Key Takeaways:
Gastric sleeve surgery cost Australia can range from $15,000 to $25,000.This price varies due to several factors, including the surgeon’s expertise, the hospital or clinic’s location, and the inclusion of private health insurance coverage.
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, is a prevalent weight loss surgery in Australia. This bariatric procedure helps individuals lose weight by significantly reducing the size of their stomachs. During the operation, a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a sleeve-shaped stomach that is about 15% of its original size. This smaller stomach can hold less food, making patients feel full more quickly and consume less. The surgery also impacts hormones that control hunger, aiding in weight loss. Typically performed laparoscopically, this minimally invasive method involves small incisions in the abdomen through which a camera and specialised instruments are used to remove part of the stomach. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery generally results in faster recovery times and less postoperative discomfort.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure that involves making small incisions in the abdomen. Through these incisions, surgical instruments and a laparoscope are inserted. The surgeon then removes approximately 80% of the stomach, creating a tube-like structure. This significantly reduces the stomach’s capacity, which restricts food intake and promotes substantial weight loss. LSG is known for its effectiveness in aiding weight loss and is often recommended for individuals with severe obesity.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is another minimally invasive weight loss procedure, but it is performed endoscopically, meaning the procedure is done through the mouth without external incisions. Using a flexible endoscope equipped with a suturing device, the stomach is folded and stitched to reduce its volume. This method mimics the effects of LSG by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, yet it is considered less invasive with a potentially quicker recovery time. ESG offers an alternative for patients seeking weight loss without the need for traditional surgery.
Paying for gastric sleeve surgery or bariatric surgery cost can be a significant financial undertaking. Common payment options in Australia include:
| Payment Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Private Health Insurance | Coverage: Typically covered under gold-tier hospital policies. Out-of-Pocket Costs: Patients may still have to pay some expenses not covered by insurance. Waiting Period: Usually 12 months for new policies. |
| Medicare | Coverage: Medicare covers a small portion of the cost (e.g., $863.15 for gastric sleeve). Eligibility: Surgery must be deemed medically necessary. |
| Payment Plans | Availability: Some clinics offer payment plans to spread the cost over several months or years. Considerations: Patients should inquire directly with clinics for specific terms and conditions. |
| Personal Loans | Option: Patients can take out personal loans to cover the surgery cost. Considerations: It’s important to compare interest rates and terms from different lenders to find the best option. |
Furthermore, if a patient calls for further operations for side effects within the first two years, as long as their health fund covers them, there will be no additional charges from our surgeon.
Below services are also included in our package.
Eligibility for gastric sleeve surgery is determined by several criteria:
Body Mass Index (BMI): Candidates should have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
Age: Typically, candidates are between 18 and 65 years old, though exceptions may be made based on individual health evaluations.
Previous Weight Loss Efforts: Candidates must have attempted and failed non-surgical weight loss methods like diet and exercise.
Health Assessment: A comprehensive medical examination is necessary to ensure the candidate is healthy enough for surgery and does not have contraindications.
Patient Commitment: Candidates must be committed to making significant lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
Recovery from gastric sleeve surgery varies, but most patients can expect the following:
Hospital Stay: Patients typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days post-surgery.
Initial Recovery: The first week post-surgery is crucial for healing. Patients are advised to rest and avoid physical activity. Pain and discomfort are common but can be managed with prescribed medication.
Dietary Adjustments: Patients start with a liquid diet, progressing to pureed, soft, and finally solid foods over several weeks.
Return to Work: Most patients can return to work within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on their job and recovery progress.
Full Recovery: Full recovery and adjustment to the new lifestyle may take several months. Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are essential to monitor progress and address any issues.
HealthyWeight Australia’s is a renowned clinic offering a range of surgical and non-surgical weight loss solutions including; gastric sleeve surgery and other weight loss procedures.
Our clinic provides personalised care to help patients achieve their weight loss goals through a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach.
We strive to offer exceptional weight-loss procedures at cost-effective prices. Our clinics are located across the coastline, from Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, to Newcastle and the Central Coast.
Contact us today to schedule your preliminary consultation.
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