New weight-loss option for regional NSW patients

Residents of Tamworth in Country New South Wales and the surrounding rural areas now have easier access to advanced weight-loss surgery.

Surgeons at Tamara Private Hospital recently performed its first laparoscopic bypass, which can help to manage obesity and related health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Dr Benjamin Woolven, who performed the procedure, said the benefits of minimally-invasive laparoscopic surgery – using a thin flexible tube with a camera – extended beyond weight loss.

"Keyhole surgery is designed to offer a quicker recovery, less discomfort, and smaller scars," he said.

"Most patients can go home the day after surgery and return to work within one to two weeks."

With a laparoscopic bypass procedure, surgeons create a small stomach pouch which is then connected directly to the bowel, helping patients to feel full sooner and eat less.

Dr Woolven said it was designed to support long-term weight loss and improved health outcomes.

"It is very important to have this surgery available in regional Australia where many people suffer from obesity and related diseases," he said.

"We know that people are less likely to get the care they need if they have to travel long distances to get it.

"Accessing this care close to home allows patients to recover with the support of their families and in their own homes."

Dr Woolven also praised the Tamara Private Hospital team for their expertise and dedication.

"The facilities, staff and leadership at Tamara Hospital are excellent and committed to delivering leading care for their local community," he said.

"The care that people having this surgery receive is critical to setting them up for long-term success and the team at Tamara have been exceptional."

Tamara Private Hospital CEO Debra Maslen said the Ramsay Health Care facility was dedicated to offering the local community access to the care they needed, close to home.

"With the addition of laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, Tamara Private Hospital is providing people in the region with more options to manage obesity and improve their health, without needing to travel long distances for care," she said.

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