What are the main types of weight loss surgery in Australia?
There are three main types of weight loss (or bariatric) obesity surgery conducted in Australia. These are:
- Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (the Lap-band® System)
- Non-adjustable gastroplasty (sleeve gastrectomy)
- Gastric bypass
Lap-band® Procedure
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Gastric bypass
Of the three main types of bariatric surgery performed in Australia, the Lap-band® System has been used in 95%1 of cases to date and around 14,0001 Australians have chosen to lose weight by this method.
Studies confirm that a gastric banding patient can lose up to 51.1% of their excess weight within the first twelve months2 and after 4 years will have maintained 35% of their overall weight loss.2
Orbera® Intragastric Balloon
In addition, the Orbera® Intragastric Balloon is a new weight loss system that has been developed specifically for people with less weight (15-25kg) to lose than those who are traditional users of bariatric surgery. More information is available on this new procedure from the Tasmanian Antiobesity Surgery Centre or from the Orbera® website.
Find out about more information on the obesity services provided:
References
- Requested Medicare items processed for item numbers 30511, 30512 and 30518 in 2009.
- NHMRC, Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government, Canberra, 2003