Frequently Asked Questions

Pre Surgery

• What are the routine tests prior to surgery?
  Your health and overall fitness for surgery will be assessed before making a decision about surgery. This will include blood tests and a gastroscopy for almost all patients. If you have had a gastroscopy for other reasons done within 12 months of your appointment you may not need another one. A bariatric physician may also review you, especially if you have significant pre-existing health conditions. All patients will have pre-operative dietary assessment and education by one of our specialist dietitians. We encourage you to engage with a psychologist prior to surgery.
• Do I need to stop smoking?
  Yes! Absolutely! All potential patients must stop smoking a minimum of 6 weeks prior to surgery. Smoking increases the risk of a surgical complication by over 10 times and therefore must be avoided. In the long term if gastric bypass patients smoke there is a real risk of causing gastric ulcers.
• Where do I get my pre-op diet meal replacements from?
  Your dietitian will assess which very low calorie diet (VLCD) is right for you and where to purchase the appropriate meal replacements prior to surgery. Our office stocks certain brands, others are in most major pharmacies.

Post Surgery

• How soon can I return to work?
  This can vary depending on your recovery and the nature of your job. Most workers who don’t need to do heavy lifting, can return to work 10 to 14 days after surgery. A degree of fatigue is normal after surgery and it takes time to adjust to changes in your drinking and eating. Where possible we encourage you to take at least two weeks off work. For jobs which require a lot of exertion or heavy lifting, your surgeon will advise you when you can return to light duties and then full duties.
• When can I resume exercise?
  Gentle, frequent movement is highly encouraged as soon as possible, and is one of the best things you can do to help your recovery. Strength and weights-based training should be commenced once you get the all-clear from your surgeon, this is usually around 4-6 weeks after surgery. Our exercise physiologists can help you safely get started or you are welcome to participate in our group fitness classes tailored exclusively to weight loss surgery patients.
• Is it normal to feel tired after my operation?
  Yes, especially after sleeve and bypass surgery, this can last for 4-6 weeks post-surgery. Losing weight quickly can contribute to fatigue. Taking your recommended nutritional supplements can help. If you are unsure if your experience is normal, please speak to our nurses.
• Will I suffer from constipation?
  There are a lot of reasons why people may notice a slowing down in their bowel habit initially following weight loss surgery. The pre op diet, the general anaesthesia, strong pain relieving medications, not drinking enough fluid and decreased physical activity can all contribute to sluggish bowels. If you do experience constipation our nurses will help you navigate this. Following the initial postoperative period, bowel actions should be regular and comfortable to pass.

Other FAQ's

• How does Gastric Bypass help patients with diabetes?
  Excess fat causes hormonal imbalances which can lead to insulin resistance. This in turn inhibits the body from processing glucose normally – diabetes. By reducing excess body weight, hormonal imbalance and insulin sensitivity can reverse.