What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery?

Your Weight Loss Journey

If your life seems like a long, uphill struggle with obesity, failed diets and unsuccessful exercise attempts, bariatric surgery could be the weight-loss solution you need.

But while weight-loss surgery can transform your life, it’s not for everyone.

Initial Consultation

You will meet Dr Maani during your first visit to the clinic, and we will carefully go through your medical and weight history, explain your treatment options, and answer all your questions to ensure you understand everything clearly.

We are Here to Help

Our team is here to help and answer any questions you may have about the benefits and risks of surgical treatment.

There is absolutely no pressure or obligation to proceed with surgery at any time. It is simply a great way to get all the facts so you can decide if weight loss surgery is right for you.

Most patients do extensive research and have many questions about their condition, weight loss, and their options for treatment.

If there are any concerns Dr Maani can offer suggestions to improve any issues before embarking on surgery.

Keen to Proceed?

On the other hand, if you are keen to proceed, you will usually be able to have your surgery within 2-4 weeks of your consultation.

Dr Maani will discuss with you, your best option and which surgical option is best suited.

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Medical Assessment

Typically, we also perform certain assessments or tests prior to surgery. These assessments are performed to check

your general health,
medical history,
behavioural health,
current life situation,
motivations, and
long term goals and expectations.

Further Assessments

Our comprehensive model of care may require further pre-surgery testing, such as

cardiac testing,
sleep studies,
x-rays and
blood work.

The condition of your health determines whether you need testing before surgery.

You may also be referred to other health professionals for a more extensive behavioural health assessment if your weight issues are related to significant:

Eating and dietary habits,
Physical activity,
Health-related risk-taking behaviour, or
Previous weight loss failures.

These clinical assessments help Dr Maani to know whether you are ready for the surgery in all ways.

Your Choices

Non-Surgical

Medication

Surgical

Surgical Planning

Each surgery has it's own Surgical Pathway & Care Program, but once the type of Bariatric procedure has been agreed, an operating date that suits you best is selected.

Once this date is set other events are triggered, these include:

Ensure that you will have support at home after the surgery
You are able to take time off work for 7 to 10 days (office workers)
Check with the health fund for coverage if insured
Book a date dietician consultation 2-3 weeks before surgery
Commence the Optifast diet at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Attend to any Dietician directives
Undertake Psychological preparation as required
Pre-op assessment by our bariatric physician
Upper GI endoscopy if needed

Your Recovery and Bariatric Care Plan

After bariatric surgery, regular post-operative follow-up visits are important to ensure your complete recovery and a successful outcome.

Your hospital discharge instructions will have the periodical follow-up visits listed, and these will vary dependent on the specific surgery performed.

Post Surgery Care Plan

Weight-loss surgery is a life-altering procedure. You must be emotionally ready to deal with the substantial changes you will experience after surgery.

Understanding your motive to undergo bariatric surgery and what your psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle-related challenges and expectations are following surgery is best understood before surgery.

To help you mentally prepare, our staff will ensure that you:

Have a good support system
Understand the importance of maintaining new routines after surgery
Have a realistic plan for post-op physical recuperation

Once you understand what to expect after surgery, our support team will discuss these changes with you.

Information about your post-op care and weight-loss support groups will also be provided.

Some patients may benefit from Psychological Counseling to help them on their weight loss journey. This can also be provided where required.

This part of your post-operative journey will vary depending on the type of surgery. The main procedures performed at our practice and their individual Care Plans are included in the links above, but your detailed care plan will be made available

Best Weight Loss Results

Your weight loss journey is about you and your needs. Our relationship really begins after surgery, because this is where your goals will materialise.

To this end we offer a Care Plan that includes these elements: