Does It Matter Whether You Have Bariatric Surgery Through a Public or Private Service?
A 2026 Australian study found that patients in public and private bariatric surgery pathways received quite different levels of pre and post operative support, yet their weight loss results were broadly similar beyond the six month mark.
Who Was Studied and How the Research Was Done
The study followed 240 adults having bariatric surgery (weight loss surgery) across two public and two private services in New South Wales between 2021 and 2024. Researchers tracked appointment attendance from up to 12 months before surgery through to 24 months after, comparing how engaged patients were across the two settings.
What the Researchers Found About Care Pathways and Weight Loss
Public patients prepared for surgery over a much longer period, engaging with their care team for around 22 months before the operation, compared to under 3 months in the private setting. They also saw a wider range of providers, including dietitians, nurses, psychologists and exercise professionals, and attended more appointments after surgery. Despite these differences in the pathway, no statistically significant difference in weight loss was found between the two groups beyond six months post surgery.
What This Study Does and Does Not Tell Us
Because this was an observational study rather than a controlled trial, it cannot prove that one pathway produces better outcomes than the other. Public patients started with higher body weights and greater health complexity, which makes direct comparisons between the two groups difficult. Results also varied from person to person across both settings.
About this research: Public private differences in bariatric surgery care pathways in Australia: Implications for continuity of care, Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, 2026. Read the study summary
More about the costs and options involved in weight loss surgery is on our pricing page. If you are considering your options, call us on (03) 9760 2777 or request an appointment through our website.