Best Weight Loss Services Melbourne
A white background with a few lines on it
Doctors
A white background with a few lines on it
Book Appointment
A white background with a few lines on it
(03) 8548 0384

Weight Loss Surgery

What Is Obesity Surgery?

Weight loss surgery (obesity surgery) is called bariatric and metabolic surgery. These terms reflect the impact of these operations on patients’ weight and the health of their metabolism (breakdown of food into energy).


Bariatric surgery is a powerful weight loss tool that, when used appropriately, results in substantial and long-lasting weight loss. In addition to their ability to treat obesity, these operations are very effective in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, and high cholesterol, among many other diseases. These operations also can prevent future health problems and child problems.


Today’s metabolic and bariatric operations have been refined over many decades and are among the best-studied treatments in modern medicine. They are performed with small incisions using minimally invasive surgical techniques (laparoscopic and robotic surgery). These advancements allow patients a better overall experience with less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and a faster recovery. These operations are extremely safe, with lower complication rates than common operations, such as gallbladder removal, hysterectomy, and hip replacement. 



Top Weight Loss Surgon for women in Melbourne


What are the Types of Obesity Surgery?

The most common bariatric surgical procedures are :


Each procedure has different features, benefits and risks. Not every surgical approach will suit every patient. 


Your surgeon will discuss your options and help you find the treatment that best suits your condition, lifestyle, and desired outcomes. 


Obesity surgery is an effective procedure that carries potential risks and complications, so it's essential for individuals to carefully consider the benefits and risks before deciding to have surgery. 


It's also important to note that obesity surgery is not a quick fix, and individuals will need to make lifelong changes to their diet and exercise habits to maintain their weight loss.


How Does Obesity Surgery Work?

These operations modify the stomach and intestines to treat obesity and related diseases. The operations make the stomach smaller and may bypass a portion of the intestine. The mechanisms underlying the weight loss effects of bariatric surgery are complex, but research suggests that the mechanisms of weight loss after surgery differ from diet and lifestyle alone. 


Some important mechanisms by which obesity surgery works include: 

  •  Volume reduction: Many bariatric procedures restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold. This restriction leads to a feeling of fullness and satiety with smaller food portions. It helps individuals consume fewer calories and promotes weight loss. Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding primarily work through restriction.
  • Malabsorption: Some bariatric surgeries alter the digestive tract, bypassing portions of the small bowel where nutrients and calories are absorbed.
  • Hormonal changes: Bariatric surgery can also affect the production and release of certain hormones in the body, impacting appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar control. For instance, procedures like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy have been found to alter the production of hormones involved in hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin and peptide YY. These hormonal changes can help reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
  • Gut microbiota changes: Bariatric surgery has been shown to impact the composition and activity of the gut microbiota. After surgery, alterations in this microbiota may contribute to weight loss and metabolic improvements.
  • Neuromodulation
  • Changes in bile acids
  • Behaviour change
Share by: