Obesity Surgery Murdoch WA, Weight Loss Surgery, Bariatric Surgery

Minimizer Ring

What is the Minimizer Ring?

The Minimizer Ring is designed to reduce or prevent the stretch that can occur over time with the sleeve gastrectomy.
We offer and recommend the Minimizer Ring to all of our patients who choose a Sleeve Gastrectomy.

Benefits of the Minimizer Ring:

Reduces and prevents potential long term weight regain
Reduces reflux after surgery
Research has shown placement of the Minimizer Ring has a 10% greater weight loss at 24 months post-surgery
Inserted during the sleeve gastrectomy procedure

Adjusts to the best size for the individual
DOES NOT cause obstructive symptoms
DOES NOT slip or erode
No additional cost for patients who have private health insurance covering the surgery. (For uninsured patients, there is an additional cost).

The Minimizer ring is NOT to be confused with the gastric band!
Our physicians are happy to further discuss the Minimizer Ring during your pre-operative appointment.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MINIMIZER RING

DO I HAVE TO HAVE THE MINIMIZER RING ?

"No - The choice to have the ring is entirely yours, we are happy to support you in what ever decisions you make."

CAN I CHANGE MY MIND ?

"Absolutely - Even if you have signed the paperwork and you change your mind, that's OK but you do have to tell us ASAP and tell the staff in the hospital when you come in."

DOES DR CHANDRARATNA HAVE A MINIMIZER RING ?

"No."

DOES HE WISH HE HAD ONE ?

"Yes !!!!"

DOES THE MINIMIZER RING CAUSE LEAKS ?

"No"

CAN THE MINIMIZER RING SLIP ?

"No - When Gastric Bands slip, it is actually the stomach that slips around the band. With a sleeve gastrectomy, there is no stomach to slip."

DO PEOPLE GET THE MINIMIZER RING REMOVED ?

"Occasionally people request to have the ring removed. Most seem to be over eating and in their mind they feel that the food is getting stuck on the Minimizer ring. Most find that when the ring is removed that it makes no different this feeling.
Some people have found removing the ring has helped and I suspect that these people had the ring placed too tightly. The ring is meant to be loose, but some people that have a lot of fat around the stomach the ring can be a little too snug. Occasionally we can't get the ring in as it's just far too tight."

IF I HAVE A COMPLICATION - DO I HAVE TO HAVE RING REMOVED ?

"Yes - The ring is a foreign body and if it gets infected it needs to be removed. If you are unlucky enough to have a leak then your surgeon will remove it for you. Data from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital suggests that patients with a leak that have the Minimizer ring may recover faster."

IF I AM UNINSURED, HOW MUCH WILL THE MINIMIZER RING COST ?

"If you are uninsured, the cost of the minimizer ring will be billed by the hospital and is approximately $2500.00. If you are applying for superannuation funds to cover your surgery costs, this can be factored into the amount of funds you request to be released."

Comprehensive Medical Assessment

Diet/ Nutrition