Surgical Procedures

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

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 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

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.

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.

How much does weight loss surgery cost?

See here: Weight Loss Surgery Pricing.

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