As the new year begins, many of us take a moment to reflect on our health — our energy levels, how we feel in our bodies, and the goals we want to achieve in the months ahead. For some people, traditional weight-loss methods like dieting or exercise haven’t delivered the lasting results they hoped for. In those cases, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing tool.
At WA Laparoscopic and Obesity Surgery (WALOS), Dr Kevin Dolan and his team support patients through every step of the weight-loss journey — from the initial consultation right through to long-term lifestyle guidance. This post answers the most important questions patients ask when considering bariatric surgery, helping you start the new year with clarity and confidence.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery refers to a group of surgical procedures designed to help individuals with significant obesity lose weight by altering the digestive system. These procedures can:
- reduce the size of the stomach,
- change how the body absorbs nutrients,
- and affect hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
Different procedures deliver results in different ways, and Dr Dolan will help you choose the one best suited to your health goals and medical profile.
Common Bariatric Procedures Offered
Dr Dolan has extensive experience performing a range of bariatric surgeries, each designed to support safe and meaningful weight loss:
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A portion of the stomach is removed, creating a smaller stomach that helps patients feel full sooner and eat less. Many patients experience substantial weight loss and improvements in obesity-related conditions.
Mini Gastric Bypass
This procedure creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine. It combines restriction and malabsorption for significant weight loss.
Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)
A well-established option that reduces stomach size and alters digestive pathways, leading to marked weight loss and positive metabolic changes.
SADI-S & SASI-S
Advanced procedures that combine features of a sleeve and bypass surgery, providing options for patients needing greater weight loss or revised surgical care.
Revision Surgery
For patients who have previously had weight-loss surgery but experienced weight regain or complications, revision procedures offer tailored solutions.
How Bariatric Surgery Improves Health
For many patients, bariatric surgery is about far more than just losing weight. It can significantly improve — and sometimes even resolve — obesity-related conditions such as:
- type 2 diabetes
- high blood pressure
- obstructive sleep apnea
- high cholesterol
These health improvements can mean better quality of life, increased energy, and a reduced risk of serious long-term health complications.
What to Expect in the Weight-Loss Journey
Before Surgery
Your journey starts with a comprehensive assessment. Dr Dolan reviews your medical history, current health, and weight-loss goals to recommend the most suitable procedure. Pre-operative preparation includes nutritional guidance, medical tests, and lifestyle planning.
During Surgery
All bariatric procedures offered by Dr Dolan are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques — meaning smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
After Surgery
Recovery is a structured process. Patients gradually progress from liquids to soft food to solid food under guidance from our dietitians and clinical team. You’ll also work with specialists — including exercise physiologists and counsellors — to establish sustainable habits that support long-term success.
Surgery Is a Tool — Not a Quick Fix
It’s important to understand that bariatric surgery is most effective when paired with lifelong lifestyle changes. The surgery itself helps kick-start your weight loss, but developing healthy eating habits and staying active are what make the results last.
Our multidisciplinary team is here to support you — medically, nutritionally, and emotionally — through every stage of your journey.
Am I a Candidate?
Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for people who:
- have a BMI above 35, particularly with related health conditions,
- have not achieved lasting weight loss through non-surgical methods,
- and are prepared to commit to the lifestyle changes needed for long-term success.
During your consultation, Dr Dolan will help determine if surgery is the right option for you.
Want More Clarity?
If you’re curious about your options, submit your questions ahead of Dr Dolan’s upcoming live Q&A on Instagram, where he’ll address the most common and important concerns about weight-loss surgery.
Start the new year focused on your health — informed, empowered, and ready for change.