Your surgical journey

Follow each step below to give you an understanding of what your surgical weight loss journey would look like
Home > The Journey
01
Make your first contact
02
Meet the surgeon
03
Preoperative care
04
Day of surgery
05
Postoperative phase
06
Maintenance
Make your first contact

The first step of your surgical weight loss journey is to contact us. We will arrange an appointment for you to see one of our surgeons.

To ensure you receive the Medicare rebates for your first appointment you will need a referral from your GP or specialist.

Meet the surgeon

Your first appointment is always with the surgeon who will perform your operation. The initial discussion focuses on a thorough history of your weight struggles. A decision is made as to whether bariatric surgery is your best option and which surgery is best suited to your needs. The decision to proceed with surgery is usually made at a second appointment with the surgeon.

Preoperative care

The goal is to ensure your surgical weight loss journey is as safe and as rewarding as possible. The preoperative care phase starts with organising a tentative date for your surgery. We are fortunate to operate out of multiple different private hospitals in Adelaide to ensure your surgery is located as conveniently as possible. The surgery is usually 4 to 6 weeks after your initial appointment. Your appointments will be made with:

    • Dietetics team
    • Lifestyle Coach
    • Bariatric physician
    • Bariatric nurse
    • Anaesthetist

Additionally all patients will be booked for an endoscopy prior to their surgery. This is a simple day procedure endoscopic examination of your stomach.

Our administrative team is always here to help you navigate through the at times confusing processes of the private health system.

Day of surgery

Today is the day! You will meet your surgeon in theatre prior to the start of your operation. You will be given clear instructions on fasting 6 hours prior to your surgery. You will also meet your anaesthetist before going into theatre. This will often be a familiar face as your initial anaesthetic assessment will be performed at your endoscopy. It may however that a separate anaesthetic assessment will be necessary after clinical assessment by your surgeon.

Every patient will experience comprehensive pain and nausea management prior to, during and after surgery. Additionally measure s will be taken to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia. Thi includes early mobilisation within 6 hours after the surgery.

In hospital intravenous fluids will be ceased the day after the surgery when oral intake is commenced. Surgeons at Adelaide Bariatric Centre don’t typically require any additionally X-rays or scans the day after the procedure. Typically, patients who have a gastric band stay one night in hospital while patients who have a gastric sleeve or bypass stay two to three nights.

Your surgeon along with our bariatric nurse will visit you at least once a day of your admission to check that you are making good progress. They will explain your recovery phase diet in detail, answer any questions and provide you with written instructions.

Prior to discharge you will be given wound care information, detailed explanation regarding pain and nausea management. In certain circumstances you will also be provided with instructions regarding the temporary need for antireflux medication.

Finally you will be given clear instructions on how to contact our team. We provide a 24/7 on call service so you are never left on your own in the event that assistance is required.

Postoperative phase

Two weeks after surgery you will have a follow-up appointment with our bariatric nurse and one of our dietitians to ensure your recovery is on track. If the bariatric nurse or dietitian has any concerns about your recovery they will arrange a review by your surgeon.

Your surgeon will then review you 4 weeks after your operation. You will then see the surgeon that performed your surgery.

Maintenance

Your follow up will continue with your surgeon and then bariatric physician every 3 months for the first year, six monthly for the second year and then yearly ongoing. Appointments will be bulk billed for two years after your surgery.

Book an Appointment
Make the first step in your weight loss journey. Found out how to reach us by clicking below. Or simply just ring us.
Book an Appointment