FAQs

Can I use superannuation to fund weight loss surgery?

You may be able to. See here: Accessing Superannuation

How much does weight loss surgery cost?

See here: Weight Loss Surgery Pricing.

What operations are performed?

See here: Procedures.

What are the outcomes of weight loss surgery?

Studies show patients experience average weight losses of around 20-30% and 25-35% after undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, respectively. Read our article: The Outcomes of Weight Loss Surgery

Is weight loss surgery safe?

Weight loss surgery, known as bariatric surgery, is generally regarded as safe surgery, in appropriately selected patients. Risks are lower than the longer-term risk of dying from heart disease, diabetes and other consequences of carrying more weight than a person’s organs can tolerate. Read our article: Is Weight Loss Surgery Safe?

What about smoking and surgery?

Smoking at the time of any surgery increases complications and risks. This is a well documented fact.

Current smoking status, and even the time since quitting, are factors we take into consideration when planning bariatric surgery. At Sea Change Weight Loss Clinic, our doctors share the firm view that active smoking is a relative contraindication to surgery, and therefore we advise all patients to stop prior to an operation.

Smoking status also affects which surgical procedure we recommend to our patients in many circumstances.

Can I have surgery in a public hospital?

Currently, in Newcastle, weight loss surgery is only offered in private hospitals. Patients without private health insurance can still pursue weight loss surgery and can discuss their options with the practice. Our practice also supports the use of superannuation to help fund weight loss surgery.

Where are surgeries performed?

Lingard Private Hospital

How do I know if I am eligible for surgery & which procedure will best suit me and my circumstances?

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

What are the item numbers used for weight loss surgery?

• Sleeve gastrectomy: 31575
• Gastric bypass: 31572 (first weight loss surgery)
• Removal of gastric band: 31585
• Revisional weight loss surgery: 31584
• Gastroscopy: 30473

Can I just pay for surgery without paying for dietetic care post-surgery?

No. We believe it's essential that you continue seeing our dietitian for 12 months post-surgery because it gives you the best chance of achieving long-term weight loss. This is why we insist on patients paying upfront for dietetic care when paying for surgery.

What is the recommendation if I am considering COVID-19 vaccination in the context of upcoming or recent surgery?

At this point in time there is insufficient medical and surgical evidence on this topic, but the current recommendation is to wait for 1 week after vaccination before undergoing surgery.

What is the process before and after surgery?

See here: The Process Before & After Weight Loss Surgery as well as our Discharge Instructions.

To help support our patients in the post-op phase, we’ve also developed a series of tailored post-surgery cooking and exercise films that are available exclusively to our patients. These are accessible to and suitable for patients from six weeks after surgery.

How long do I have to wait for surgery?

We can typically see you within one week of your referral, and at your initial consultation we can typically schedule surgery for within about one month. Please let us know about your personal circumstances, e.g. work commitments, and we will always try to plan surgery at a time that suits you. Read more: The Process Before & After Weight Loss Surgery

How long does the surgery take and how long will I be in hospital if I have a sleeve gastrectomy?

You are admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery, and most procedures take between 1 and 2 hours.  The majority of patients are kept in hospital 1 or 2 nights and sent home on some basic pain relief, when you will normally be able to easily care for yourself and your surgical wounds. Read more: The Process Before & After Weight Loss Surgery

What will I be able to eat and drink after surgery?

The morning following surgery you will be allowed to start drinking fluids and you will be discharged on a liquid diet.  After this you will be progressed onto thicker fluids, followed by soft foods and then finally onto normal solid food. Most patients find this textural progression takes a number of weeks.  This progress will be closely monitored by the dietitian and our team, and plenty of support is provided.

When can I return to my normal activities, like work and exercise?

As soon as you are home, our surgeons will encourage you to return to gentle exercise like walking.  You can drive when you are not on any strong pain killers and can safely perform an emergency stop in your car.  You can return to work when you feel ready but most people find this is approximately 10 days after surgery.

Where is Sea Change located?

We’re in Newcastle (Merewether) and see patients from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, Mid-North Coast, Central Coast and Sydney. Read more on our location here.

What is my BMI?

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) here.