Weight loss pathways

Pathways compared

Bariatric surgery options, GLP-1 medication pathways + head-to-head comparisons. Each pathway has its own eligibility, cost + outcome profile. Updated 2026.

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most-performed bariatric procedure in Australia — about 60–70% of all primary bariatric operations. The surgeon removes around 75–80% of the stomach, creating a narrow tube ("sleeve") that restricts food volume and reduces ghrelin (the hunger hormone). Average weight loss is 25–30% of body weight at 12–24 months, with the strongest cohort outcomes at high-volume centres.