Weight Loss Solutions

Costs

As of 1st November, 2011:

Operations are performed only in Private Hospitals. Costs can vary according to your particular private health cover, but a ball park figure is around $4,700 out of pocket after all Medicare and Private Health cover rebates. It is possible to fund this from your Superannuation, call us to enquire how. For a more accurate estimate of costs please telephone us on (03) 9760 2777, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

But I've seen it quoted cheaper than this!

Please be very careful when comparing costs - remember that up to 15% of LAP-BAND® patients may need further surgery. LapSurgery Australia costing includes the following:

• Initial nurse and Surgeon consultation
• Blood tests and chest X-Ray at bulk billed rates
• Physician initial consultation
• Psychologist initial consultation
• Pre-admission nurse consultation
• Pre-operative consultation with surgeon
• 5 sessions with Dietitian
• Your LAP BAND® surgery
• Anaesthetist & Assistant Surgeon
• Unlimited post operative follow up by surgeons and Bariatric specialists at no out of pocket cost (provided Medicare rebates are not changed by the Government)
• A LapSurgery surgeon on call every day and night of the year for your safety
• Any further surgery that is required and is related to this surgery will be charged at no out of pocket cost, provided you maintain full private health cover

Please note that some practices charge significant out of pocket costs for revisional surgery, at LapSurgery Australia this is covered.

Further expenses may be incurred where other tests such as sleep testing or cardiac assessment tests are required, we have no control over these costs.

Savings

You may well save the cost of your LAP-BAND® operation within a couple of years by reduction in

• Grocery bills - most people save $30 to $50 per week
• Medical costs and pharmaceuticals reduced as your diabetes, hypertension etc come under control
• You may be eligible for a tax rebate on the out of pocket costs

Increase in lifespan and quality of life - priceless!

Links

• www.gastricbandingsurgery.com.au
• www.obesity-online.com

FAQ

How long do I have to wait to have my surgery?

From the time you have your first consultation to the date of surgery providing you are assessed as suitable to go ahead approximately 6 - 8 weeks.  Should you need further investigations as required by our physician we will instigate these as soon as possible in order for you to have your surgery as soon as possible.  What you need to remember is that we do not want to put you at risk by rushing the process - it's in your best interest to wait until our physician has given the go ahead to proceed.

How long am I in hospital for?

The average stay in hospital is overnight but should you not be well enough to return home the day after your surgery we will keep you in hospital for on more night.  In the event that your procedure is not straight forward then a longer stay can be anticipated.

How long am I off work for?

You can be expected to be off work for approximately 10- 14 days following your surgery.  Should you require a medical certificate to cover your time off work please ensure you request it from the hospital prior to going home.

What follow up appointments are required?

You will require an appointment with our nurse specialist at 10 days post operatively, then our Dietitian at 3 weeks post operatively and your first adjustment of the LapBand® at approximately 5 weeks.  Following these appointments your may require 3-5 visits to adequately adjust your band to obtain restriction.

What is my diet pre-operatively and post operatively?

You will be expected to have Optifast shakes for 2 weeks pre-operatively and then following your surgery your diet will consist of "mushy" food which will be built up to resume solid foods by the 5th week.

When can I exercise?

If you plan to join a gym following your surgery you will need to wait 4-6 weeks.  If you already had a gym membership and have suspended it you can restart your cardio exercise after 2 weeks and weights at 4 weeks.  Walking can be resumed after 1 week and cycling at 2 weeks. 

Surgical Risks

These will be discussed with in detail with you PRIOR to the operation. Possible complications include but are not limited to:

• Band Slippage or dilatation of the upper pouch - Occurs in about 10% of cases. Usually means another operation, usually a keyhole operation again and just overnight in hospital.
• Band erosion - Rare, less than 1.0%. Requires another operation, usually keyhole surgery
• DVT (blood clots in the leg or pelvic veins). Rarely, but occasionally fatal if clots spread to lungs.
• Respiratory complications, such as pneumonia.
• Damage to other organs during procedure - risk is common to all laparoscopic surgery but very rare.
• Open surgery - on rare occasions it may be impossible to insert the band with keyhole surgery and a large incision may be needed.
• Longterm band failure is about 10%

Surgical Benefits

1. Long term maintenance weight loss
2. Possible control or remission of serious illness associated with obesity including:
   • Raised Blood Pressure
   • Diabetes
   • Sleep Apnoea
   • Depression
3. Improved Quality of life, relinquish of stress of always being on a diet
4. Able to participate in family activities eg swimming, playing sport chasing the kids
5. Ability to purchase clothes in mainstream shops

Post Operative Instructions

For instructions relating to this operation, please visit the Post Surgery Instructions page.