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- Bariatric surgery
Bariatric surgery
Obesity is a chronic disease that can be overcome. It is no longer considered just a cosmetic issue caused by a lack of self discipline.
Making the decision to have bariatric surgery may not be easy, following a long weight management battle, but we work closely with you to tailor a program to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Am I candidate for bariatric surgery?
Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, can help you lose weight and may help reduce associated chronic conditions.
This surgery may be suggested if you are overweight or obese. This is based on your body mass index (BMI):
- if your BMI is between 25 and 30 you are overweight
- if your BMI is above 30, you have obesity
- if your BMI is 35, you have severe obesity
You can calculate your BMI online to help you understand your weight.
Research shows that obesity is not solely determined by behaviour which is why lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise on their own may not reduce your weight.
As there are a number of criteria that determines whether bariatric surgery is suitable for you, we recommend you speak to your GP who can refer you to our qualified bariatric surgeons to speak about your needs.
Bariatric surgery procedures
There are many surgery options for weight loss. Generally surgery works by reducing the portion sizes you can eat, controlling hunger and may have additional hormonal and metabolic effects that promote weight loss.
Your surgeon will discuss the best surgical option for you, based on your medical history, medications and other relevant factors.
Losing weight and keeping it off is not easy and requires planning and commitment to make life changes including healthy eating and regular exercise.
Our expert surgical teams use the latest minimally invasive techniques in weight loss surgery to help you recover faster and with less pain compared to open surgery. In most cases, your hospital stay will range between one and four days depending on the procedure.




Our expert care
Our doctors and nurses provide exceptional care to ensure you are offered the best surgery to meet your needs and care for you during your hospital stay.
Our physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists and other allied health professionals are on hand from the moment your surgery is complete to help you recover and help you reach your weight loss goals.
Our care continues once you have left hospital to provide the ongoing support you need to maintain a healthy weight.
Our facilities
Our facilities at St John of God Geelong Hospital give you access to the best post-surgery care to help ensure your bariatric surgery is a success and you are able to maintain a healthy weight.
This includes:
- fully-equipped gym
- access to physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists
- hydrotherapy pool
- outpatient support groups
- ongoing care from our nurses and doctors.
Want to know more about bariatrics and weight loss?
Complete our enquiry form below to find out more about the St John of God Geelong Hospital Bariatric Centre. .
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