Weight Loss Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery). This leaflet can be a useful tool for obese patients considering bariatric surgery to assist with weight loss. Bariatric surgery is described for patients needing relief from obesity-related medical problems, such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure (hypertension), obstructive sleep apnoea and infertility.

The most commonly performed bariatric procedures are discussed, including:

• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Adjustable gastric banding
• Mini-gastric bypass (MGB)
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Laparoscopy and laparotomy are both described as surgical approaches for bariatric surgery. Other bariatric procedures mentioned include: sleeve plication, the primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE) procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and intragastric ballooning, among others.

The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Weight loss surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.