'Access': The program that is cutting the cost of surgery for Aussies in need

At his heaviest, father-of-one Bill Gibson tipped the scales at 154 kilograms.

He was suffering from a long list of health issues linked to obesity and couldn't keep up with his son, but today, ten months after a gastric bypass he's 60 kilograms lighter.

Mr Gibson is just one Australian who is reaping the benefits of the "Access Program", which offers cut-price treatments to those who need them most. He paid half of what his wife was charged for the same procedure.

"It was a really significant saving and we would not have been able to afford to have my surgery done without the program," he told A Current Affair.

The Access Program was developed by Professor Anand Deva with the help of Macquarie University to help address the creeping out of pocket costs in the private health system.

"The Access Program essentially targets people who are underinsured," Professor Deva said.

"Access tries to open the door to these patients and says if you're a patient that really needs a procedure but are truly financially stressed and can't afford to, we want to help."

Professor Deva is one of about 30 surgeons across Australia offering huge discounts and fixed fees on life changing surgeries, which are only available through the private health system.

Since Access was launched in 2017, the scheme has extended its services from body contouring surgeries, to include bariatrics and orthopaedics – including hip and knee replacements.

"For a weight loss procedure for example, which I offer, the maximum a patient will pay is $500 per procedure," Professor Deva said.

"To commit to one or two cases a month through the Access Program is really not going to cost you as a doctor too much, but you get paid in other ways. These are among the most grateful patients I've had the privilege of treating in my career."

Potential patients can apply for the Access Program via its website. They must meet certain financial and health criteria.

For people like Mr Gibson it's been a lifeline.

"It's really taken me from isolation at home and put me back into the world again. They've changed my life," he said.

A Current Affair reminds readers that all surgery carries risk. Your GP should always be the first port of call when considering any sort of medical procedure.