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Can I have weight loss surgery? Who is suitable?

Each patient needs to be assessed on an individual basis by a specialist. Below are some criteria which will be considered

BMI of greater than 35 (or 32.5 if of Asian heritage)
BMI of greater than 30 with diabetes (or 27.5 of Asian heritage)
BMI over 30 without successful or durable weight loss with non-surgical means
Patients with previous weight loss surgery with regain of weight
Age - generally patients are over 18, though some teenagers can be considered for surgery after assessment
Older patients are not excluded based on age - an individual will be assessed by the specialist

Why should I have weight loss /bariatric surgery? What are the benefits?

The goal of bariatric/metabolic surgery is not simply to reduce a person's weight. The goal is to improve a person's health. Below are some health improvements a patient can achieve

Improvement in diabetes or even resolution
improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin resistance
Fertility improvement
Improvement in sleep apnoea
Reduced risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers
Improvement in joint issues, leg and back pains
Improved quality of life

How does weight loss / bariatric surgery work?

There are multiple procedures and medications for weight management. Whilst it is true that there is a physical change to your body and a reduced capacity in the stomach, this is not the major mechanism for weight reduction. Bariatric/Metabolic surgery works in the main by causing a physiological and hormonal changes in your body. These changes lead to earlier satiety (feeling full), less hunger (lower appetite) and overall reduction in calorie intake. This reduction in calorie intake reduces your weight.
Weight management medications can mimic these changes but are not as powerful as surgical procedures
Contact us for more information.

Is weight-loss / bariatric surgery safe?

All medication and all surgery have some risk

For many patients, living with obesity confers a higher lifetime risk than the small percentage of serious risks associated with surgical procedures

To discuss your specific circumstances, speaking to your General Practitioner is a great first step

Dr Cocco will review your specific circumstances and provide tailored advice for you at your consultation.

I’ve seen a lot of advice on social media what should I do?

Firstly - It is great how much support and advice is available on social media. There are some great success stories for inspiration but please remember other people's stories are not your story so if anything is concern for you, your doctor/GP and clinical team are there to help

Secondly - if you do find a question is burning, please write it down and bring it to your appointment - Dr Cocco will be happy to discuss your question and chances are someone has asked before. There are no stupid questions - ask away!

I want to have children / I am thinking of pregnancy - is this safe?

This is a question for many women and it is best to speak to your GP and have an appointment with Dr Cocco for specific advice for your circumstances.

Many women (and men) find improved fertility after weight loss (and health gain) so in that context, improving your health is excellent if you want to have children - especially since you will be running around after them! Dr Cocco has patients who find after losing weight and becoming healthier they no longer need IVF assistance for pregnancy.

Weight loss medications are not safe in pregnancy so if you are taking one of these medicines please speak to the prescribing doctor or Dr Cocco for advice if you wish to have children.

Weight loss surgery, like many surgeries, would not be appropriate during pregnancy. Dr Cocco would advise patients to wait for 18months (preferably 2 years) before becoming pregnant after surgery. Dr Cocco would be happy to discuss your personal circumstances and provide advice - contact us to discuss or make an appointment.

Excess skin? What happens after weight loss?

After weight loss, especially significant weight loss, patients will have some excess skin. For some people it does not cause any concern and there is not much difference for them. For others, it does trouble them and for these patients I would refer them to see a plastic surgeon. I would recommend not to embark upon surgery for skin removal until around the 2 year mark after surgery.

What does my diet look like afterwards?

In my practice, patients need to have a pre-operative diet for 2-3 weeks before surgery and 6 week diet plan after surgery as they progress from liquids to normal foods. After you have fully recovered and in the long term no food is prohibited and most people will eat the same foods as their family or friends would eat, but a smaller portion. After surgery, it is likely your diet will look different and your relationship with food will change. You may find foods you used to like no longer appeal to you, and you prefer something different. Dieticians can guide you to ensure you have the most appropriate choices

How long is follow-up?

Dr Cocco would suggest a tailored plan for you. In general, patients require follow-up with their doctor and dietician several times in the first year following their procedure and perhaps yearly after this time. It is important to keep a close eye on your nutritional status and assess for possible nutritional deficiencies.

Do I need vitamins?

Dr Cocco suggests regular bariatric multivitamins for all his patients. Some patients require additional supplements such as iron, vitamin D, B vitamins or calcium. This is tailored to an individuals needs.

How much can I lose?

Everyone is different and response to surgery is individual. Longer term data from the Bariatric Surgery Registry (managed by Monash University and recording Bariatric surgeries done in Australia and New Zealand) shows our patients on average will lose approximately 30-34% of their total body weight.

Does it hurt?

There is some pain with all surgery, bariatric surgery is no different. Most patients only require strong pain medications within the 24hours of surgery and many do not need strong pain medications after going home. Medications such as buscopan and paracetamol are often all that is needed upon returning home and only for a few days. Recovery is quick with keyhole surgery and whilst there will be some discomfort, it does settle quickly.

How long will I be in hospital and when can I go back to work?

Most patients spend one or two nights in hospital. You can walk around the same afternoon or evening of your surgery. Return to work is very dependant on your job, heavy physical work such as trades require around 4-6 weeks recovery, but office workers are generally back within 2 weeks or even sooner if you work from home.

How much does surgery cost?

Costs for weight loss surgery depend largely on insurance level and complexity. Uninsured patients can still access surgery in private hospitals and many access super to assist with this funding. More information about weight loss surgery programs with Dr Cocco at Sydney Bariatric Clinic can be found here

General surgery - such as hernia or gallbladder surgery - is largely provided on a known-gap arrangement with your health fund. This limits your surgical fee to $500 in most cases. For more information about fees please speak to the team at the time of enquiry and check your health fund coverage.

Dr Cocco's reception team can advise on fees at time of enquiry for your specific circumstances and assist with hospital fee quotes and other required paperwork. Please contact the office by phone for personal advice or send an enquiry.