Yes. In most cases you can also access the superannuation of your spouse, partner, child or other dependant.
Therefore, the Australian Government allows early access to your or another family member's superannuation to cover the costs involved in bariatric surgery. The application for early super release is processed by the ATO.
Eligibility. If you are undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery, and you have inadequate means of funding the surgery, you may apply to the ATO to access your superannuation on compassionate grounds. The amount of super you can withdraw is limited to what you reasonably need.
If you are interested in getting a free surgery done from a public health facility, you should consult your GP. They should be able to direct you to a Medicare funded bariatric facility (Obesity and Metabolic clinics) where there are waiting times and certain qualifying criteria that must be met.
“This could indicate that a patient's changing lifestyle post-surgery put them out of sync with their spouse,” King said. “It can be really hard when one spouse changes what they eat and how active they are, and desires more sexual activity, while the other doesn't. That can put significant strain on a marriage.
"Obesity has long been known to reduce average life expectancy by some five to ten years. Our study shows that bariatric surgery prolongs it by three years. But even after surgery, patients still have a shorter life expectancy than the general population.
In general terms, the three main bariatric surgeries offered in Australia can cost: Sleeve gastrectomy: anywhere between $12,500 and $20,000. Gastric band surgery: around $20,000. Gastric bypass surgery: generally, costs for this procedure range between $14,000 and $18,000 [16].
The short answer is, yes bariatric surgery is covered by Medicare and most private health insurers. Patients covered by Medicare are entitled to subsidised medical services for bariatric surgery, provided they meet the medical criteria requirements.
High Body Mass Index (BMI)
A BMI of >30 is considered obese and a BMI of >45 is considered morbidly obese. In general, a person would need to have a BMI of at least >40 to be considered for most forms of bariatric surgery.
The patient must apply before the surgery and have a quote for the surgery. The super claim must be made for the patient himself/herself or a dependant spouse or child. The patient cannot access the particular surgery through the public system.
Yes, you can access your super for your overseas medical treatment. Access My Super can help you or any of your dependants to access your super to help cover the cost of your overseas medical treatment.
Basic criteria for accessing super for bariatric surgery
Your funds from superannuation can only be released for weight loss surgery if: The medical treatment is not readily available in the public system. Weight loss surgery fits this criteria. You have a life threatening illness or injury.
To be eligible for weight-loss surgery, you must meet the following requirements: Have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher, or have a BMI between 30 and 35 and an obesity-related condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or severe sleep apnea.
You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery.
The partner on a lower or no income can enjoy their super balance increasing. To be eligible for the tax offset, you need to contribute up to $3000 to your spouse's super, and you can contribute more than $3,000 to your spouse's super, but the amount will not be eligible for the tax offset.
Apply to your super fund for payment.
If the ATO approves your request, then you will need to contact your super fund with documents such as your ATO letter of approval, an application for early release of your funds, and, possibly, other documents such as a bank statement and proof of identity.
To be a candidate for obesity surgery, you must have a body mass index (BMI) of 40+ or a BMI of 35+ with an obesity-related disease, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. BMI is just the starting point on your journey back to health.
To qualify for lap band surgery, patients must have a BMI of at least 40 (this typically translates to being overweight by 45.4 kilograms or more) or they must have a BMI of at least 30, are at least 13.6 kilograms overweight, and suffer from at least one serious obesity-related, co-morbid health concern.
Several studies show that 10 years later, the average amount of weight that people have kept off is around 55% of the original excess body weight.
Bariatric surgery in the Public system is very much considered an elective surgery. This means that there can be long waiting times, often over two-three years, as other urgent, non-elective surgeries are prioritised.
This roughly equates to losing between 0.5kg-2kg per week, depending on your starting weight.
Long-term complications may include ulcers, scarring, and narrowing of the anastomosis (where the intestine is connected to the gastric pouch), known as a stricture. A drainage tract through the skin called a fistula may also develop. A fistula could develop between the gastric pouch and the bypassed stomach.
As such the answer to can your stomach grow back after weight loss surgery is NO, it will not grow back to its original size, but rather hold a capacity that allows the patient to have a long term normal life once they achieve their weight loss success.
Bariatric Surgery Long-Term Risks
Dumping syndrome, a condition that can lead to symptoms like nausea and dizziness. Low blood sugar. Malnutrition. Vomiting.