When considering weight loss surgery, one of the most common and important questions patients ask is: “Which procedure is right for me?” With several options available, each with its own benefits, risks, and suitability based on your health profile, it’s essential to make an informed decision. At Dr Kevin Dolan’s practice in Perth, we provide care that is tailored to your individual needs and health goals.
Let’s explore the most common types of weight loss surgery and help you understand which may be most appropriate for your situation.
Understanding Your Options
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Overview:
Gastric Sleeve Surgery involves removing around 75% of the stomach, leaving behind a narrow tube or “sleeve.” This reduces the amount of food you can eat and lowers the hunger hormone, ghrelin, which helps reduce appetite.
Who it’s for:
- Patients with a BMI over 35
- Individuals looking for a less complex procedure
- Those with fewer obesity-related health issues
Pros:
- Less invasive than gastric bypass
- No implants
- Effective weight loss – around 1kg per week initially
Considerations:
- Irreversible
- Not suitable for patients with severe acid reflux
- Gastric Bypass Surgery
Overview:
This procedure creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the digestive system to bypass part of the small intestine. It reduces both calorie absorption and food intake.
Who it’s for:
- Patients with a BMI over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions
- Those with type 2 diabetes or acid reflux
Pros:
- Excellent long-term weight reduction
- Can improve or resolve diabetes and reflux
Considerations:
- More complex procedure
- Requires lifelong vitamin supplementation
- SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno–Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy)
Overview:
SADI-S combines the gastric sleeve with a bypass. It removes part of the stomach and reroutes the intestines to reduce calorie absorption.
Who it’s for:
- Patients with a BMI over 50
- Those seeking maximum weight loss
- Individuals who have not had success with previous procedures
Pros:
- Powerful metabolic effects
- Greater weight reduction potential
Considerations:
- Higher risk of nutritional deficiencies
- Requires close follow-up and supplementation
- Mini Gastric Bypass
Overview:
A variation of the standard bypass, this procedure involves a simpler rerouting of the intestine.
Who it’s for:
- Patients looking for an effective, simplified option
- Suitable for those with diabetes or severe obesity
Pros:
- Shorter operative time
- Excellent weight reduction outcomes
Considerations:
- Potential for bile reflux
- Requires similar long-term follow-up as the standard bypass
Making the Right Choice
The most suitable weight loss surgery depends on:
- Your BMI and health objectives
- Presence of conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea, or acid reflux
- Lifestyle and dietary habits
- Previous surgeries or unsuccessful weight loss attempts
- Commitment to lifelong follow-up and nutritional care
Dr Kevin Dolan and his team conduct comprehensive pre-operative assessments, including medical history, diagnostic tests, and one-on-one consultations. This ensures your procedure is both safe and suited to your long-term health.
What About Non-Surgical Options?
For individuals with a BMI under 35, weight loss medications may be more appropriate. These can support results by suppressing appetite and improving blood sugar control, often alongside diet and exercise. For those aiming to lose more than 25kg, surgery generally provides the most reliable long-term results.
Weight loss surgery is a valuable tool, but it is not one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right procedure means weighing up the risks and benefits while considering your overall health and long-term goals. With over 20 years of experience and thousands of successful procedures, Dr Kevin Dolan offers professional guidance every step of the way.
If you’re ready to begin your weight loss journey or would like to explore your options, book a consultation at our Perth clinic today. Your path toward improved health starts here.