You're Not Alone: Weight Loss Surgery Guide for Australians

Let's address this head-on: the mortality risk for gastric sleeve surgery is approximately 0.1-0.2% (1-2 in 1,000). That's comparable to gallbladder removal and lower than hip replacement surgery.

Here's the context that matters: Modern bariatric surgery is one of the safest procedures in medicine. The risk of NOT having surgery when severely obese is significantly higher—obesity-related conditions like heart disease and diabetes carry much higher mortality risks.

Your surgeon will assess your individual risk during consultation. For most patients, the life-extending benefits far outweigh the surgical risks.

This is one of the most common fears. Here's the honest truth: 70-80% of patients maintain substantial weight loss long-term, while 10-15% regain significant weight.

What prevents regain: Building healthy habits BEFORE surgery, regular therapy for food relationships, staying connected to support groups, treating surgery as a tool (not a cure), and finding non-food coping mechanisms.

Surgery makes it physically easier to eat less, but you still need to do the mental and emotional work. Most people who regain weight didn't fail—they just didn't have adequate support for the psychological component.

Some might. And that says everything about them and nothing about you.

The truth: Weight loss surgery is NOT easy. It's major abdominal surgery, lifelong dietary restrictions, daily vitamin requirements, permanent lifestyle changes, and harder work than you've ever done.

What to tell judgmental people: "Would you tell a diabetic not to take insulin? This is medical treatment for a medical condition."

You're choosing to live longer and healthier. That's brave, not easy. You don't owe anyone an explanation about your medical decisions.

This is a legitimate concern. Let's break it down honestly:

With private insurance: Out-of-pocket typically $3,500-$7,000. Most people can manage this with payment plans or interest-free hospital options.

Self-funding: Total cost $15,000-$25,000. Payment plans available through most practices, medical loan options, and it's tax deductible as a medical expense.

Real talk: Yes, it's expensive. But most people who have surgery say it's the best money they ever spent. Consider the ongoing costs of obesity-related medical conditions and reduced earning potential. If you can afford a car payment, you can find a way to afford this.

This fear is completely normal. Here are the facts: 87-96% of patients would do it again, while only 1-5% report significant regret.

Who regrets surgery: Those with unrealistic expectations, those who didn't address mental health first, those who were pressured into it, and those who didn't understand the lifelong commitment.

How to minimize regret: Take our readiness assessment, talk to a bariatric psychologist, attend support groups BEFORE surgery, be honest about your relationship with food, and address any red flags first.

What patients actually say: "I wish I'd done it sooner" is more common than "I wish I hadn't done it." If you're unsure, that's okay—wait, prepare, seek therapy. Better to wait and be ready than rush and regret.