Our Summary

Obesity is a growing problem in developed countries like Australia. Bariatric surgery, a type of weight-loss surgery, has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and decreasing their risk of chronic diseases. However, not everyone who could benefit from this surgery is able to get it, especially in the public health sector.

In this research, the team estimated how many people in Australia would be eligible for bariatric surgery, how much it would cost, and compared these figures to the current availability of the surgery.

They found that the number of people who could benefit from the surgery is increasing each year, and the current system cannot meet this growing demand. If a 5-year program was started to treat all those currently eligible, the system would need to perform over 341,000 surgeries a year - over eight times more than its current capacity. If we also included people who become eligible over those five years, the demand would be nine times higher than the current capacity.

The study shows that bariatric surgery is not equally available in public and private sectors. Increasing access to this surgery could significantly benefit many Australians, as it is cost-effective and can lead to savings in the long term. However, this would require a major increase in funding for bariatric surgery in the public health sector. The researchers suggest a national review to reassess priorities and resources for all types of obesity treatment in Australia is needed.

FAQs

  1. How many people in Australia are estimated to be eligible for bariatric surgery?
  2. How does the availability of bariatric surgery differ between public and private sectors in Australia?
  3. What measures are suggested by the researchers to meet the growing demand for bariatric surgery in Australia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about obesity surgery is to understand that it is not a quick fix or a cure-all solution. While bariatric surgery can be effective in helping patients lose weight and improve their health, it is important to remember that it is just one part of a larger lifestyle change. Patients will still need to make healthy choices when it comes to diet and exercise in order to maintain their weight loss and overall health. It is also important for patients to follow their doctor’s recommendations and attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress and address any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for obesity surgery include those who:

  1. Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher (or 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, etc.)
  2. Have tried other weight loss methods such as diet and exercise without success
  3. Have a strong commitment to making lifestyle changes post-surgery
  4. Are motivated to improve their overall health and well-being
  5. Have a realistic understanding of the risks and benefits of the surgery

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to determine if they are suitable candidates for obesity surgery. Each patient’s individual medical history, current health status, and weight loss goals should be taken into consideration before recommending surgery as a treatment option.

Timeline

Before obesity surgery, a patient typically undergoes a thorough evaluation process that includes consultations with a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other healthcare professionals. They may also need to make lifestyle changes and lose a certain amount of weight before they can be considered for surgery.

After undergoing bariatric surgery, the patient will typically experience rapid weight loss in the first few months. They will need to follow a strict diet and exercise regimen to ensure the success of the surgery and maintain their weight loss long-term. Patients may also need to attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare team to monitor their progress and address any complications that may arise.

Overall, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing procedure for individuals struggling with obesity, but it requires commitment and dedication to follow through with the necessary lifestyle changes for long-term success.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about obesity surgery include:

  1. Am I a suitable candidate for bariatric surgery?
  2. What are the different types of bariatric surgeries available, and which one would be most suitable for me?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery?
  4. What lifestyle changes will I need to make before and after surgery to ensure success?
  5. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what kind of follow-up care will I need?
  6. What kind of results can I expect in terms of weight loss and improvement in my health conditions?
  7. How much does bariatric surgery cost, and will my insurance cover it?
  8. Are there any support groups or resources available to help me through the process of bariatric surgery?
  9. What are the long-term effects of bariatric surgery, and how can I maintain my weight loss in the future?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options for weight loss that I should consider before opting for bariatric surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dona SWA, Angeles MR, Nguyen D, Gao L, Hensher M. Journal: Obes Surg. 2022 Sep;32(9):3013-3022. doi: 10.1007/s11695-022-06188-5. Epub 2022 Jul 8. PMID: 35804237