Gastric Sleeve Program

Yes, most private health insurance covers ‘Bariatric surgery’.  However, you will need ‘Gold’ or ‘Top’ level.

Yes, Medicare provides partial coverage for Gastric Sleeve Surgery, also known as Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy. The specific item number for this procedure is 31575. This means that while Medicare will contribute towards the costs of your surgery, it may not cover all expenses. To understand the extent of coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you might incur, please contact our team at NV Health for detailed information and assistance.

No, private health insurance is not a requirement for undergoing a Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy with our surgeons. We offer a variety of payment options for those without insurance. For more details on these alternatives, please reach out to NV Health.

Yes, if you can't afford Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery, you may apply for early access to your Superannuation funds on compassionate grounds through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The amount you can withdraw is limited to what is necessary for the surgery. Additionally, you might be eligible to access your spouse's Superannuation. For more information on eligibility and the application process, please contact NV Health.

Recovery time after Gastric Sleeve surgery varies per individual. Typically, most patients can resume work within 1 to 2 weeks. However, if your job involves physical labour, a 4 to 6-week recovery period is advisable, as lifting over 5 kg is not recommended for 6 weeks post-surgery. We can issue a medical certificate for your employer or to temporarily suspend a gym membership during your recovery phase.

You are encouraged to start walking as soon as you feel able after Sleeve Gastrectomy, as it aids in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolisms (PEs). For more intense activities, including gym workouts, it is advisable to wait at least six weeks or longer before resuming.

Eligibility for Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy typically requires a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 35. However, exceptions may be considered for individuals with a BMI over 32 on a case-by-case basis. To begin, a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) is needed for a consultation with our surgeons. Please note, the minimum age for this surgery is 17 years. Patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during consultations and treatment.

Weight loss after Gastric Sleeve surgery varies, depending on factors like initial weight, post-surgery diet, and physical activity level. Typically, patients lose about one-third of their original weight within 12 to 18 months. This equates to approximately 60-70% of excess weight. However, with NV Health's support system, patients with a lower BMI have lost up to 100% excess weight in 1 year, and reaching a healthy BMI. Individual results with surgery can vary.

The average inpatient stay is 2 nights.

Yes, a pre-op diet is mandatory. Most patients will follow a meal replacement 'shake' diet for 2 weeks. For those with a BMI less than 35, our surgeon may recommend a one-week pre-op diet. The primary purpose of this diet is to reduce the size of your liver, minimising surgical risk. Our nutritionists will provide detailed instructions for the pre-op diet.

Like any surgical procedure, Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) carries some risks and potential complications. It's important to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your medical team before deciding to undergo the surgery. Here are some common risks and complications associated with LSG:

• Leaks - in rare cases leaks can occur along the suture line in the stomach.  This can lead to infection, abscess formation, and other complications. However, the risk has significantly decreased with the advances in surgical technique and post operative care.  
• Infection - Any surgery carries the risk of infection at the incision site or anywhere within the abdomen.
• Bleeding - During surgery, blood vessels may be cut, leading to bleeding. While rare, excessive bleeding may require a blood transfusion or additional surgical intervention.
• Stricture - Narrowing of the stomach opening can occur, leading to difficulty in swallowing and digestion. This may require dilation procedures to correct the issue.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) - Being immobile during and after surgery can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the legs (DVT) which can potentially travel to the lungs (PE). Medications, compression stockings, and early mobilisation can help reduce this risk.  
• Nutritional deficiencies - After LSG, the reduced stomach size will limit the amount of food you can consume, which can impact nutrient intake. It is important to follow a strict post-operative diet and take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD): LSG can sometimes worsen or cause new-onset GORD symptoms, such as heartburn and regurgitation. Medications or additional procedures may be required to manage these symptoms.

It's crucial to discuss these risks and complications with your surgeon who can provide personalised information based on your specific health conditions and medical history. Our team at NV Health will guide you through pre-operative preparation, post-operative care, and potential steps to minimise these risks to ensure a safe and successful surgery.

Gastric Sleeve surgery, or Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, works by reducing the stomach size, which limits food intake. It also involves removing a part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite. This dual approach helps in significantly reducing hunger and controlling food portions, leading to a typical weight loss of 50-70% of excess weight within two years post-surgery.

After Gastric Sleeve surgery, you'll follow a 6-week modified diet plan created by our dietitians. This includes:

1. First 2 weeks: Liquid-only diet.
2. Next 2 weeks: Puréed foods.
3. Following 2 weeks: Soft foods.

Post these 6 weeks, you'll gradually return to a normal diet, with increasing portion sizes to aid stomach healing.

Hair loss can occur three to five months post-Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, affecting about 75% of patients. It's often due to rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, reduced protein intake, hormonal changes, and the body's response to surgery. While it usually starts between three to four months post-surgery, this hair loss is generally temporary and resolves within a few months.