Bariatric surgery service
Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) can help people with obesity and diabetes improve their health.
The statewide bariatric service offers free weight loss surgery for people who are eligible.
How to use this service
You must be referred by a hospital specialist or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health service.
We don’t accept referrals from GPs or other primary care providers.
We do the surgery in Brisbane, but you can be referred by a specialist anywhere in Queensland.
You may be able to do some appointments through telehealth. You might also be able to get help with travel and accommodation costs through the Queensland Government Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme.
Check your eligibility
You may be eligible if all of these apply to you. Talk to your specialist about whether weight loss surgery is right for you.
- You're between 18 and 65.
- You weigh less than 185 kg.
- You have type 2 diabetes.
- You take 2 or more medications to manage your diabetes.
- Your HbA1c is over 6.5% even with 2 or more diabetes medications.
Your BMI must also be over 35. Use the BMI calculator on the Healthdirect website to check.
About weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery is major surgery and isn't reversible. You'll need regular health checks and blood tests for the rest of your life.
The most common types of surgery we offer are:
- Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) where part of your stomach is removed to make it smaller
- Gastric bypass surgery where your stomach is made smaller and connected directly to your small intestine, so food skips most of your stomach.
We don’t offer cosmetic surgery like liposuction.
Smoking and surgery
Smoking increases the risk of complications and can slow your recovery. You must quit smoking at least 6 months before your doctor can send a referral.
Other ways to improve your health
If you're not eligible or decide surgery isn't for you, there are other ways to improve your health. Learn more about ways to stay healthy, including diet, exercise and quitting smoking.