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Bariatric surgery

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Bariatric surgery information

Meet our bariatric surgeons

Weight loss surgery in Hervey Bay

At St Stephen’s Hospital, we specialise in transformative bariatric surgery to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and improve your overall health and well-being. Bariatric surgery is a proven option for those struggling with obesity and related health conditions, offering a path to long-term weight management and enhanced quality of life.

Our experienced bariatric surgeons use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure safe and effective outcomes for our bariatric patients. From your initial consultation through post-surgery follow-up, our multidisciplinary approach ensures personalised care that addresses your unique needs and weight loss goals.

We understand that bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision. Our compassionate team provides extensive support, including nutritional advice, psychological evaluation, and ongoing education to help you succeed.

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Bariatric surgery

What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery – also known as weight loss surgery or metabolic surgery – involves making changes to your digestive system to help you lose weight. Some types of bariatric surgery limit how much you can eat, while others reduce the body’s ability to absorb fat and calories, or both.
Types of bariatric surgery
There are several types of bariatric surgery. At St Stephen’s Hospital, we provide:
- Gastric sleeve surgery: Part of the stomach is removed, including the part that produces a hormone that makes you feel hungry.
- Gastric band surgery (lap-band surgery): Involves placing an adjustable band around the stomach to limit food intake.
- Gastric bypass surgery: Reduces the size of the stomach and re-routes the digestive system.
- Mini gastric bypass surgery (Omega Loop Mini-Bypass): The stomach is divided into two sections to create a smaller stomach pouch. The smaller pouch is connected directly to the mid-section of the small intestine. This limits the amount of food you can eat, and the calories absorbed.
- Gastric balloon surgery: Performed via endoscopy, this short-term procedure involves inserting an inflatable silicone balloon into your stomach. The balloon stays in place for six months. It works by making you feel full sooner, so you eat less.
Many of our weight loss surgeries are performed as a keyhole procedure (several small cuts in your abdomen). Sometimes open surgery with larger cuts may be needed. There are pros and cons of each type of surgery. Your surgeon will help you decide which will best suit your personal health, weight loss goals and overall wellbeing.
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery may be recommended if you:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health conditions.
- Have tried other weight loss methods without success.
- Are committed to making lasting lifestyle changes to support your weight loss journey.
Bariatric surgery cost

The costs of bariatric surgery depend on several factors, including your personal circumstances, the type of procedure you’re having and your level of private health cover.

Contact one of our bariatric surgeons to get more information about your weight loss options and the associated costs, or to attend an information session.

Meet our bariatric surgeon

Dr Mikhail Mastakov

Bariatric surgery
General surgery

Note: The information here is for general reference only. To understand the benefits and risks specific to your condition and overall situation, please discuss any procedure with your treating doctor.

Your next step

To access bariatric surgery at St Stephen’s Hospital, you will need a referral from your GP. From there, you can make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable bariatric surgeons to discuss your weight loss goals or attend an information session.

Meet our bariatric surgeons

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