Visit our Upper Gastrointestinal Practice|Call us today (02) 9098 6996

FAQs

FAQs2023-02-14T13:55:15+11:00
Surgery FAQs

The term “Bariatric” relates to the treatment of obesity and weight related disease. Hence, bariatric surgery is surgery for those suffering obesity and wanting to lose weight.

Weight loss surgery is indicated for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) >40, or those with a BMI >35 and suffering from obesity related disease. This includes diabetes, sleep apnoea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and osteoarthritis. If you think this is something you would like to consider, book an appointment with one of our experienced surgeons to see if we can find an option that is right for you.

Bariatric Surgery through Northern Bariatrics is a flat rate that includes our follow-up and our aftercare program. The out-of-pocket expense for each individual will depend on private health insurance and the level of rebate with your insurer. If you do not have private health insurance, there are self-funding options available. For a quote, contact our rooms today.

You will remain in hospital for an average of 1–3 nights following the procedure. After this, depending on your occupation, people can require up to 4 weeks off work. This is due to the recovery needed from the procedure, but more importantly, becoming accustomed to the dietary changes required following the procedure. You will be gradually upgraded from a liquid diet up to a full texture diet over a 6-week period, and this can take some getting used to.

Bariatric surgery is merely a tool for lifestyle change, which in effect should lead to weight loss. Our team will discuss with you the healthy eating habits and activity changes that will help you reach your goals.

Although this will make bariatric surgery a more cost-effective option, you do not need private health insurance to see one of our bariatric surgeons.

There is no specific timeframe recommended, as each individual will be different. If after a consultation with our surgeons you wish to pursue bariatric surgery, you will be seen by our metabolic team. The aim of this is to make sure any medical issues are optimised prior to surgery, and that you are educated on the changes you will be experiencing both physically and mentally. Once you have been signed off by the surgeon, metabolic team and anaesthetist, we will find a surgery date that works with you.

Diet and exercise weight loss programs can be effective for a small proportion of people. However, as stated by the National Institute for Health (NIH) in those suffering morbid obesity, it is unlikely that these conventional programs will lead to significant or sustained weight loss. This can lead to weight regain and feelings of failure, and a repetitive cycle of dieting. Surgery aims at resetting those homeostatic mechanisms that lead to weight regain, as well as helping with hunger and appetite. These things combined means that surgery is much more likely to lead to long term success.

Aftercare FAQs

The rate of weight loss varies between each person, however most will achieve the largest weight loss within 6-12months, and most will plateau at approximately 12 months.

Your surgeon and dietician will want to see you within 6 weeks following surgery. After this, you will have multiple appointments over the following 24 months to help you adjust to your new lifestyle and help keep you on track.

In short, yes. Your body’s response to alcohol can be very different after we have altered your digestive pathway, and many people will be more sensitive to alcohol. This can include becoming intoxicated more quickly, from smaller volumes and for longer periods, than prior to bariatric surgery. We do not recommend consumption of alcohol during the initial weight loss period. And after this, only small and occasional consumption.

Yes! Your surgeon and bariatric team will be with you every step of the way after your weight loss surgery, and that is why we like to see you so frequently in the first 24 months.

Definitely. Even those without a history of mental health issues can benefit from a psychologist review to help process such a large lifestyle change.

BMI CALCULATOR

BMI can be a useful starting measure to identify your weight classification and risk of comorbidities.


BMI is not relevant if you are under 18 years or pregnant.

cm
kg
Your BMI is

Answer the questions below and we can contact you to discuss your treatment options

Tell us about any other health issues

If you do not meet the BMI or weight criteria, you still may be considered for surgery if your BMI is over 30 and you are suffering serious health problems related to obesity.

Do you have either of these serious health concerns?

Have you experienced any of the following Health Risks Associated with Obesity?

BMI is not the only criteria

Something here about lifestlye or how long you’ve been trying to lose weight and what you’ve tried.

Tell us if you any of these apply to you

What is your outlook on weightloss?

Readiness to begin your wieghtloss journey is important.

How committed are you to your weightloss journey?

Fill in your details to to have these results sent to you.

If you choose we can share information about your health, medical history and lifestyle with our team who will determine whether you are a candidate for weightloss surgery.

professional
associations

FRACS
GSA
ANZMOSS
IFSO
Go to Top