Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Guide to bariatric surgery

4-minute read

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is surgery that affects the stomach and how food is digested. It is designed to make the stomach much smaller, which causes the person to feel full after eating only a small amount of food.

What are the types of bariatric surgery?

The most common types in Australia are lap band surgery (called gastric banding), gastric bypass (called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) and gastric sleeve surgery (called sleeve gastrectomy). The surgery is usually done as a keyhole procedure, in which there are a number of small cuts in the abdomen. But sometimes, open surgery with larger cuts is needed.

In lap band surgery, an adjustable ring is put around the top part of the stomach to create a very small pouch that increases the time food remains in the top part of the stomach.

In a gastric bypass, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling. This is joined directly to the small intestine after some of the intestine has been removed. Food bypasses most of the stomach and fewer calories are absorbed.

In gastric sleeve surgery, most of the stomach is removed, including the part that makes a hormone that creates hunger.

Most people lose weight for 1 to 2 years after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, then they stop losing weight. With lap band surgery, the process takes longer.

illustration of a gastric bypass
Human digestive systems: a normal system (left), gastric bypass (centre) and lap band (right)

When should I consider bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery is usually offered to people who are very obese (with a body mass index over 40), or people with a body mass index over 35 who have other serious health problems like diabetes or heart disease.

You could consider bariatric surgery, but only after trying alternatives. The first step is usually to try changes to what you eat and drink, and what daily activity and exercise you do. There are some medicines that can help people lose weight. Surgery is usually thought about only after these other options have been tried.

The health benefits of weight loss include improvements in type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure and improved heart health.

Which type of bariatric surgery is right for me?

Many factors will determine which type of surgery is the best type for you, including how much weight you need to lose and any illnesses you might have.

Your doctor will do a detailed assessment and discuss with you the best option, including the risks.

What can go wrong?

Every operation has risks. You might pick up an infection, lose a lot of blood, or react to the anaesthetic.

There are different specific risks for the different types of bariatric surgery. For example, lap band surgery is safer than gastric bypass. Ask your doctors and surgeon what risks you face.

What can I expect after bariatric surgery?

You will need to make significant lifestyle changes after bariatric surgery to lose weight and keep it off. For example, you will need to follow dietary guidelines, and you'll probably take vitamins or other supplements for life. Your weight loss program will also involve increased physical activity.

After the surgery, you will start with liquid foods. Over the next few weeks, you will change to pureed food, then solid food. Your meals will be much smaller and you may have to stop drinking with meals due to your small stomach.

In some cases, people will initially lose weight but then their body becomes used to the changes made during the surgery and they can regain some of the weight.

What are the alternatives to bariatric surgery?

The alternatives to bariatric surgery are lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or lifestyle changes combined with weight-loss medicines. You can get professional help with this: ask your doctor.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: January 2021


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Weight loss surgery - MyDr.com.au

Weight loss surgery – also known as bariatric surgery - can help you lose 50 per cent or more of your excess weight in 2 years.

Read more on myDr website

Weight loss surgery and mental health - MyDr.com.au

Researchers looked at the mental health of participants before weight loss surgery then again 10 years after, the results are surprising.

Read more on myDr website

Effects of weight loss surgery in adolescents - MyDr.com.au

Researchers investigate the effects after weight loss surgery on obese adolescents 3 years after surgery, these are the results.

Read more on myDr website

Gastric banding (bariatric surgery) information | myVMC

The LAP-BAND System is a device that helps obese people lose weight. It is placed around the first part of the stomach during (laparoscopic) surgery.

Read more on myVMC – Virtual Medical Centre website

Weight Assessment and Management Clinic

Read more on Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute website

Causes of Gastroparesis | Gastroparesis Symptoms | Gastroparesis Clinic

Causes of Gastroparesis: Gastroparesis symptoms can also make blood glucose out of Control. Post-infectious gastroparesis is considered to be idiopathic

Read more on Mindovergut.com website

Obesity and hormones - Better Health Channel

The hormones leptin, insulin, oestrogens, androgens and growth hormone are factors in obesity.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Laparoscopy - MyDr.com.au

Laparoscopy is a procedure that can be used to investigate and treat a variety of conditions. A laparoscope is used to view inside the abdomen or pelvis.

Read more on myDr website

Type 2 Diabetes | Diabetes Australia

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the normal effects of insulin and gradually loses the capacity to produce enough insulin

Read more on Diabetes Australia website

Vitamin D | Pathology Tests Explained

Vitamin D is vital for the growth and health of bone; without it, bones will be soft, malformed, and unable to repair themselves normally, resulting in the d

Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.