Gastric Bypass Surgery In Sydney, Bella Vista, Campbelltown & Kogarah

Also Serving Penrith, Camden, & Blacktown

gastric bypass surgery sydney

What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

Gastric Bypass Surgery is an extremely effective weight-loss procedure in which the size of a patient’s stomach is decreased, so that only small portions of food can be consumed, and a portion of the intestine is bypassed, meaning that less kilojoules and nutrients are absorbed. Gastric Bypass procedures are often the most effective treatment for patients suffering from morbid obesity. Dr. Kuzinkovas is a top bariatric surgeon that performs gastric bypass surgery in Sydney for patients that have had no success losing weight through non-surgical means.

Am I a Candidate for Gastric Bypass Surgery

If you are morbidly obese or are overweight with a co-morbid condition, gastric bypass surgery may be a suitable treatment. Within the first two years patients can expect to lose between 70-80 percent of their excess body weight. Individuals who suffer from excessive (super) obesity and multiple co-mordid disorders may not qualify for this treatment, due to the high surgical risks associated with undergoing anesthesia. Decisions relating to the suitability of this procedure are made on a case-by-case basis.

Advantages of Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery facilitates weight loss in three ways by:

Limiting the amount of food which can be consumed by the patient.
Restricting the amount of nutrients the body can absorb.
Altering the level of gut hormones, leading patients to feel fuller after small meals.

Because the procedure for gastric bypass surgery is laparoscopic it is less invasive, reducing the amount of scarring and ensuring a quicker recovery. There are risks involved in gastric bypass surgery. Approximately 10 percent of patients may suffer from minor complications. For example:

Bleeding.
Digestive problems.
Infection.
Ulcers.

In roughly 1-5 percent of cases patients can experience severe complications, such as:

Blood clots.
Heart attack.
Leaking in the surgical connection between the intestines and the stomach.
Serious infection or bleeding.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Details

During gastric bypass surgery Bradbury bariatric surgeon Dr. Kuzinkovas will:

Make small incisions in the abdomen.
Insert specialised surgical tools, including a camera, through the incisions.
Divide the stomach into two portions, one large and one small.
Sew or ‘staple’ the smaller section to make an egg-sized pouch.
Create an opening between the stomach and the intestine.
Attach the small intestine to the small stomach pouch (the Roux-en-Y surgical technique).

Preparing for Gastric Bypass Surgery

Before the procedure Dr Kuzinkovas will run a series of tests to ensure that patients are ready for surgery. Patients may need to lose weight, start exercise, or change their diet to prepare for the procedure. Dr Kuzinkovas will go over the specific instructions for preoperative care, but generally patients will need to:

Go on a liquid diet a week or two before surgery.
Avoid eating after midnight, the day before surgery.
Ask a friend or family member to be at the hospital for support and comfort.

Patients may also want to purchase the foods, drinks, and medications they will require after surgery.

What to Expect After Gastric Bypass Surgery

After surgery there are several stages in the recovery and treatment process. During the first month patients must:

Stay in hospital for 2-3 days.
Adhere to a strict liquid only diet for several days, before moving on to pureed foods.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Rest for 2-3 weeks before resuming normal activities.

For the next six months patients may:

Advance to a transitional diet, gradually reintroducing normal foods to their diet.
Experience rapid weight loss of 5-7 kilograms per month.
Feel slightly ill or lack energy.

Approximately six months after surgery patients will adopt a long-term diet plan designed to help them maintain their desired weight. In the first two years after surgery patients typically lose between 70-80 percent of their excess body weight. There is a chance that some patients may gain ten percent of their body weight back in the fifth year.

To avoid this weight gain patients can:

Sign up for nutritional counseling.
Seek psychological support.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Gastric Bypass Cost & Funding Options

There are a number of factors which may influence the final gastric bypass surgery cost, including hospital fees and the price of medications. Dr Kuzinkovas will be able to provide a more detailed quote after consultation. Patients can choose from a variety of payment options available depending on their financial circumstances and insurance status.

Additional Gastric Bypass Resources

The following resources provide more information about gastric bypass surgery:

Schedule A Gastric Bypass Surgery Consultation

Advanced Surgicare provides three weight loss clinic locations to serve you in Kogarah, Campbelltown and Bella Vista which allows a short trip for anyone seeking bariatric surgery services in Penrith, Camden, Blacktown, Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Hurstville, Rockdale, Miranda, Caringbah, Harrington Park, and Narellan. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas, please contact Advanced Surgicare Clinic by calling 1300 551 533.