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What is a Roux-en-Y? (Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass)
RYGB works with a more profound metabolic and restrictive component than the Sleeve Gastrectomy. Most of the stomach and part of the small intestine is completely bypassed in this procedure.
Similar to the sleeve, hunger hormones are reduced and satiety hormones increased. Patients are less hungry and satiated (full) with small amounts of food.
Weight loss is significant for most patients and plateaus over twelve to eighteen months. The average weight loss is 75% of excess weight and weight loss is generally considered more durable than in Sleeve Gastrectomies.
Advantages
- Considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery
- Considered reversible
- Significant weight loss
- Maintain good quality of eating
Disadvantages
- Risk of small bowel obstruction
- Risk of stomach ulcer
- Risk of micronutrient deficiencies
- Risk of dumping syndrome
Other weight loss surgery procedures
You should have access to all surgical options, as determined by your unique needs. Both surgeons are highly experienced general surgeons with sub-specialty training in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery. Both trained in high-volume specialist bariatric centres in Brisbane as well as interstate and overseas.
This means they are able to perform the full range of weight loss surgeries, as well as revision surgery. It’s about determining which procedure is right for you and your body.
Your surgeon will perform your weight loss surgery at the Mater Hospital in Pimlico. While your chosen surgeon will be your primary surgeon, both surgeons will attend. This means you get the unique benefit of two qualified specialist surgeons during your operation
Frequently asked questions about weight loss surgery
What is bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery is another term for weight loss surgery. The two most common procedures are a Sleeve Gastrectomy and a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. Other bariatric surgery procedures we offer are Mini Gastric Bypass, Revisional Bariatric Surgery and Intra-gastric Balloon. Read more about our range of bariatric surgery options.
Who can get weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is an effective treatment for people who are struggling with obesity and/or experiencing other medical complications, such as obstructive sleep apnoea, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, osteoarthritis/joint pain, cancers and decreased fertility.
While some people are able to manage excess weight through diet and exercise, 95% cannot and weight loss surgery provides another option.
Patients who have a BMI greater than 40, and patients with a BMI greater than 35 and experiencing health complications associated with excess weight are excellent candidates for bariatric surgery.
What will bariatric surgery cost?
At your initial consultation, we will go through our fee structure in detail and discuss, if insured, what your private health insurance will and will not cover. We are transparent in our pricing and you will be fully aware of all costs before surgery.
Costs include:
- Dr Benedict Mackay or Dr Garth McLeod's surgical time and a second surgeon assisting
- The anaesthetist’s fee
- Hospital fees
- Medications, such as pain relief
- Follow up consultations
- Ongoing support from dietitians, exercise physiologists, psychologists and other allied health professionals
How long will recovery take?
You should expect to stay in hospital for two to three days after bariatric surgery. You should make arrangements for someone to take you home.
It’s also recommended to have someone at home to help you for the first five to seven days after surgery with tasks like cooking, laundry, housework and caring for children.
Most patients return to work two to four weeks after bariatric surgery.
How quickly will I lose weight?
Most patients experience a weight loss of 65 to 75% of excess weight over a period of 12 to 18 months.
What lifestyle changes will I need to make?
Bariatric surgery results in a substantially reduced stomach capacity, which will help you reduce the volume of food that you eat. You may have to eliminate some foods and drinks from your diet altogether.
For some patients, this can be mentally challenging, so we partner with allied health professionals to provide ongoing support on your weight loss journey before and after your bariatric surgery.
Where can I get more information on bariatric surgery?
Here are some recommended links where you can do further reading:
Australia and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society
Australia and New Zealand Gastric and Oesophageal Surgery Association
Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery in Australia – Annual Reports
Australia and New Zealand Obesity Society
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Do you still have questions? Contact us