Weight Loss Surgery: Resources & Stories

Weight Loss Surgery: Resources & Stories

Wherever you are in your weight loss journey, wanting to improve your overall health is a positive step forward. This website has been designed to provide general information on weight loss surgery. If you are not at that stage of your journey, our Weight Loss Support page has some helpful resources. You can also speak to your doctor about treatment options that are right for you.

Woman looking at camera giving a video interview about her weight loss surgery

Weight Loss Surgery Stories

We understand that trying to lose weight can be frustrating. It is important to remember that through the ups and downs you are not alone. Each person’s journey to weight loss is unique, but it can be helpful to hear from other Australians and their individual experience with weight loss surgery.

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Overweight young woman standing in a room looking out the window

What is Obesity?

Obesity is influenced by many complex factors that may be out of your control – not necessarily the result of poor choices or lack of will power. It’s easy to get caught in a cycle of weight loss and weight regain.1-5 

You are not Alone

You Are Not Alone

Meet Lenica. She was diagnosed with a particular type of diabetes. Read Lenica's story to understand her journey to weight loss surgery and how it has changed her life.

Hand on a laptop keyboard in an office space

Weight Loss Support

No matter what stage of the journey you are on, you need support. Our Support page provides resources and links to organisations like the Weight Issues Network, which you can join for free. You can also download our range of educational PDFs to help you navigate weight loss surgery.

Image of doctor patient consultation

Weight Loss Surgery

Treatments for obesity include lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), medications, and weight loss surgery.4,6  If diet and exercise have not worked and you’re ready to know more about weight loss surgery, we can help answer your questions on whether you may be  eligible for the procedure, talking to your doctor, how you could pay for surgery and what happens afterwards.

References

1.    Bray GA, et al. Obes Rev. 2017;18(7):715-723. 

2.    Caterson ID, et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2019;21(8):1914-1924. 

3.    Das B, Khan OA. Int J Surg. 2019;68:114-116. 

4.    National Health and Medical Research Council. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. 2013. Melbourne: National Health and Medical Research Council. 

5.    Australian & New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society. Obesity: Treatment Options. Available: https://anzmoss.com.au/obesity/treatment-options/ (accessed May 2021). 

6.    Australian & New Zealand Obesity Society. The Australian Obesity Management Algorithm. 2020. Available:  https://www.anzos.com/publications (accessed May 2021). 

There are risks with any surgery, such as adverse reactions to medications, problems with anaesthesia, problems breathing, bleeding, blood clots, inadvertent injury to nearby organs and blood vessels, even death. Bariatric surgery has its own risks, including failure to lose weight, nutritional or vitamin deficiencies and weight regain. Patients should consult their doctor to determine whether this procedure is appropriate for their condition. Alternative options to surgery include a healthy energy-controlled diet and physical activity.

This information is intended for residents of Australia only.

The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before you make decisions about your health.

© 2022 Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd which is solely responsible for its contents. Ethicon is a business unit of Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd. 1-5 Khartoum Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113, ABN 85 000 160 403.

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