Key Takeaways
  • All three common bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) under general anaesthetic
  • Gastric sleeve (VSG) takes 45–60 minutes — the quickest of the three
  • Gastric bypass procedures (RYGB and OAGB) take around 90 minutes due to the intestinal joins required
  • Hospital stay is typically 1–2 nights for VSG and 1–3 nights for bypass procedures
  • Most patients return to work after approximately 2 weeks of home recovery

A Quick and Minimally Invasive Procedure

One of the most common questions from patients considering bariatric surgery is simply: how long will I be in the operating theatre? The answer is reassuring — all three of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures in Australia are relatively quick, and all are performed using a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach.

All three procedures are performed laparoscopically — through small incisions using a camera and instruments, rather than open surgery. This reduces recovery time, scarring, and surgical risk significantly.

Operating Times at a Glance

VSG
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
Operating time 45–60 min The most commonly performed bariatric procedure in Australia
Hospital stay 1–2 nights
Return to work ~2 weeks After home recovery period
RYGB
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Operating time ~90 min Involves two intestinal joins (anastomoses)
Hospital stay 1–3 nights
Return to work ~2 weeks After home recovery period
OAGB
One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
Operating time ~90 min Involves one intestinal join — slightly simpler than RYGB
Hospital stay 1–3 nights
Return to work ~2 weeks After home recovery period

Why the Bypass Procedures Take Longer

The gastric sleeve (VSG) is the simplest of the three — it involves removing approximately 80% of the stomach to create a tube-shaped sleeve, without altering the path food takes through the intestine. It typically takes around 45–60 minutes.

The bypass procedures (RYGB and OAGB) are technically more involved because they require forming one or more joins (anastomoses) between sections of the digestive tract. The RYGB requires two anastomoses; the OAGB requires one — making the OAGB slightly simpler to perform while still achieving excellent results. Both typically take around 90 minutes.

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Revisional (redo) bariatric surgery — where a second procedure is performed on a previously operated stomach — is always more complex than a first-time (primary) procedure. Operating times for revisional surgery will vary significantly depending on the type of original procedure and the individual patient's anatomy. Your surgeon will discuss this with you in detail at your pre-operative consultation.

Your bariatric surgeon at Total Upper GI Surgery will discuss your specific procedure, operating time, and recovery expectations with you at your surgical consultation. If you haven't yet had a pre-surgical assessment, our MedSurg Weight Loss doctors can assess your eligibility and facilitate a referral. No referral is necessary to book with us. Get in touch or explore our Surgical Weight Loss service.

Topics: Surgical Weight Loss Bariatric Surgery Patient Information What to Expect Medical Weight Loss
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