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Bariatric surgery remains by far and away the most safe and cost-effective weight loss treatment available. It is now extremely refined and safe in competent surgeons’ hands, but also has excellent long term results when patients are properly supported. In simple terms, weight loss surgery i) reduces the size of the stomach (less hunger and feel full more quickly), ii) changes the brain/gut/food relationship, and iii) reduces the absorption of food.
Learn about procedures offered by Dr Ben Dodd in Brisbane, including:
Revisional/redo weight loss surgery is usually undertaken for patients who have reflux/oesophageal failure or weight regain/inadequate weight loss.
Most commonly, this is many years following previous lap band or sleeve gastrectomy. Redo bariatric surgery remains very safe, still almost always allowing discharge home on post-op day 1.
Revisional gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y or One Anastomosis) can be performed at the same time as lap band removal.
This procedure involves permanently removing approximately 85% of your stomach, with a stapling device, via 5 small incisions. You will feel full more quickly. The hormone which normally makes you feel hungry (ghrelin) will be much lower after surgery (less hunger).
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) staples the stomach to create a small pouch which is connected directly to the small intestine. This involves dividing the small intestine and creating a second join.
Laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is a modification of the RYGB, having been performed for approximately the last 27 years. The stomach is stapled off to create a long thin gastric pouch. The remaining stomach remains inside the abdomen long term.
The small bowel is then measured (approx 150cm) and sutured onto the gastric pouch as a single join (‘anastomosis’).
Lap band removal is usually performed on a planned elective basis for patients who are having trouble eating due to the band. Some patients have severe reflux due to failure of the oesophagus/food pipe due to the long-term obstruction created by the band. Some patients present with severe abdominal pain and a ‘slip’ of the stomach up through the band, necessitating urgent removal of the band.
Weight loss surgery, including redo surgery, is normally extremely safe. Dr Dodd takes the responsibility of ensuring your safe passage through surgery very seriously.
Risks include open conversion, bleeding, anastomotic or staple line leak, strictures, venous thromboembolism (leg or lung clots) and death. Complications can require a return to the operating theatre or endoscopy, prolonged hospital stay, ICU stay and increased costs. Such major complications are extremely rare (once every 5 years). Dr Dodd has never had anyone die from bariatric surgery.
Symptoms of leaks include fevers, chills, rigours/violent body shakes, flu like symptoms. Please contact the office Dr Dodd or the office urgently should this happen. Late complications after bariatric surgery include weight regain/inadequate weight loss, bowel obstructions, dumping (early and late), reflux/oesophageal failure, stomal/anatostomotic ulcers. Long term complications include potential for reduced alcohol tolerance, diarrhoea, malabsorption/malnutrition, hair loss or major vitamin deficiency are extremely rare with modern bariatric surgery procedures.
Whilst risks can be kept very low, they do exist. If patients do experience complications, Dr Dodd and the team (our excellent nurses Chris and Zoe phone post-op patients regularly) will diagnose this promptly and ensure you have any serious problems treated urgently.
Dr Dodd participates in a permanent roster of bariatric surgeons across private hospitals and the RBWH. Patients will always be able to access expert bariatric care 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Chermside Health Hub (main office)
Level 2, Suite 204, 621 Gympie Road,, Chermside Qld 4032
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