Gastric Sleeve Surgery Perth – a proven path to lasting change.

Most candidates have a BMI of 35 or above, or a BMI of 30 or above with an obesity-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, or hypertension. Dr Kiyingi assesses every patient individually — BMI is a guide, not a rule. Book a consultation to find out if sleeve gastrectomy is right for you.

Yes. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kiyingi as a specialist and to access Medicare rebates on your consultation fee. If you do not yet have a referral, our team can assist — BMI Specialist Clinics has an in-house GP available who can assess you and provide a referral where appropriate. Simply contact our team and we will help coordinate the next step in your care journey.

Most patients lose 60–80% of their excess body weight, with the majority occurring in the first 12–18 months. Results depend on adherence to dietary guidelines and ongoing follow-up care. Dr Kiyingi will give you a personalised, realistic expectation at your first consultation.

Most patients spend 1–2 nights in hospital and return to light activity within 2 weeks. Physically demanding work typically requires 4–6 weeks. Recovery is staged and individually managed by Dr Kiyingi’s multidisciplinary team throughout.

The cost of gastric sleeve surgery in Perth varies depending on your private health insurance, chosen hospital and individual clinical needs. For insured patients, out-of-pocket expenses are often significantly reduced depending on your level of cover. For self-funding patients, we provide a detailed breakdown of all expected costs during your initial consultation so you have a clear understanding of the financial aspects involved. Eligible patients may also explore flexible payment options through our partnership with FUNDD, a finance provider that may assist with additional funding solutions and payment plans where appropriate. Our team will guide you through your available options and help you understand the next steps with clarity and transparency.

Yes, in most cases. Sleeve gastrectomy is generally covered under private hospital insurance, subject to your level of cover and applicable waiting periods — typically 12 months for weight loss surgery. Most patients require top-level or Gold private health insurance for a portion of the hospital costs to be covered. Medicare rebates also apply to the surgeon’s fee. There is still typically an out-of-pocket gap, which Dr Kiyingi’s team will clearly explain during your consultation so you understand all expected costs upfront.

In selected patients, yes. The Australian Government permits early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds to fund weight loss surgery — including gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) — where treatment is not readily available through the public system and you cannot cover costs another way. Applications are assessed by the ATO and typically take approximately 6–8 weeks for approval. Dr Kiyingi’s team provides the required specialist documentation and guidance throughout the process. Discuss this option at your initial consultation to determine your eligibility.

Gastric sleeve surgery removes 70–80% of the stomach, reducing both capacity and the hunger hormone ghrelin while preserving normal digestion. Gastric bypass additionally reroutes part of the small intestine, producing stronger metabolic effects — particularly beneficial for patients with type 2 diabetes — but it is also a more complex and higher-risk procedure. Dr Kiyingi will recommend the most appropriate operation based on your individual health profile, goals, and long-term needs.

This is an important consideration. Acid reflux is common in the general community even without surgery and can often be effectively managed with medications. Sleeve gastrectomy can worsen reflux in some patients — particularly those with an existing hiatus hernia. Where a hiatus hernia is identified, Dr Kiyingi repairs it at the time of surgery, which may improve reflux outcomes. Patients with severe pre-existing reflux may be better suited to gastric bypass. This is discussed thoroughly during your consultation.

Yes. The removed portion of the stomach cannot be restored, making sleeve gastrectomy a permanent procedure. This is also why its results are durable — changes to stomach capacity and ghrelin levels are lasting. Dr Kiyingi ensures every patient understands this fully before proceeding.

In the weeks before surgery, patients follow a high-protein, low-calorie pre-operative diet to reduce liver size and improve surgical safety. Your specialist dietitian will provide a specific plan tailored to you. Stopping smoking at least 12 weeks before surgery is also strongly advised.

Your diet progresses in stages — clear liquids, then pureed foods, then soft foods, then a balanced long-term pattern — each guided by your dietitian. Small, slow meals are the new normal. Most food types remain accessible; what changes is quantity, pace, and mindfulness around eating.

Yes — lifelong supplementation is required. The reduced stomach size affects absorption of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and folate. Your dietitian provides a specific supplementation plan from day one. This is a built-in part of your care programme, not an afterthought.

Alcohol is absorbed significantly faster after sleeve gastrectomy — a standard drink affects you more rapidly and more strongly than before surgery. Carbonated drinks including beer should be avoided. Alcohol is also calorie-dense and can contribute to weight regain. Moderation is essential, and our team discusses this in detail as part of your pre- and post-operative education.

Yes, however pregnancy is strongly recommended to be avoided for at least the first 18 months following sleeve gastrectomy surgery. This allows your weight to stabilise and nutritional levels to be optimised before conception. Pregnancy during the active weight loss phase carries increased nutritional risks for both mother and baby. Dr Kiyingi discusses family planning as part of your pre-operative assessment and ongoing follow-up care.

Yes. Sleeve gastrectomy is particularly well-suited to FIFO workers and patients in regional Western Australia. Compared to gastric bypass, it requires less intensive post-operative monitoring and fewer follow-up blood tests, making it more practical for those with irregular schedules or limited access to specialist care. Dr Kiyingi consults across three Perth metro locations and can discuss telehealth follow-up options for regional patients.

Weight regain is possible over time with any bariatric procedure. The sleeve can stretch slightly over years and ghrelin levels may partially recover. Long-term success depends on adherence to dietary habits, ongoing follow-up, and lifestyle consistency. Dr Kiyingi’s programme includes structured long-term monitoring precisely to support sustained results — not just the surgery itself.

The first step is to contact the team at BMI Specialist Clinics and we will help coordinate the next stage of your care journey. It’s that simple. This may include arranging your initial consultation, discussing referral requirements, and guiding you through the process step by step. If you do not yet have a GP referral, we also have an in-house GP available to support you and provide a referral where appropriate. Your first appointment is private, unhurried, and carries no obligation to proceed.

Dr Andrew Kiyingi performs gastric sleeve and other weight loss surgery across several leading private hospitals in Perth, including St John of God Murdoch, Mount Lawley and Subiaco Hospitals, Glengarry Private Hospital, Joondalup Private Hospital and The Mount Hospital.

BMI Specialist Clinics offers one of Perth’s most comprehensive bariatric care models — giving patients access to an in-house GP, bariatric surgeon, nutritionist, psychologist and plastic surgeon within one supportive multidisciplinary team. We focus on personalised, compassionate care with meticulous long-term follow-up and ongoing support throughout your weight loss journey.