Quick Answer: In Australia, bariatric surgery is generally offered to adults with a BMI of 40+, or BMI of 35+ with a serious weight-related condition. Updated 2022 ASMBS/IFSO guidelines lower this to BMI 35+ regardless of comorbidities, or BMI 30–34.9 with uncontrolled metabolic disease. Eligibility also depends on mental health, previous non-surgical attempts, and readiness for lifelong lifestyle changes.
Overview:
Weight loss surgery can be life-changing — but it is not right for everyone. In Australia, eligibility is assessed using a combination of clinical BMI criteria, comorbidity profile, and individual readiness for surgery. This article explains who qualifies, what health conditions support or prevent eligibility, what to expect in terms of results and recovery, what the real risks are, and when surgery may not be the best option. For a complete clinical overview of how each procedure works, see our guide on gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery.
Quick Eligibility Checklist: Do You Qualify for Bariatric Surgery?
This checklist is a general guide only. A consultation with an accredited bariatric surgeon is required to confirm suitability.
You May Be a Strong Candidate If:
✓ BMI of 40 or above (severe/morbid obesity)
✓ BMI of 35–39.9 with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, or other obesity-related condition
✓ BMI of 30–34.9 with a metabolic condition not adequately controlled by non-surgical treatment (2022 ASMBS/IFSO guidelines)
✓ BMI above 27.5 if of Asian descent with metabolic comorbidities
✓ Previous documented non-surgical weight loss attempts (diet, exercise, medication)
✓ Mentally stable and able to engage with post-operative care requirements
✓ Non-smoker, or willing to cease smoking prior to surgery
✓ No active alcohol or substance use disorder
You May Need Alternative Treatment First If:
✗ BMI below 30 without a documented metabolic condition
✗ Active or untreated severe mental health condition (psychosis, active suicidal ideation)
✗ Active alcohol or substance use disorder
✗ Pregnancy or planned conception within 12–24 months
✗ Medical conditions making general anaesthesia unsafe
✗ Unwillingness to commit to lifelong dietary changes and follow-up
Who Qualifies for Weight Loss Surgery in Australia?
There are two related sets of criteria used to assess bariatric surgery eligibility in Australia, and it is worth understanding both.
Traditional Criteria (Healthdirect Australia / Public Hospital Standard)
| BMI Threshold | Eligibility |
| BMI 40 or above | Eligible regardless of other conditions (severe/morbid obesity) |
| BMI 35–39.9 | Eligible with a serious weight-related comorbidity (type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnoea) |
| BMI below 35 | Generally not eligible under traditional criteria |
Updated 2022 ASMBS/IFSO Consensus Guidelines (Increasingly Used in Private Practice)
| BMI Threshold | Eligibility |
| BMI 35 or above | Recommended regardless of whether other health conditions are present |
| BMI 30–34.9 | Recommended for consideration with a metabolic condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia) not adequately controlled non-surgically |
| BMI above 27.5 (Asian descent) | Surgery may be considered — metabolic complications arise at lower BMI in this population |
| Adolescents | May be considered with serious weight-related comorbidity and appropriate specialist involvement |
ℹ️ Which threshold applies depends on whether you are assessed through the public system (more likely to apply the traditional BMI 40/35 standard) or by a private bariatric surgeon (more likely to consider the lower 2022 guidelines alongside your overall health picture).
What BMI Qualifies for Bariatric Surgery?
The minimum BMI for bariatric surgery in Australia is generally 35 under standard criteria — or 30 if a metabolic condition is present and has not responded to non-surgical treatment (2022 guidelines). For the public system, the effective threshold is most commonly BMI 40, or 35 with documented comorbidities.
Can I Get Weight Loss Surgery With a BMI of 30?
Under the updated 2022 ASMBS/IFSO consensus guidelines, surgery may be considered at BMI 30–34.9 if you have a metabolic condition — such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension — that has not been adequately controlled with non-surgical treatment. This is assessed individually by a private bariatric surgeon; public hospital programmes in Australia typically apply the more conservative threshold.
Age and Bariatric Surgery Eligibility
There is no specific upper age limit for bariatric surgery. Research indicates patients over 65 generally achieve weight loss and health outcomes comparable to younger adults, provided they are otherwise fit for general anaesthesia. The average age for primary bariatric surgery in Australia is 42 (ANZBSR 2023). Adolescents may be considered in specific circumstances using age-specific assessment frameworks with appropriate specialist involvement.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- Previous non-surgical weight loss attempts — documented attempts through diet, exercise, or medically supervised programmes are expected
- Mental health stability — acute or untreated conditions (severe depression, active psychosis, binge eating disorder) are relative or absolute contraindications
- Alcohol and substance use — active dependence is a contraindication; it significantly increases surgical risk
- Commitment to post-operative lifestyle — surgeons assess readiness for dietary changes, supplementation, and long-term follow-up
What Health Conditions Strengthen Bariatric Surgery Eligibility?
The following obesity-related comorbidities are commonly associated with eligibility at lower BMI thresholds and are often prioritised in public hospital assessments:
| Condition | How It Affects Eligibility |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Strongest comorbidity for surgical eligibility; particularly where medication has not achieved adequate blood glucose control |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) | Especially where CPAP therapy is required; surgery often resolves or significantly improves OSA |
| Hypertension | Particularly where multiple medications are needed; strong evidence for post-surgical improvement |
| Dyslipidaemia | High cholesterol or triglycerides resistant to medication; metabolic surgery improves lipid profiles |
| Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/NASH) | Significant liver disease strengthens clinical case for surgery |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | Where weight contributes to reproductive dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, or infertility |
| Osteoarthritis | Where excess weight is accelerating joint damage, particularly knees and hips |
| Cardiovascular Disease | Where obesity is a key contributing risk factor |
| Obesity-Related Depression | Related to obesity’s impact on quality of life, self-image, and social function |
The presence of multiple comorbidities strengthens the clinical case for surgery and may lower the effective BMI threshold at which surgery is offered.
What Does the Pre-Surgical Assessment for Bariatric Surgery Involve?
Before surgery is approved, your multidisciplinary care team will typically screen for conditions that either strengthen the case for surgery or could complicate it.
Pre-Operative Medical Screening Includes:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea — overnight sleep study if not already diagnosed
- Cardiovascular disease — ECG, echocardiogram if indicated, cardiology review for higher-risk patients
- Kidney disease — renal function blood panel
- Liver disease — liver function tests, ultrasound if indicated
- Thyroid disease — TSH and thyroid function panel
- Gout — uric acid levels
- Certain cancers (breast, endometrial, prostate) — age-appropriate cancer screening
- Nutritional status — iron, B12, vitamin D, calcium, folate, zinc baseline
Your Bariatric Care Team:
Bariatric surgery in Australia is delivered by a multidisciplinary team. You can typically expect to meet:
- Your GP — referral, pre-operative coordination, post-operative ongoing care
- Bariatric surgeon — procedure selection, surgical assessment, consent
- Anaesthetist — anaesthetic risk assessment
- Dietitian — pre-operative nutrition, post-operative dietary planning
- Psychologist or psychiatrist — mental health screening and post-operative support
- Specialist nurses — programme coordination and patient education
ℹ️ Pre-surgical assessment can take weeks to months rather than happening at a single appointment. This is standard — it is how your team identifies everything that needs to be managed before, during, and after surgery.
What Is the Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS)?
The Edmonton Obesity Staging System (EOSS) is a clinical framework that assesses the functional and medical impact of obesity beyond BMI alone. It classifies patients from Stage 0 (no medical impact) to Stage 4 (severe end-organ damage). ANZMOSS adopted the EOSS as a key element in its recommendations for public bariatric surgery prioritisation in Australia — used to prioritise patients who would benefit most clinically, not to exclude patients from consideration.
How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose After Bariatric Surgery?
Expected weight loss varies by procedure. Results are typically measured in Excess Weight Loss (EWL) — the percentage of weight above your ideal body weight that is lost — and Total Body Weight Loss (TBWL).
| Procedure | Expected EWL (12–18 months) | Expected TBWL (12 months) | 10-Year Maintenance | Diabetes Remission Rate |
| Gastric Sleeve (VSG) | 60–70% | 25–30% TBWL | 55–60% EWL maintained | ~60% at 1 year |
| Gastric Bypass (RYGB) | 70–80% | 29–35% TBWL | 65–70% EWL maintained | >70% at 1 year |
| Gastric Band | 40–50% | 15–20% TBWL | 40–45% EWL maintained | ~45% at 1 year |
*Sources: 2023 ANZBSR Annual Report; Annals of Surgery (2018); The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2025); Schauer et al., NEJM (2017).
Most patients lose the majority of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months of surgery. Some weight regain is normal — studies indicate patients typically regain approximately 15 per cent of their maximum weight loss beginning around two years post-surgery. Long-term lifestyle adherence and ongoing engagement with a bariatric dietitian are the strongest predictors of sustained results at ten years.
For full procedure details and step-by-step clinical information on how each operation works, see our guide on gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery.
Benefits of Bariatric Surgery Beyond Weight Loss
Bariatric surgery is classified as metabolic surgery precisely because its benefits extend far beyond weight reduction. The following health improvements are well-documented in peer-reviewed literature:
| Health Condition | Evidence of Improvement After Surgery | Key Source |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Remission in 60–80% of patients at 1 year; strongest evidence for gastric bypass | ANZBSR 2023; NEJM 2017 |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnoea | Significant improvement or resolution in majority of patients | Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology 2025 |
| Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) | Significant reduction in blood pressure; reduced medication requirements | Annals of Surgery 2018 |
| Dyslipidaemia | Improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels | Obesity Surgery 2023 |
| Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease | Significant liver fat reduction; histological improvement in NASH | BMJ 2023 |
| PCOS and Fertility | Improved menstrual regularity, hormonal function, and fertility outcomes | Obesity Reviews 2022 |
| Cardiovascular Risk | Reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease in long-term follow-up | JAMA Surgery 2022 |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnoea | Resolution or significant improvement in OSA severity | Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology 2025 |
| Quality of Life | Significant improvements in mobility, depression, self-esteem, and social function | ANZBSR 2023; Obesity 2023 |
| Joint Pain / Osteoarthritis | Reduced mechanical load; improved pain and mobility outcomes | Obesity Surgery 2023 |
It is important to note that surgery is not a cure for any of these conditions in every patient. Results depend on the degree of pre-surgical disease, how long conditions have been present, and adherence to post-operative care. However, for patients who have not achieved adequate control through non-surgical means, the evidence base for metabolic surgery is substantial and supported by bodies including the ASMBS, IFSO, ANZMOSS, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Which Bariatric Surgery Procedure Is Right for You?
The three main procedures performed in Australia each suit different patient profiles. This is a brief overview to help you understand the decision — for full clinical detail on how each procedure works, see our guide on gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery.
| Factor | Gastric Sleeve (VSG) | Gastric Bypass (RYGB) | Gastric Band |
| Best suited for | Moderate obesity; lower complication tolerance | Type 2 diabetes; severe GORD; higher BMI | Patients seeking reversibility; lower surgical risk tolerance |
| Weight loss | 60–70% EWL | 70–80% EWL | 40–50% EWL |
| Diabetes benefit | Strong | Strongest | Moderate |
| Reversible | No | No | Yes |
| Adverse event rate | <2% | <5% | Higher long-term |
| GORD / Acid Reflux | May worsen | May improve | No significant change |
What Is the Safest Weight Loss Surgery?
Sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) has the lowest adverse event rate of any primary bariatric procedure in Australia — under two per cent, according to the 2023 ANZBSR Annual Report. However, ‘safest’ depends on the individual patient. For someone with severe type 2 diabetes, gastric bypass may offer the best overall health outcomes despite a slightly higher complication rate. A bariatric surgeon assesses safety as a combination of procedure profile, individual comorbidities, surgeon volume, and hospital programme quality.
Which Bariatric Procedure Has the Highest Success Rate?
Gastric bypass (RYGB) has the strongest evidence base for long-term weight maintenance and disease remission at ten years. However, gastric sleeve has a lower primary complication rate and is the most commonly performed procedure in Australia (over 70% of primary operations, ANZBSR 2023). Success rate depends significantly on how it is defined — weight loss, diabetes remission, quality of life, or long-term complication rate all yield different rankings.
Recovery After Bariatric Surgery: Timeline by Week and Month
Recovery timelines vary by procedure. Here is what patients can typically expect:
| Timeframe | Gastric Sleeve (VSG) | Gastric Bypass (RYGB) |
| Hospital stay | 1–2 nights | 2 nights |
| Days 1–14 | Clear liquids only; walking from day 1 | Clear liquids only; walking from day 1 |
| Weeks 2–4 | Puréed foods; fatigue common | Puréed foods; more intensive nutritional monitoring |
| Weeks 4–6 | Soft foods; light activity resuming | Soft foods; light activity resuming |
| 6 weeks | Return to regular food textures under dietitian guidance | Return to regular food textures; blood tests for nutritional status |
| Return to work | 1–2 weeks (sedentary); 4–6 weeks (physical) | 2–3 weeks (sedentary); 6 weeks (physical) |
| Return to exercise | Light activity 2–3 weeks; vigorous 4–6 weeks | Light activity 3–4 weeks; vigorous 6 weeks |
| 3 months | Significant weight loss visible; dietary variety expanding | Significant weight loss; nutritional supplementation reviewed |
| 6 months | Most patients losing steadily; energy improving | Continued weight loss; metabolic benefits emerging |
| 12 months | Peak weight loss period for most patients | Peak weight loss; diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnoea reviewed |
| 2+ years | Weight stabilising; some regain is normal | Weight stabilising; 10-year data shows strong maintenance with adherence |
Pain after laparoscopic bariatric surgery is typically manageable with oral medication. Most patients describe discomfort at incision sites for 1–2 weeks rather than severe pain. Walking from the day of surgery is encouraged to reduce blood clot risk.
Bariatric Surgery and Specific Health Conditions
Bariatric Surgery and Type 2 Diabetes
Bariatric surgery — particularly gastric bypass — has the strongest evidence of any intervention for type 2 diabetes remission. According to the 2023 ANZBSR Annual Report, more than half of patients with type 2 diabetes required no treatment for their condition twelve months after primary bariatric surgery. The By-Band-Sleeve trial (The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 2025) confirmed gastric bypass as the most effective procedure for metabolic disease at five years. Remission rates decline with longer diabetes duration and poorer pre-surgical blood glucose control.
Bariatric Surgery and Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is one of the most consistently improved conditions after bariatric surgery. Significant reductions in apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) are seen in the majority of patients, with complete resolution in a substantial proportion. Weight loss after surgery reduces the fat deposits around the upper airway that contribute to OSA. Patients using CPAP therapy often find their requirements reduced or eliminated within 12 months post-surgery.
Bariatric Surgery and PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is strongly associated with insulin resistance and elevated body weight. Bariatric surgery can improve hormonal function, menstrual regularity, and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS. Studies show improvements in testosterone levels, LH/FSH ratios, and conception rates. Patients planning pregnancy after surgery should discuss timing with their bariatric team — most clinicians advise waiting 12–24 months post-surgery before attempting to conceive to allow nutritional status and weight to stabilise.
Bariatric Surgery and Fertility
For women with obesity-related infertility — particularly related to PCOS or hormonal disruption — bariatric surgery can improve fertility outcomes. However, surgery also introduces nutritional risks during pregnancy, and accidental pregnancy in the rapid weight loss phase post-surgery carries specific risks. Effective contraception during the first 12–24 months after surgery is strongly advised. A multidisciplinary team including a bariatric surgeon and obstetrician should coordinate care for patients who become pregnant after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery and Mental Health
Most patients report improved mental health and quality of life after bariatric surgery. However, a 2023 Australian study published in Obesity (Sumithran et al., 121,203 patients) found that monitoring for adverse mental health outcomes post-surgery is clinically important — particularly in patients with a pre-existing psychiatric history. Mayo Clinic’s clinical guidance specifically notes an elevated risk of suicide in a subgroup of post-surgical patients, particularly those with pre-existing depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorder. Psychological screening before surgery and ongoing mental health support afterward are standard components of comprehensive bariatric care.
Bariatric Surgery and Older Adults
There is no specific upper age limit for bariatric surgery in Australia. Research consistently shows that patients over 65 achieve comparable weight loss and comorbidity improvement to younger patients, with modestly higher surgical risk that is manageable in carefully selected candidates. Anaesthetic risk assessment becomes more important, and the multidisciplinary team will typically conduct a more thorough cardiovascular and functional assessment for older adults.
Risks of Bariatric Surgery: Short-Term and Long-Term
Weight loss surgery is major surgery. While the overall adverse event rate for primary procedures is low, it is important that patients understand the real risks involved before proceeding.
Short-Term Surgical Risks
| Risk | Rate / Details |
| Staple line leakage | Most serious early complication after VSG or bypass; rate below 2%; requires urgent reoperation if it occurs |
| Infection | Wound or abdominal infections can occur after any surgery; managed with antibiotics or drainage |
| Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) | Risk in any patient under general anaesthesia; preventive measures (compression stockings, anticoagulants) used routinely |
| Pulmonary Embolism (PE) | Serious but rare; risk further reduced by early mobilisation post-surgery |
| Bleeding | Intraoperative or post-operative bleeding requiring transfusion or reoperation; rare |
| Anaesthetic complications | Risk increases with BMI, sleep apnoea, and cardiovascular conditions |
Long-Term Risks and Considerations
| Risk | Details |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Iron, B12, calcium, vitamin D most common — especially after bypass. Lifelong supplementation required. Blood tests 3–6 monthly (year 1), then annually. |
| Weight regain | ~15% of maximum weight loss regained beginning ~2 years post-surgery; lifestyle adherence is key predictor of sustained results |
| Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) | VSG can worsen or trigger reflux; patients with pre-existing severe GORD may be better suited for bypass |
| Mental health changes | Most patients improve; a subgroup with prior psychiatric history requires careful monitoring. Elevated suicide risk reported in some long-term studies — ongoing psychological support is standard care. |
| Revision surgery | ~15% of patients may require revision within 10 years due to insufficient weight loss or complications |
| Dumping syndrome | After gastric bypass — rapid emptying of stomach contents causing nausea, sweating, dizziness; managed through dietary modification |
What Is the Risk of Death from Bariatric Surgery?
Mortality from primary bariatric surgery is very low — comparable to hip replacement or gallbladder removal in published literature. The 2023 ANZBSR data show adverse event rates under two per cent for sleeve gastrectomy and under five per cent for gastric bypass. Risk is higher in patients with complex medical histories, older age, and higher BMI. Your bariatric surgeon will discuss individualised risk during your consultation.
Reasons Not to Have Bariatric Surgery: When Surgery May Not Be Right
Some patients meet BMI criteria for surgery but may not be good candidates at a given point in time, or at all. These are clinical considerations in the patient’s best interest — not barriers to care.
- Uncontrolled or acute mental health conditions — Active psychosis, severe untreated depression, or current suicidal ideation are contraindications. Stabilising mental health first produces better surgical outcomes.
- Active alcohol or substance use disorder — Alcohol use disorder has been associated with post-surgical complications and elevated mortality in long-term studies. Addressing substance use before surgery is both a clinical and ethical requirement.
- Inability or unwillingness to commit to post-operative requirements — Bariatric surgery requires lifelong dietary changes, supplementation, and regular follow-up. Patients who are unable or unwilling to attend reviews, take vitamins, or modify eating patterns face higher complication risk.
- Pregnancy or planned conception in the near term — Surgery is not performed during pregnancy. Most clinicians advise waiting 12–24 months post-surgery before attempting to conceive.
- Insufficient BMI to qualify clinically — Surgery is a treatment for obesity. Patients who do not meet BMI criteria are unlikely to be offered surgery and would not derive the same clinical benefit.
- Medical conditions making anaesthesia unsafe — Clotting disorders, severe heart disease, or other conditions requiring general anaesthesia risk management may delay or prevent surgery until the underlying issue is stabilised.
Alternatives to Bariatric Surgery: What If I Don’t Qualify?
If you do not currently meet bariatric surgery eligibility criteria, or prefer to explore non-surgical options first, the following pathways may be appropriate — and completing a documented non-surgical programme can also strengthen a future surgical eligibility assessment. See our guide on free weight loss programs in Australia for structured, no-cost options.
| Alternative | Best For | Approximate Weight Loss | Key Consideration |
| GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) | BMI 30+ with or without comorbidities; patients preferring non-surgical treatment | 10–22% total body weight | Weight returns if medication stopped; ongoing cost $300–$500/month |
| Medically supervised diet programme | First-line treatment; pre-surgical documentation | 5–15% total body weight | Evidence base supports as pre-surgical step |
| Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) | Short-term intensive weight loss; pre-operative liver reduction | 10–20% in 12 weeks | Not sustainable long-term alone; best combined with behavioural support |
| Intragastric balloon | BMI 30–40; non-surgical bridge | 10–15% total body weight | Temporary (6 months); removed endoscopically |
| Exercise and behavioural therapy | All BMI categories as primary or adjunct treatment | Variable | Most effective when combined with dietary and medical support |
For patients exploring peptide-based weight loss medications, see our guide on weight loss peptides in Australia.
How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost in Australia?
Cost is one of the most searched topics for patients considering obesity surgery. In brief: without private health insurance, bariatric surgery costs $12,000–$28,000 depending on procedure. With Gold-tier private health insurance, out-of-pocket costs typically fall to $3,500–$8,000. Medicare provides partial rebates under MBS Items 31572 and 31575. Public hospital surgery is available at no direct cost, with waiting times of 1–3 years. For a full breakdown by procedure, state, insurance, and overseas options, see our weight loss surgery cost guide.
For information on health insurance coverage, Gold-tier waiting periods, and government-funded surgery by state, see our guide on Health Insurance for Weight Loss Surgery Australia 2026.
The Bottom Line: Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery?
- BMI of 40+, or 35+ with a serious comorbidity — eligible under both traditional and updated 2022 guidelines
- BMI 30–34.9 with uncontrolled metabolic disease — eligible under 2022 ASMBS/IFSO consensus (assessed individually by private surgeons)
- Asian descent patients — lower BMI thresholds apply (BMI >27.5 may qualify)
- No upper age limit — patients over 65 achieve comparable outcomes; adolescents assessed with specialist involvement
- Mental health, substance use, and commitment to post-operative care are assessed alongside BMI
- Sleeve gastrectomy has the lowest adverse event rate (<2%); gastric bypass has the strongest long-term diabetes outcomes
- Benefits extend well beyond weight — diabetes remission, sleep apnoea resolution, cardiovascular risk reduction, and quality of life improvements are well-documented
- Recovery takes 4–6 weeks to light activity; full return to exercise at 4–6 weeks; most weight loss occurs within 12–18 months
- Valid clinical reasons not to proceed include acute mental illness, active substance use, pregnancy, and anaesthetic unsuitability — these are temporary in most cases
Your first step is a GP consultation and referral to an accredited bariatric surgeon. For a complete overview of weight loss surgery in Australia — including procedure types, costs, Medicare, and insurance — see our pillar guide.
References
- Eisenberg D, Shikora SA, et al. 2022 ASMBS and IFSO indications for metabolic and bariatric surgery. Obesity Surgery. 2023;33(1):3–14.
- Australia and New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry. 2023 Annual Report. Monash University. 2024.
- ANZMOSS. IFSO/ASMBS Guidelines — Bariatric Surgery Eligibility. anzmoss.com.au. Accessed June 2026.
- Sumithran P, et al. Incidence of adverse mental health outcomes after sleeve gastrectomy. Obesity. 2023. doi:10.1002/oby.23757
- Goubar T, et al. Obesity and bariatric surgery in Australia: future projections. Obesity Surgery. 2022. PMC9392713.
- Nguyen NT, et al. Ten-year outcomes of a randomised trial of laparoscopic gastric bypass versus banding. Annals of Surgery. 2018. PMC5867269.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, adjustable gastric banding, or sleeve gastrectomy for severe obesity (By-Band-Sleeve trial). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2025 Mar.
- Schauer PR, et al. Bariatric surgery versus intensive medical therapy for diabetes — 5-year outcomes. NEJM. 2017;376:641–651.
- Courcoulas AP, et al. Long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery: a National Institutes of Health symposium. JAMA Surgery. 2022;149(12):1323–1329.
- Lean MEJ, et al. Primary care-led weight management for remission of type 2 diabetes (DiRECT). The Lancet. 2018;391(10120):541–551.
- Healthdirect Australia. Guide to Bariatric Surgery. healthdirect.gov.au. Last reviewed February 2024.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Weight-Loss Surgery: Is It an Option for You? mayoclinic.org. January 2026.
- Australian Government. Medicare Benefits Schedule — Items 31572 and 31575. health.gov.au. Updated 2026.
- Kolotkin RL, et al. Health-related quality of life in patients seeking bariatric surgery. Obesity. 2009;17(1):33–39.
- Johansson K, et al. Effect of a very low energy diet on moderate and severe OSAS in obese men: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2009;339:b4609.
Last reviewed: June 2026. This content provides general medical information only. Individual eligibility must be assessed by a qualified bariatric surgeon. Consult your GP for a referral.
