Bariatric surgery may help eliminate many of the medical problems that accompany obesity.

After weight loss surgery, success is a long-term commitment. The research shows for good long-term results, a healthy diet and exercise-post surgery should be maintained1.

Weight loss surgery -tips for long term success:2

Don’t look at it as dieting

This is a complete lifestyle change including exercise and food habits that should enhance the rest of your life.

Become conscious of satiety

Weight loss surgery will help you tune into satiety (the feeling of being full) and discover moderate food portions.

Have a great support system

Consider a weight loss support group, to share and learn on the journey and reinforce new lifestyle changes.

Real life success stories

See Amanda’s inspiring story three years after bariatric surgery.

Amanda

WEIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

110kg

WEIGHT LOST POST-SURGERY

57kg

Patient testimonial disclaimer

It’s actually hard to believe that I was the person who I was. It’s given me life back. I have a greater self-worth, confidence, appreciation of myself. I’ve returned to playing team sports, and that in itself has enhanced my mental health significantly.

SEPTEMBER 2019

See Amanda

10 months after surgery

Amanda lost 36kg in 10 months*

See Carol’s inspiring story three years after bariatric surgery.

Carol

WEIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

165kg

WEIGHT LOST POST-SURGERY

79kg

Patient testimonial disclaimer

I would absolutely say do it, without a question. I have had absolutely no side effects whatsoever, the loss of weight is such a great contributor to the overall healthiness of an individual, it’s so important for people to understand that there is a solution out there, if they’re prepared to take it.

SEPTEMBER 2019

See Carol

6 months after surgery

Carol lost 52kg in the first 6 months*

Science and research has identified the key long term benefits of weight loss surgery3,4,5

Including:

  • Significant weight loss
  • Improved overall health
  • Decreased risk of obesity-related conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart disease)
  • Improved quality of life
  • Increased longevity
  • Better management of comorbidities (e.g. high blood pressure, sleep apnea)
  • Improved mobility and physical functioning
  • Better mental health and self-esteem
  • Improved fertility in some cases.

As with any surgery, ensure that you discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of surgery6

Possible risks include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Chronic nausea and vomiting
  • Infection
  • Obstruction of stomach
  • Weight gain or failure to lose weight

Hear other weight loss success stories

Rachel & Darren

Family Weight lost:

137kg in 30 months*

Being told they would struggle to start a family due to their weight, Rachel and Darren decided as a couple to make a change to lose the weight. Within 4 months, they were blessed with great news.

Aaron

Weight lost:

105kg in 16 months*

Having always suffered from obesity, Aaron felt he was lowering his life expectancy greatly. He wanted to be around to raise his baby son. This motivation proved to be blessing.

Justin

Weight lost:

26kg in 10 months*

Justin was the life of the party, loving to entertain his family and friends with food. As time passed, he realised his weight gain was causing serious health issues – like type 2 diabetes. His decision to make a real change has encouraged many others to also have weight loss (bariatric) surgery.

Patient testimonial disclaimer

The weight loss success stories patient testimonials below relate to accounts of individual responses to treatment. The accounts are genuine, typical and documented. However, these patients’ responses do not provide any indication, guide, warranty or guarantee as to the response other people may have to any treatment. The response other individuals have to treatment could be different. Please talk to your healthcare professional about your condition and the risks and benefits of different treatments.

Research behind the science

1“Gastric bypass surgery provides long-term health benefits,” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Online]. Available: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/news/archive/2017/gastric-bypass-surgery-provides-long-term-health-benefits. (Accessed: 31-Jan-2023)

2 RACGP.“Weight loss surgery: Long-term results,” WebMD. [Online]. Available: https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/weight-loss-surgery-long-term-results. (Accessed: 31-Jan-2023)

3Julia Veitch 9903 0026 10 October 2018, “Landmark study highlights long-term success of weight loss surgery,” Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, 15-Sep-2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.monash.edu/medicine/news/latest/2018-articles/landmark-study-highlights-long-term-success-of-weight-loss-surgery. (Accessed: 31-Jan-2023)

4The Royal Australian College of general Practitioners, “Management of bariatric patients beyond the scalpel,” Australian Family Physician. [Online]. Available: https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/december/management-of-bariatric-patients. (Accessed: January 2023)

5RACGP. Obesity prevention and management position statement 2019. Available at https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/RACGP/Position%20statements/Obesity-prevention-and-management.pdf, (Accessed December 2021)

6UPMC. Bariatric surgery risks, Complications & Side effects, UPMC. Available at: https://www.upmc.com/services/bariatrics/candidate/risks-and-complications (Accessed: February 2023).