Bariatric Surgery In Ireland

Bariatric surgery, also called weight loss surgery, is a medical treatment for severe obesity that helps you lose weight by making your stomach smaller and, in some procedures, changing how food is absorbed.

Bariatric surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures worldwide, with a strong safety record when performed by experienced surgeons. As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anaesthesia. Serious complications are rare.
At Auralia, our surgeons have performed thousands of procedures over 25+ years. We use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, operate in accredited facilities under Irish healthcare regulations, and include comprehensive insurance cover in your programme (terms apply) for added protection.
Your surgeon will discuss specific risks relevant to your health profile during your consultation.

Beyond weight loss, bariatric surgery can improve or help control several obesity-related conditions, especially type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, heart disease, and abnormal cholesterol.

Weight loss results vary by individual and depend on factors including which procedure you have, your starting weight, your commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes, and your body's response.
Typically, patients who have gastric sleeve surgery may lose 50-70% of their excess weight within 12-18 months. Gastric bypass patients may experience similar or slightly higher weight loss. Results vary, and some patients lose more or less than these ranges.
Long-term success depends on following dietary guidelines, attending follow-up appointments, and maintaining healthy habits. Our comprehensive aftercare programme is designed to support you in achieving and maintaining your results.

Generally, the more you interact with the program, the more successful you will be. However, Auralia has never had a patient who simply hasn’t lost weight on our gastric sleeve program.

Whilst every person is different, we would expect our gastric sleeve patients to lose around 6-7 stone within the first 12 months. However, many of our patients have lost as much as 11 stone within this time. This is largely dependent on how compliant the patient is with the after-care program.

You can choose. We offer consultations both in hospital (at our Dublin, Kilkenny, or Limerick locations) and Online via Zoom for your convenience. Many patients, particularly those from Northern Ireland or rural areas, find Zoom consultations more accessible.
Your surgeon can assess your suitability, explain your options, and answer your questions just as thoroughly via Zoom as in person. If any in-person assessments are needed, we'll arrange those at a later stage.

No. You do not need a referral from your GP to book a consultation with Auralia. You can contact us directly, and we'll arrange your appointment with our expert bariatric surgeon.
Of course, you're welcome to discuss your decision with your GP if you'd like their input, and we can keep your GP informed throughout your journey if you wish.

Not at all. A good percentage of our patients travel from Northern Ireland, and we've made the process straightforward.
You can attend your initial consultation via Zoom if travelling for an appointment is inconvenient. When it comes to surgery, you'll stay in hospital for 1-2 nights, so you only need to plan one trip. Follow-up appointments can be done via Zoom or in clinic, depending on your preference.
Many Northern Ireland patients choose Auralia for the peace of mind that comes with having their surgery and ongoing aftercare within Ireland, with full access to their surgical team if any concerns arise.

It varies depending on your availability, and any pre-operative assessments needed. However, Auralia has high capacity, and we can typically schedule surgery within 4 weeks of your consultation if you're ready to proceed.
If you need surgery quickly, let your patient coordinator know, and we'll do our best to accommodate you.

Absolutely. All consultations, medical records, and treatments are handled with complete confidentiality in line with Irish healthcare privacy regulations. Your information is never shared without your consent.
We understand that privacy is important, and we respect your discretion throughout your journey.

Yes, you're very welcome to bring a partner, family member, or friend to your consultation if you'd like their support. Many patients find it helpful to have someone with them.
If your consultation is via Zoom, your support person can join the call from the same location.

Many of our patients have spent years trying different diets, exercise programmes, medications, and other approaches without lasting success. You're not alone in that experience.
Bariatric surgery works differently. It creates physical and metabolic changes that can support significant, sustained weight loss when combined with ongoing lifestyle adjustments. Results vary by individual, but many patients find that surgery provides the tool they needed to finally achieve long-term change.
Your consultation is the right place to discuss your previous attempts, what hasn't worked, and whether surgery may offer a different outcome for you.

Your bariatric surgeon will recommend the most suitable procedure based on:

Your BMI and weight loss goals
Any existing health conditions (e.g., type 2 diabetes, acid reflux)
Your lifestyle and dietary habits
Your previous weight loss attempts

Both procedures are highly effective. Gastric sleeve is often the first choice for many patients, while gastric bypass may be recommended if you have significant type 2 diabetes or severe reflux.
Your consultation is designed to give you clarity on which option is best for you. You won't be expected to decide alone.

Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 injections work in different ways and suit different patients. GLP-1 injections reduce appetite and slow digestion through weekly medication. They typically require ongoing or indefinite use, and when stopped, in a lot of cases you regain the weight you have lost or even more. In addition many long term health issues are being reported with the continuous use of these drugs.

Bariatric surgery creates a permanent physical change to your digestive system. Many patients find that surgery provides more substantial and lasting weight loss, particularly for those with higher BMI. Surgery also comes with comprehensive aftercare, including unlimited dietitian support, structured follow-ups, and insurance cover for complications. Moreover, the weight regain is less common with weight loss surgery.

The cumulative costs of GLP injection treatments over several months and years exceed by a great margin the cost of bariatric surgery , which is a one-time procedure with permanent results.

Bariatric surgery and gastric balloons work differently and suit different patients. A gastric balloon is a temporary device that stays in your stomach for 4-6 months (or around 16 weeks with the Allurion balloon), and sometimes for 12 months. It helps you feel fuller while you work on building healthier habits with dietitian support. The balloon is then removed (endoscopic balloon) or passes naturally (the allurion balloon).

Bariatric surgery creates a permanent change. Many patients achieve greater total weight loss with surgery compared to a temporary balloon, particularly over the long term. Typical weight loss with gastric sleeve is 50-70% of excess weight, and with gastric bypass is 60-80% of excess weight over 12-24 months. With a balloon, many patients lose on average 10-15% of body weight during the normal balloon period.
At Auralia we provide both options, the Allurion Swallowble Gastric Pill Balloon and advanced Bariatric Surgery.

During your free consultation our expert consultant will assess which approach is most suitable for your BMI, goals, and readiness for treatment.

Many patients who come to us have spent years trying diets, exercise programmes, meal replacements, and other approaches without lasting success. This is not a failure on your part. For many people with significant weight to lose, lifestyle changes alone are not enough due to metabolic, hormonal, and genetic factors that make sustained weight loss extremely difficult.
Bariatric surgery works by creating a physical change to your digestive system. The gastric sleeve reduces the size of your stomach, helping you feel full sooner and reducing hunger signals. The gastric bypass also reduces calorie absorption. These changes address some of the biological mechanisms that make weight loss and maintenance so challenging.
However, surgery is not a standalone solution. It's a tool that works best when combined with dietary changes, ongoing support, and behavior modification. That's why our programme includes unlimited dietitian support, the Auralia Weight Loss App, nutrition and exercise classes, and long-term follow-up care. Surgery gives you a strong foundation, and our aftercare helps you build lasting habits.

The cost of your weight loss surgery programme depends on which procedure is right for you and your individual needs. We provide a personalised quote after your initial consultation.
Auralia offers flexible finance options from €277 per month over 36 months.
Your programme price includes everything: consultations, anaesthesia, surgery, hospital stay, as much follow-up consultations as needed, premium Irish after care, dietitian support, the Auralia Weight Loss App, education classes, and insurance cover. No hidden fees.

Generally, bariatric surgery may be suitable if:

• Your BMI is 30 or above, or

However, BMI is just one factor. Your bariatric surgeon will assess your full medical history, previous weight loss attempts, health conditions, and personal circumstances during your consultation.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible, the best step is to book a free consultation. There's no risk in finding out.

That's completely okay. Your free consultation is an opportunity to explore whether surgery is right for you, with no obligation to proceed.
Some patients book a consultation, take time to think, and return months later when they're ready. Others decide surgery isn't the right path for them at all. There's no pressure either way.
We're here to give you accurate information and expert guidance so you can make the decision that's right for you.

Most patients stay in hospital for 1-2 nights after surgery. Recovery time varies depending on your procedure and your type of work.
Many patients return to desk-based work within 1-2 weeks. If your role is more physically demanding, you may need 3-4 weeks before returning to full duties. Most patients resume normal daily activities within 4-6 weeks.
You'll receive clear guidance on what to expect and how to support your recovery. Our team is available throughout this period to answer questions and address any concerns.

The 30/30 rule is a common post-surgery habit guideline: avoid drinking liquids for 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals. It helps protect the smaller stomach pouch and improves satiety while eating.

Bariatric revision surgery is recommended when a previous weight-loss procedure no longer provides the expected results or causes ongoing problems. Common reasons include insufficient weight loss, weight regain, or procedure-related complications such as severe reflux, band intolerance, or pouch dilation.

Weight loss surgery is generally safe, but it is still major surgery. Risks can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and more rarely leaks from surgical connections, as well as longer-term issues like ulcers, bowel obstruction and dumping syndrome.

Following your visit to Auralia, you will be given pre- and post-operative instruction to guide you on how to be well prepared for your bariatric surgery and what to do afterwards. This will also contain the clinic's contact details.

Absolutely not! You are entitled to as many appointments as you feel you need with your Doctor, following your weight loss procedure.

Absolutely! From the time you have your bariatric surgery with your Auralia Doctor, you are entitled to see them for appointments for as long as necessary.

If the Doctor no longer works for Auralia, you would still be entitled to see one of our surgeons for free.