What to expect:

During your initial consultation, George will conduct a comprehensive medical review, examining your medical history and any weight-related health issues. After this assessment, he will discuss your options with you. Together, we will create a personalized plan aimed at effectively addressing your weight and health challenges, maximizing both short-term and long-term success in a safe manner. We will also determine if any preoperative evaluations are needed, such as diagnosing and treating sleep apnoea or optimizing conditions like diabetes or heart disease, to ensure a safer anaesthesia and surgical experience. A preoperative gastroscopy and dietitian consultation will be arranged, along with a follow-up appointment for you to ask any questions before your surgery.

Surgery:

After your laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, your expected hospital stay will be 2-3 days, depending on your recovery. You will be discharged when you can manage a straw diet and your pain and nausea are under control. While most patients go directly to the ward post-operatively, some may require a night in the High Dependency Unit (HDU) or Intensive Care for proper recovery from anesthesia.

Post Discharge:

After leaving the hospital, you will have follow-up appointments scheduled as follows:
– 2 to 3 weeks after discharge (Initial Post-Operative Appointment – no charge)
– 8-12 weeks
– 12 months
– Around 24 months

These consultations allow George and our specialized nurses to monitor your progress, review your nutritional blood tests, offer advice, and address any post-operative concerns. These consultations are rebated at the Medicare rate, incurring no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Dietician:

In preparation for your surgery, you will be referred to a dietitian who will discuss necessary preoperative dietary changes to help you adapt to a new eating pattern. They will explain the preoperative liver shrinkage diet (Optifast meal replacement program) for two weeks and recommend ongoing multivitamins and supplements. You will also meet with them in the hospital and receive post-operative support.

Rehabilitation:

Outpatient rehabilitation is available and covered by private health insurance. These sessions can be conducted in a group setting, featuring input from dietitians and exercise physiologists, and are managed by the private hospitals we collaborate with.