Operations such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass change stomach size and/or gut routing to help you feel full sooner, reduce hunger hormones and support sustainable weight loss with medical follow-up.
It depends on your goals, reflux history, diabetes control and medications. Start with our comparison: Sleeve vs Bypass , then discuss a personalised plan in your consult.
Gold Coast Private Hospital (Southport) with consulting in Gold Coast, Brisbane (Sunnybank & Cleveland) and Hervey Bay. See Gold Coast clinic , Brisbane clinics , and Hervey Bay .
Generally BMI ≥ 35, or BMI ≥ 30 with weight-related conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea), prior attempts at weight loss, and commitment to long-term follow-up. Final suitability is assessed individually.
Medication (e.g., GLP-1/Twincretin therapies) can help some people. We discuss pros/cons of weight-loss medicines vs surgery for your health profile.
Yes — stopping before surgery reduces risks (leaks, clots, ulcers) and improves healing. We’ll guide timing and supports.
Sleeve: ~60–90 minutes. Bypass: ~90–120 minutes, depending on anatomy and clinical factors.
Both sleeve and bypass are considered permanent. In selected situations, revision procedures are possible — discuss risks/benefits during consultation.
Yes — some patients convert sleeve to bypass for reflux or weight-related reasons. Suitability is individual and requires full assessment.
After bypass , regular NSAIDs raise ulcer risk and are usually avoided. After sleeve , occasional use may be possible with medical advice.
Out-of-pocket fees depend on your fund level/excess, hospital agreements and anaesthetic fees. See: Sleeve cost (Gold Coast) and Bypass cost (Gold Coast) plus overall costs & finance .
Medicare rebates may apply to parts of the surgical/anaesthetic fee when item numbers are eligible. Private health usually covers most hospital costs based on your policy.
Yes — we provide transparent inclusions and timelines at your consultation.
A referral helps us coordinate care and rebates. If you don’t have one yet, we can still advise next steps.
Most patients follow a short very-low-energy diet (VLED) to reduce liver size and improve safety. We’ll give a clear plan.
Timing depends on assessment, tests and theatre availability. We can outline typical timelines at your first visit.
Sleeve: usually 1–2 nights. Bypass: usually 2–3 nights.
Drive when off strong pain medicines and safe to emergency stop. Many return to desk work ~1–2 weeks after sleeve and ~2 weeks after bypass (varies).
Fluids → purees → soft → regular over ~4–6 weeks. See Sleeve diet stages and Bypass diet stages .
Yes — a bariatric multivitamin plus B12, iron and calcium/vitamin D are commonly recommended. See Vitamins after sleeve and Vitamins after bypass .
Your team will individualise targets. As a guide, prioritise protein at each meal and aim for 1.5–2.0 L fluids/day unless advised otherwise.
Slow down, chew well, and step back a stage if needed. Contact the team if symptoms persist.
All surgery carries risk: bleeding, infection, leak, blood clots (DVT/PE) and post-operative issues such as reflux (sleeve), dumping or ulcers (bypass). We focus on risk reduction via thorough work-up, experienced technique and structured follow-up.
Fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, calf swelling or concerns about wounds. If severe, seek urgent care.
Lifestyle & Long-term
Some weight regain over years is common. Regular follow-up, nutrition, movement, sleep and psychological support help maintain results. We can assist with adjustments if needed.
Alcohol affects you more quickly after surgery. If you drink, do so sparingly, focus on hydration, and avoid in the early recovery period.
Fertility can improve after weight loss. We generally recommend delaying pregnancy until weight stabilises (often ~12 months). Discuss contraception and timing at your visits.
Referrals & Appointments
Yes — telehealth is available for appropriate stages of care. Ask our team when booking.
Use our contact form or call the nearest clinic: Gold Coast · Brisbane · Hervey Bay .
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Content is general in nature and not a substitute for medical advice. Outcomes and recovery vary.