Weight Loss Solutions

Costs

Operations are performed only in Private Hospitals. Costs can vary according to your particular private health cover, but a ball park figure is around $6755.00 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. . 

FAQ

How long will I be in hospital?

On average your stay in hospital will be approximately (5) days.

How long will I need to be off work?

You will require approximately (2) weeks - should you require a medical certificate please ensure you request one from the hospital prior to discharge. 

What can I eat following surgery?

You will be required to have fluid/soft food for the first couple of weeks and then progress to solid foods as instructed.

Which hospitals do we operate at?

•  The Valley Private Hospital - Mulgrave
•  Knox Private Hospital - Wantirna

Surgical Risks

Disadvantages

• Potential is higher for inadequate weight loss or weight regain compared to intestinal bypass surgeries.
• Irreversible
• Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies
• Considered a temporary treatment for obesity unless second stage (bypass) is performed
• Potential for dilation of the sleeve affecting weight loss
• Long term results have not been evaluated

As with any surgery there are potential risks involved. The decision to proceed with the surgery is made because the advantages of surgery outweigh the potential disadvantages

It is important that you are informed of these risks before the surgery takes place.

Most patients do not have complications after Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery; however complications can occur and depend on the patient's health status.

Complications

Complications can be medical (general) or specific to Sleeve Gastrectomy . Medical complications include those of the anesthesia and your general well being. Almost any medical condition can occur so this list is not complete. Complications include:

• Allergic reaction to medications
• Blood loss requiring transfusion with its low risk of disease transmission
• Heart attack, strokes, kidney failure, pneumonia, bladder infections
• Complications from anesthesia
• Serious medical problems can lead to ongoing health concerns, prolonged hospitalization, or rarely death. (less than 1% cases)

Specific complications for Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery include:

• DVT (blood clot in the deep leg veins)
• Damage to adjacent organs
• Leakage of digestive contents from the staple line can lead to serious infection

Although every effort is made to educate you on Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery and take control, there will be specific information that will not be discussed. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about any concerns you have about this surgery.

Surgical Benefits

• Reduced stomach volume increases feeling of fullness
• Stomach functions normally allowing most foods to be eaten, just in smaller amounts
• Stomach portion that produces hunger stimulating hormone (Ghrelin) is removed.
• No dumping syndrome due to pyloric portion of stomach is left intact
• No intestinal bypass and its associated risks
• Can be performed laparoscopically
• Simpler procedure than gastric bypass
• Safer first stage procedure of two stage surgery for super morbidly obese
• Less operative time than bypass surgeries
• Less hospital stay than bypass surgeries
• No foreign bodies used such as in band surgery

Post Operative Instructions

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