Frequently Asked
Questions
General Questions
Do I need a referral to see the surgeon?
Yes. For Specialist consultations, Medicare requires a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) for you to be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
For Bariatric GP consultations, no referral is required. However, we would encourage you to bring a GP referral if you have one.
What is the cost of my initial consultation?
The initial consultation fee will be discussed when booking your appointment. If you have a valid GP referral, a portion of the fee may be covered by Medicare.
Price refer to our pricing page for information about costs.
How long is the waiting time for surgery?
Waiting times vary depending on the procedure, hospital availability, and your individual health requirements. During your consultation, we will provide you with an estimated timeframe.
For weight loss surgery, pre-operative preparation might be required and this might impact on the timing of surgery.
Where do I have my operation?
We perform all private procedures at Ashford Hospital
Which weight loss procedure is best for me?
The most suitable procedure depends on your current condition, medical history and weight loss goals. Options include gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass, and revision surgery. Your surgeon will assess your suitability and recommend the best approach.
Cost & Insurance
How much does weight loss surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies based on the type of procedure and whether you have private health insurance. We will provide a detailed breakdown of all associated costs during your consultation. Alternatively, please refer to our Patients Information page for indicative costs.
Will my health insurance cover weight loss surgery?
Coverage depends on your health fund and policy level. Many private health funds cover bariatric surgery under certain conditions, but out-of-pocket costs may still apply. We recommend checking with your provider regarding specific inclusions.
What health fund is best for weight loss surgery?
Each health fund offers different levels of coverage. We advise contacting your provider to compare options and confirm coverage for bariatric procedures.
Do I need private health insurance for surgery?
Yes, we can only assist patients with existing health coverage.
General eligibility for patients taking out private health insurance is 12 months, and we are happy to work with patients during this wait period.
Before & After Surgery
Do I need to alter my diet before or after surgery?
Yes. Before surgery, you may need to follow a pre-operative diet to ensure a safer procedure. After surgery, dietary changes are essential for long-term success. Our dietitian team will provide a detailed nutrition plan.
How much weight will I lose after surgery?
Weight loss varies depending on the procedure and individual factors. On average:
- Gastric sleeve patients may lose 50–70% of their excess weight.
- Gastric bypass patients typically lose 60–80% of their excess weight.
Is weight loss surgery reversible?
Most bariatric procedures are permanent. However, some surgeries, such as gastric banding, can be adjusted or removed. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are typically non-reversible.
How long will I be in the hospital?
This will depend on the complexity of the case as well other factors that might arise after the operations. Your doctor will provide indicative timelines during the consultation.
Most patients are in the hospital for 1-3 days after an uncomplicated surgery.
How much time do I need off work?
Recovery times vary, but most patients take 1–2 weeks off work. Those with physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.
What are the potential complications of weight loss surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks, including:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Leaks from the surgical site
- Nutritional deficiencies
Our team prioritises patient safety, and we provide comprehensive post-operative care to minimise risks.
Long-Term Lifestyle Changes
& Support
What are the long-term lifestyle changes required after weight loss surgery?
Successful weight loss and health improvements require:
- A lifelong commitment to a balanced, portion-controlled diet
- Regular physical activity
- Nutritional supplements to prevent deficiencies
- Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon and dietitian
- Mental health support where required.
What kind of support is available after weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery is a significant life change, and ongoing support is crucial.
We offer ongoing follow-up care with our team or can refer can you to additional specialists as required
Have More Questions?
If you have any other questions, our team is happy to assist you. Contact us today to and learn more about your options.