How much does weight loss surgery cost in Melbourne

If you're looking for weight loss surgery costs in Melbourne, the most likely thing you've found is that most articles use broad ranges that don't provide actual cost figures. Melbourne Weight Loss Solutions (MWLS) gives you a much clearer idea of what the costs are, with specific figures.

The costs associated with weight loss surgery at MWLS are clear and consistent. For patients with private health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket expenses associated with their primary weight loss surgery will range between $3,350 to $6,400, depending on the procedure performed. Whilst the amount charged for revision surgery procedures can vary, these costs are quoted on a case-by-case basis due to the complexities of these surgeries.

Weight loss surgery costs vary based on different variables

Even at the same facility, there is no single number that will apply to all patients; therefore, your cost of surgery is based on the following factors:

• The type of procedure you decide to undergo

• Whether or not you are undergoing a primary or revision surgical procedure

• The health insurance coverage and any deductible you may have

• Hospital and anaesthetist fees

By breaking down which costs are fixed and which are variable, MWLS allows you to clearly see what is covered, so it’s one less thing to worry about during the surgery process.

How the MWLS pricing model works

According to MWLS, the physician fees that are charged are as follows:

General bariatric surgeon fees

From $3,350

Gastric banding

Around $6,400

Revision surgery

Cost is based on the complexity of the procedure and is quoted after evaluation.

These amounts refer to the fees charged for the physician who will perform your procedure; these fees are separate from the overall amount that you will owe to the hospital for your surgery. This distinction is important.

Public vs Private Care

Publicly funded bariatric surgery exists within Victoria; however, access is restrictive due to waiting lists spanning multiple years and strict eligibility criteria.

Unlike public bariatric surgery, MWLS works within the private sector. Therefore:

• Surgery can take place within a matter of weeks rather than years

• Patients can choose their surgeon

• Patients will receive structured follow-up care from MWLS

• Patients will know the exact costs before surgery commencement

In most cases, the question is not whether private surgery costs more but rather whether waiting multiple years is realistic, given the health issues at risk.

What does a patient get when they receive a quote from MWLS?

MLWS quotes encompass the multiple components involved with surgeries, such as:

Surgeon Care

Surgeon care is inclusive of pre-operative planning, operative procedure, and post-operative follow-ups. Surgical care does not stop once you have been discharged from your surgical theatre.

Anaesthetist

Anaesthetists are separate specialists who bill patients for their services.

Hospital Fees

Hospital fees include operating room fees, your room's accommodation fee, nursing care services while you are an inpatient at the hospital, and overnight inpatient service. Most hospital fees are covered by your health insurance.

Surgical Assistant

Bariatric surgery requires a team approach (the surgical assistant is an additional physician trained in safe laparoscopic bariatric surgery).

Aftercare Support

Aftercare support includes early follow-ups, advice, and clinical support in the early postoperative stage, which has been shown to have a significant impact on the long-term success of the surgical procedure.

Due to the multiple components associated with weight loss surgery, no two quotes are ever the same. 

Revision Surgery Costs at MWLS

The price of revision surgery is not billed the same way as a primary surgical procedure. Revision surgery is very different to a primary surgical procedure; it takes longer to perform (often two or three times as long), and it carries higher risks than a primary surgical procedure.

At MWLS, we do not provide generic quotes for revision surgery; rather, we will look at each person individually based on a review of their previous surgical history and provide the best recommendation for treatment based on their specific situation.

MWLS Surgical Weight Loss Treatment Options

MWLS provides weight loss surgical options based upon scientific evidence and clinical practice rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Surgical solutions offered by MWLS include:

- Gastric Sleeve Surgical Procedure

- Gastric Band Surgical Procedure

- Revision Bariatric Surgical Procedures

- Long-Term Surgical Follow-Up and Care

All weight loss surgical options are discussed with the patient in relation to their health, history and goals.

How to Know What Your Exact MWLS Cost Is

To know what your MWLS surgical costs are going to be, there are key considerations and steps to take:

1. Determine your private health insurance coverage level and the waiting period for coverage on weight loss surgery.

2. Obtain a GP referral.

3. Schedule a consultation with MWLS to obtain a personalised breakdown of your surgical costs.

Take the Right Next Step with MWLS

MWLS takes an education-first approach to weight loss surgery. We will explain the surgery costs up front, welcome your questions and not rush you into making a decision. If you are looking for weight loss surgery options within Melbourne and want information based on real clinic experience, MWLS is your go-to. 

A consultation will give you real facts and cost factors about weight loss surgery so that you can decide if it fits your needs. Reach out to MWLS today to book in a consultation and start your weight loss journey.