Hi, I was wondering if anyone has had the gastric sleeve surgery in the Northern suburbs of Melbourne under Medicare? I had the sleeve surgery last year by Mr Frydenberg but had to use private health insurance. My friend has many health issues and I heard that you could get the surgery done under Medicare if your weight is life threatening. I would like to let her know she had this option if available. I have not looked back since having my surgery.

Thanks

On the Gold Coast Dr Victor Liew is the only one who does not charge a Gap. You are out of pocket for the Aneathisist around $300 if you Google Dr Liew you can get more info. He is amazing. Best wishes

Jacq, I'm not in Melbourne, but in my area there is around a 4 year waiting list to get this done in the public system. I know someone on another forum waited around six years. I assume there would be a greater number of surgeons in Melbourne, though, so the weight may not be as long. I'm not sure that she'd get to choose what procedure she gets, since she's not the one paying for it.

If any surgeons in your area have the free seminars, she'd be better off going to one of those where she can question them about it all.

In my opinion, she'd be better off joining a health fund now and waiting the year, unless the public system in Melbourne is super fast.

Thanks for the advice - I will also ask my surgeon when I have my 5 month catch up next month. He may know what's available.