Obesity is a significant health concern, contributing to over 200 serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, infertility, stroke, and depression. If you've struggled with dieting and exercise without lasting results, bariatric surgery in Perth may offer a powerful, long-term solution.
Understanding Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery, also known as obesity surgery or metabolic surgery, is the most effective way to lose excess weight and maintain that weight loss in the long term for individuals with obesity. It works by reducing hunger and changing how your body processes food. Studies show an average excess weight loss of 50-70% after bariatric surgery. This average range depends on the type of operation that is performed; but your individual weight loss depends on the operation performed, how accurately and effectively it was performed, your genetics and how well keep to the requirements and principles of weight management after surgery. Many reversible obesity-related health conditions will improve or be cured with the amount of weight loss possible from these operations.
How Bariatric Surgery Works
Traditionally, bariatric operations were classified as being restrictive, malabsorptive, or a combination of the two. They work by emptying quickly and in a controlled manner and by altering the pressure around the altered upper stomach. They will only work effectively if they are constructed accurately. When they are constructed well they work well if you do your part. By altering the pressure in the upper stomach hunger goes and early satiety is induced. By emptying quickly and in a controlled manner undigested food and bile mix in different parts of the intestine. This causes profound hormonal and receptor changes in the body which in turn also help satiety and alter metabolism in a completely different way to just dieting. There is also a change in taste and food reward brought about in part by hormonal changes in saliva.
Types of Bariatric Surgery Offered in Perth
Several types of bariatric surgery are available in Perth, each with its own advantages and considerations. Common options include:
- Gastric Sleeve: A keyhole procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to limit appetite and portion size, supporting effective, long-term weight loss. Expected excess weight loss: 60 - 70 %. Average procedure time: 45 - 60 minutes. Average recovery time: 2 weeks.
- Gastric Bypass: An effective solution for weight loss and metabolic health, especially for those with reflux or diabetes. It reduces stomach size and changes how food is absorbed. Expected excess weight loss: 70 - 80 %. Average procedure time: 120 minutes. Average recovery time: 3 weeks.
- Gastric Band: Expected excess weight loss: 30 %. Average procedure time: 30 minutes. Average recovery time: 2 weeks.
The best procedure varies by individual needs, health goals, and medical history. Our surgeons can discuss your particular situation with you, and suggest a course of management or the procedure that is best for you.
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Non-Surgical Weight Loss Options
For individuals who are not ready for surgery, weight loss medications backed by medical evidence and tailored to your needs can support gradual and sustainable results. Expected average weight loss: 10-15kg over six months.
Eligibility for Weight Loss Surgery
Eligibility depends on your BMI and health conditions. Generally, a BMI of 35 or higher, or 30 with weight-related issues like diabetes, may qualify you.
"We would consider treating people with a BMI over 35 or a BMI above 30 with medical conditions caused or worsened by weight and improved by weight loss such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, arthritis and even cancer. In fact there are about 200 or so recognised medical conditions that possibly fit into this category. We would consider lower BMI's in individuals of certain ethnic origins eg. South East Asians, who have a lower normal BMI range than caucasians."
Check your BMI below to see if you are eligible for surgery.
- If you have a BMI of 27+ you are eligible for an orientation meeting
- If you have a BMI of 30+ you may qualify for bariatric surgery depending on the comorbidities that have developed
- If you have a BMI of 35+ you will be eligible
BMI or body mass index is a common measure of body weight in Australia. BMI is a way to track obesity rates and allow statistical analysis, but it has its drawbacks. It does not discern between fat mass and muscle mass so a power athlete may be shown to have abnormally high BMI but is not unhealthy. Similarly, an individual with a chronic illness or bullaemia may have a normal BMI but very little muscle and significant bone loss; and so are also not well. BMI tables also do not take account of race, age or sex. We have an MRI validated, body composition analysis scale in our Wexford consulting suite that will accurately assess and track muscle and fat mass as well as weight and BMI. Access to this Body composition analyser is free to all our patients and included as part of their routine follow up care.
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The Bariatric Surgery Process
The journey starts with a personalized consultation to explore your options and determine if surgery is right for you. We’ll guide you through what to bring, how to prepare, and what to expect - with time to ask questions and feel supported every step of the way.
Pre-operative Assessment
After your initial visit to the surgeon, you will need to complete a comprehensive preoperative assessment in keeping with national and international guidelines. We will arrange for you to see our bariatric physician and dietitian. We also will arrange your blood tests and an endoscopy procedure:
- Bariatric Physician: The bariatric physician is a primary care practitioner who will assess your general health and psyche. Your requested blood tests will also be reviewed. Other specific investigations and referrals to specialists may be required and will be arranged. This is to try and ensure appropriate patient selection and to optimise an individual so the anaesthetic and surgery can be performed as safely as possible.
- Dietitian: The dietitian will discuss the diet changes required before and after surgery. This includes any pre op VLCD ( Very Low Calorie Diet) and the post op liquid, pureed and soft dietary phases and the required vitamin and mineral supplementation. The dietitian will help you improve your food choices and you will get advice on avoiding or dealing with common problems after surgery including dehydration, constipation and low energy levels.
- Endoscopy: Your surgeon or one of the Upper GI West team will perform an endoscopy and examine your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to determine if there are any signs indicating a hiatus hernia, reflux, ulcers, inflammation or harmful bacterias. If any of these are found, they will need to be addressed. Some findings may change your treatment plan and the way your Bariatric Surgery is performed.
After you have completed your full assessment as described in the 3 points above, you will have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. This is when your surgeon will talk about the bariatric operation in more detail. By the end of this consultation, you should have a firm understanding of your surgery including the benefits and potential risks. In routine cases, the entire process usually takes between four to six weeks. This is from the initial consult, through to your bariatric surgery being performed. We like to keep to these time frames so you can have time to come to terms with the lifelong requirements, find out as much as you need to and ask as many questions as you feel you need to before committing to a permanent and non reversible procedure.
The Surgical Procedure
Once your personalized care plan is in place, surgery is performed by our expert team in a safe, supportive setting. Your procedure is tailored to your needs, and we work closely with you to ensure you feel informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way.
Post-operative Care and Support
Your journey doesn’t end after surgery. We offer structured, long-term support including regular reviews with your surgeon, physician, and dietitian, plus access to psychological care if needed. Our aftercare program is designed to help you stay healthy, supported, and empowered-long after your procedure.
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From the moment you receive your Aurora Box, you’ll have access to expert guidance, follow-ups, and resources to help you thrive long-term. Aurora Box - carefully curated welcome gift given to every patient at the start of their surgical journey. But it’s more than just a box of items - it’s a symbol of how deeply we care about your experience, your comfort, and your success.Inside, you’ll find practical tools, nourishing samples, and personalised resources - all designed to support your recovery and remind you that you’re not alone.
At Aurora Bariatrics, your care doesn’t stop with your surgeon. Our patients are supported by a full multidisciplinary team including a nurse practitioner, bariatric general physicians, dietitians, and psychologists - all working together to provide tailored, whole-person care. From inpatient hospital support to long-term outpatient follow-up, our team is here to guide you through every step of your weight loss journey.
Studies consistently show that patients attending regular follow up achieve greater weight loss.
Choosing a Bariatric Surgeon in Perth
When choosing a bariatric surgeon, consider their experience, qualifications, and the support team they have in place.
A/Professor Ruth Blackham is a highly trained Bariatric and General Surgeon and the Director of Aurora Bariatrics. With over 20 years of medical and surgical experience, she understands the deeply personal nature of each patient’s journey. Known for her kind and thoughtful care, Dr Blackham combines exceptional medical expertise with genuine compassion. She holds multiple advanced degrees, including a PhD in bariatric surgery, and is committed to delivering safe, personalised treatment that supports lasting health and confidence.
Dr Gong began his private practice in 2016 as a general and bariatric surgeon in Perth. At Upper GI West we have highly experienced surgeons performing Bariatric Surgery.
"Our surgeons have undertaken at least an extra two years of specific subspecialty training in “Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery”. That is additional specialised training on top of our fellowship in General Surgery. Our bariatric surgeons perform not only weight loss surgery, we also perform very technical cancer and non cancer surgery on the organs of the Upper GI tract. (Oesophagus, Stomach, Duodenum, Liver, Gallbladder, Bile Ducts, Pancreas and Spleen)."
The Upper GI West surgeons have undertaken at least two years of additional specialist training in “Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery”.
The Upper GI West surgeons regularly attend and present at scientific meetings. They visit and collaborate with other leading specialists in Australia and overseas to keep up to date with the latest developments. We have also been pivotal in developing and delivering techniques for the treatment of complications related to many Upper GI conditions.
We operate in major tertiary hospitals and other private hospitals. These include St John of God Murdoch#, St John of God Subiaco#, The Mount#, Fiona Stanley* and Fremantle* Hospitals. They all have the required resources to support these types of surgery. SJOG Murdoch has the only private emergency department in Perth.
Considerations Before Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
- Lifestyle Changes: Unfortunately, surgery alone does not guarantee success. For good results, you must also be prepared to follow healthy dietary and exercise principles. You should also follow up with your surgeon, dietitian and bariatric physician. Bariatric surgery is not a magical cure for obesity but it can and should be highly effective. It is definitely not an easy option.
- VLCD (Very Low Calorie Diet): Do I have to go on a VLCD before the surgery? These VLCDs contain all the essential nutritional requirements to completely replace other food but with far fewer calories. A VLCD is highly effective in decreasing the size of an enlarged fatty liver. This is important because an enlarged liver lies over the stomach and needs to be moved out of the way to perform the surgery. The more difficult the access to the stomach the greater the risk with surgery.
- Cost and Insurance: To have your bariatric surgery performed, there will be a surgeon and assistant fee, the anaesthetist fee and the hospital fee. If you have a full hospital cover that includes bariatric surgery, most hospital and equipment charges are covered. Depending on your policy, there may be an excess amount payable to the hospital. You should check with your insurance company in advance whether you are covered for these procedures. Please access our fee schedule for bariatric and metabolic surgery here.I am ready for bariatric surgery. and ideally should have private health insurance with full hospital cover. Please check with your health fund that your policy covers you for weight loss surgery. We will selectively consult and offer surgery to self financed patents.
- Smoking: You must be a non-smoker or have quit smoking at least three months before any surgery can be performed.
Bariatric Surgery and Women's Health
At Aurora Bariatrics, we understand the unique challenges women face with fertility, hormonal balance, and long-term health. Our collaborative approach offers tailored support for those managing PCOS, struggling with infertility, or planning for pregnancy after surgery. Discover how bariatric surgery can improve your chances of conception, reduce pregnancy risks, and support a healthier future - for you and your family.
Additional Benefits of Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric, metabolic or weight loss surgery is the most effective way to lose excess weight and to help keep the weight off in the longer term for obese individuals. It has been proven to improve related health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnoea.
Common Questions About Bariatric Surgery
- How much excess weight will I lose? Our aim is to help patients lose between 65% and 85% of their excess weight by 12-18 months. Results may vary. Estimates are a guide only. Use our simple calculator to estimate how much weight you could lose after bariatric surgery. Based on real clinical data, this tool gives you a personalised snapshot of your potential results.
- Will anti reflux surgery stop my heartburn for good? It often resolves or significantly reduces heartburn by fixing the underlying cause.
- How soon can I get back to normal after gallbladder removal?
- How long is the recovery after hernia repair?
- Is an endoscopy painful? No, it’s not painful. You’ll be sedated during the procedure, and most patients don’t remember it at all.
Conclusion
Weight loss surgery in Perth offers a life-changing opportunity for individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions. By understanding the different surgical options, the process involved, and the importance of long-term support, you can make an informed decision and embark on a journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.