Frequently Asked Questions

+ How Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Weight Loss Surgery works not only by limiting the capacity of the stomach but also by disrupting some of the biological mechanisms that keep us at a certain weight. Some of these mechanisms are known but many are still not fully understood and are actively being researched. What we do know is that many studies have shown that weight loss surgery, together with lifestyle changes, is the most beneficial and cost-effective treatment of obesity and related illnesses.

+ Can I Have Weight Loss Surgery In A Public Hospital?

Dr Lewis performs many Laparoscopic and General Surgeries at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital however at this stage the hospital does not allow Weight Loss Surgery in the public hospital. Therefore Bariatric Surgery is performed at Tamara Private Hospital locally in Tamworth. Self funding and Early Release Superannuation Patients have the option of surgery in Tamara Private Hospital but it is advisable to join a health fund for at least 12 months prior to your surgery.

+ What Is The Most Common Weight Loss Surgery Procedure?

LAPAROSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY: this entails removing around 80% of the stomach. A number of small incisions are made in the abdomen and specialized stapling and cutting instruments are used to reduce the size of the Stomach into a tube or banana shape. Patients have the potential to lose around 60-70% of their Excess body weight. You spend a couple of nights in hospital and then go home to your family. There are minimal side effects. Complications as with any surgery is a possibility. Sleeve gastrectomy complications can include staple leakage, bleeding, reflux and stricture of the stomach. Your Surgeon will explain these to you prior to your surgery.

+ How Much Does Bariatric Surgery Cost?

Cost depends on your Health Insurance Status and Level. If you are considering Surgery it is strongly advisable to check in with your health fund on your level of cover and make the appropriate changes so you qualify.

Information on Compassionate release of superannuation

ATO Form for campassionate release of Superannuation

+ How Long Does The Process Take Before I Can Have Surgery?

The process can take between 4-6 weeks from your initial meeting with us to Admission to Surgery. Various other appointments are necessary prior to surgery. Personal factors and family considerations need to be taken into account, but we will try to fit in with your needs.

+ How Long Does The Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Procedure Take?

The procedure itself takes a couple of hours and you will remain in hospital for 2-3 days. Pain is managed with simple pain relief.

+ What Can I Eat After Surgery?

Initially you start on fluids, you will commence these the morning after your surgery, you will then progress onto thicker fluids then onto soft foods. Usually you can eat regular foods after about six weeks. Your dietician will have valuable advice for you pre and post surgery, it is very important that you adhere to their instructions.

+ When Can I Exercise? When Can I Return To Work?

As soon as you are discharged from hospital and go home you may begin to do gentle exercise like walking. You may return to work generally within 10-14 days depending on your occupation and how you feel. If you have a very physically heavy job you may need a little longer before you return to work.

+ Can I Drive My Car?

Do not drive until you can wear your seat belt comfortably and feel able to perform an emergency stop. Your insurance company may refuse to pay a claim if they feel you have driven too soon.

+ How Much Weight Will I Lose?

It is difficult to predict how much weight you will lose. Everybody is different and weight loss will still be dependent on your food choices and exercise. You can expect to lose between 60 to 85 % of your excess weight in the first 12 to 18 months following surgery: The amount of weight you are able to lose and keep off after surgery will depend also on the lifestyle changes that you make, such as increasing the amount of exercise you take and eating a healthy diet. It is important to remember that the operation will not stop from you from craving certain foods or eating what you fancy. It is really important to keep your regular post op consultations, especially with our Dietitian his specialist advice can support you as you develop your new eating habits.

+ How Will This Affect My Life?

As you start to lose weight, you will feel much healthier. You must remember that these changes will affect your life in terms of eating out, going out for a drink with friends, going on holiday and buying clothes. The support of family and friends is very important, particularly if you have to prepare large meals for other family members. Some patients have reported taste changes after the surgery and other patients have reported hair loss. It is important that you are aware of the long-term changes that will affect your lifestyle and relationships with others.

+ What Follow Up Care Is Needed?

We believe that life-long on-going care and support following weight loss surgery is important to achieve sustainable weight loss and improvement in health and day-to-day quality of life. We have a regular schedule of post-operative visits with your Surgeon that tapers to ongoing yearly consultations, these are bulk billed. After your initial 2 year program with our Dietitian we also strongly recommend yearly visits with him. It is really useful to touch base with our team to keep on track. You can also call our Bariatric Coordinators with any questions and our Psychologist can also provide support through difficult times.

+ Am I a Candidate?

Our doctors will discuss your medical history and your weight with you during an initial consultation and discuss your options, whether they be surgical or non-surgical. If you are suitable for surgery we will then discuss which procedure will suit you best.