Growing evidence is supporting the use of weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) to improve the health of some people with both obesity and diabetes. The Statewide Bariatric Service offers publicly funded weight loss surgery, but strict eligibility criteria apply. People seeking referral will be assessed on a case by case basis against specific criteria developed by expert health professionals.
See if you meet the eligibility requirements to be referred into the service by using the calculator.
Check my eligibilityAre you aged between 18 and 65?
Yes I am aged between 18 and 65No I am NOT aged between 18 and 65
How much do you weigh in kilograms?
Yes I weigh LESS than 185kgNo I do NOT weigh less than 185kg
No I am NOT aged between 18 and 65
To access this service, you need to be aged between 18 and 65.
Please speak with your GP or specialist about other options to help you improve your health, or check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Is your BMI more than 35?
To calculate your BMI use the BMI Calculator tool
No I do NOT weigh less than 185kg
To access this service, you need to weigh less than 185kg.
Please speak with your GP or specialist about other options to help you improve your health, or check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Do you have type 2 diabetes?
No my BMI is NOTmore than 35
To access this service, your BMI needs to be more than 35kg/m2.
Please speak with your GP or specialist about other options to help you improve your health, or check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Are you currently taking 2 or more different medications to manage your diabetes?
Yes I am currently taking 2 or more different medications to manage my diabetesNo I am NOT currently taking 2 or more different medications to manage my diabetes
No I do NOT have type 2 diabetes
This service is aimed at helping people that have type 2 diabetes.
Please speak with your GP or specialist about other options to help you improve your health, or check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Is your latest HbA1c more than 6.5%?
Yes my latest HbA1c is more than 6.5%No my latest HbA1c is NOT more than 6.5%
No I am NOT currently taking 2 or more different medications to manage my diabetes
This service is aimed at helping people that have type 2 diabetes that are on 2 or more medications.
Please speak with your GP or specialist about other options to help you improve your health, or check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Are you currently receiving care from a Queensland public hospital specialist (eg a cardiologist, diabetes specialist, orthopaedic surgeon or other specialist) or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service?
Yes I am currently receiving care from a Queensland public hospital specialistNo I am NOT currently receiving care from a Queensland public hospital specialist
No my latest HbA1c is NOT more than 6.5%
This service is aimed at helping people that have type 2 diabetes that have a HbA1c more than 6.5% despite treatment with 2 or more diabetes medications.
Please speak with your GP or specialist about other options to help you improve your health, or check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Based on your responses you may be eligible for this service
Speak with your specialist at your next appointment about whether a referral is right for you.
In the meantime, check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
No I am NOT currently receiving care from a Queensland public hospital specialist
In most cases, referrals for this service can only be made by a Queensland public hospital specialist.
Please speak with your GP about a referral to see a specialist. When you see the specialist, speak with them about whether a referral is right for you.
In the meantime, check out the Healthier. Happier. website.
Things to note
- Weight loss surgery offered as part of this service is major surgery that is not reversible. All patients that have this kind of surgery will need regular health checks and blood tests for the rest of their lives.
- The most common types of surgery offered are the sleeve gastrectomy (removal of a portion of the stomach) and the gastric bypass (bypassing a section of small bowel). Cosmetic surgery including liposuction are not part of this service.
- Referrals must be made by a public hospital specialist or an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service. Referrals will not be accepted from primary care (including from GPs).
- Surgery is performed in Brisbane but specialists can refer patients that live anywhere in Queensland. Some appointments may be offered using telehealth where appropriate. Travel subsidies may be available.
- Smoking can have a negative impact on your recovery after surgery and increases the risk of complications. If you are currently smoking, you will need to quit at least 6 months before your doctor can submit a referral.
- If you are not eligible for this service or you think this kind of surgery is not for you, you can still take steps to improve your health. Check out the Healthier. Happier. website for ideas and support.
