Results

Over 500 patients have had surgery at St George Hospital in just under three years. About 50% have undergone gastric band surgery and the rest either gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy/gastroplasty. All operations are performed laparoscopically except in unusual circumstances. Significant complications have been uncommon and none life-threatening.

Dr Talbot and Dr Kuzinkovas have performed over 2500 operations on patients suffering from severe obesity and St George hospital is one of the highest volume and safest weight-loss surgical hospitals in the country.

No other centre has had the same caseload and safety.

Operations Performed

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
Separates a 20ml pouch from the rest of the stomach. “Switches off” appetite and creates intolerance to fatty foods. No protein or calorie malabsorption or diarrhoea. Easy, rapid weight-loss and resolution of diabetes > 75%.

Laparoscopic Gastric Band
Safest operation, 6000 cases in Australia last year. Gradual weightloss, compliance required but good weightloss in 85%. Lesser results in older/immobile/diabetic patients.

Sleeve Gastroplasty/Gastrectomy
Trims off greater curve of stomach. Causes profound appetite suppression, vomiting very uncommon. Irreversible. Can be converted to gastric bypass if not strong enough.