usually at least 2 weeks before your surgery date (some patients may be required to start 4 – 8 weeks before surgery). With the guidance of a dietitian, patients will be provided with a VLCD (very low-calorie diet) to follow leading up to surgery. The aim of this is to shrink the liver which sits above the stomach, allowing the bariatric surgeon to perform the operation safely as there is then more space to operate. Even a 3 – 4kg weight loss is usually sufficient for surgery. 

As well as losing weight even before surgery, this gives a patient the opportunity to understand the restrictive nature of their new diet following bariatric surgery, as the diet kick starts the body into ketosis, a state it will be in for the first 6 months following surgery (the body metabolising fat as energy). 

How much does bariatric surgery cost?

Bariatric surgery is tailored around individual patient care and needs, meaning that the costs for surgery vary. Click here to read a more detailed breakdown of the costs involved with bariatric surgery. The cost of surgery is the same for patients that have health insurance that covers bariatric surgery and those that don’t, but it is the ‘out of pocket cost’ that differs significantly. 

How long will I have to stay in hospital after my bariatric surgery?

Most patients will only need to stay in the hospital for 2 nights (sometimes 3). Generally, once a patient can tolerate a litre of fluid within 24 hours, are comfortable on oral painkillers and are mobilising freely they are safe for discharge. Following bariatric surgery most patients are fit to return to work between 2 – 4 weeks. 

Now for some of the more obscure, less thought of questions that we get, that are still quite common… 

When can I get pregnant following bariatric surgery?

Patients are advised that pregnancy should be delayed until weight has been stable for at least two consecutive months. This is approximately around the 12-month mark for those who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy surgery, and 18 months for those who had a gastric bypass. 

If I’m eating well, why do I still need to take multivitamins? 

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass procedures change the way that your stomach functions permanently, leading to a reduction in absorption of minerals that require stomach acid to be best absorbed (such as Iron, Calcium, Magnesium etc). Patients who stop taking supplements are almost guaranteed some sort of vitamin or mineral deficiency. 

Will I be left with excess skin following bariatric surgery? 

The amount of loose skin varies from person to person when they have lost weight following bariatric surgery. The older you are and the more weight you lose, the more likely this is going to happen. Unfortunately, there is no way of getting rid of excess skin through exercise or toning; the only way to deal with excess skin following bariatric surgery is through body contouring surgery (around ⅓ of patients seek this option after bariatric surgery).

If you have a question about bariatric surgery that we haven’t covered in our blog today, click here to read our FAQs page. Or you can contact our practice online with any questions you may have, or call us on (02) 9553 1120 to book an appointment with one of our bariatric specialists.