Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

questions about the beginning of sleeve process in au



Recommended Posts

I have had one appointment with a bariatric surgeon here in wa. This consultation was for the gastric balloon (which I'm not having). The surgeon suggested the sleeve due to it being more long term. At the time, a sleeve was not on my radar so we didn't discuss further.

Anyway, I'm going back in a few weeks because after thought, I believe this is the surgery for me (sleeve). What process do I go through after this next appointment? Can I book it in there and then or do they ask you to come back a few times? What tests will I need to have and what other professionals will I have to see? eg dietician,?

Insurance isn't an issue as this is self funded and yes I have been given costs!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

If your not using insurance based on your physician you may only have to do the psychologist evaluation, preop tests ( chest x-ray EKG and blood works) and preop diet.

Shantell500

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm in Adelaide, all I had to do was have a blood test.

My Doctor didn't insist or recommend a psych evaluation or any imaging or testing.

As far a the psych evaluation, I'm not sure if my situation is a little different to most people, I have a psychiatrist as I have bipolar, I had spoken to her about having surgery and she was very supportive of the idea, and I had told my surgeon this.

I'm assuming a lot of it would come down to an individuals current health and medical history?

I did see a dietitian once, but to be honest I didn't get much from it. She spoke about portion sizes and Protein, carbs etc.

I had my first appointment with my surgeon at the beginning of June and my surgery is booked for 21 August, the whole process has been very quick and my Doctor has made it extremely easy. I've had 4 or 5 appointments with my surgeon. I have been very impressed with the whole process so far.

Good luck on your journey.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm in Aus too.
My surgeon required an initial consult, wait a month (to think about it and research) and then could book at next consult. I had routine blood tests taken before surgery.
My surgeon also required dietician visits. (Just one before... and each stage after). I was given the number of an exercise therapist and psych but these were optional.
We are not required to have the same level of diet and psych prep as in USA as is automatically covered by private health fund (if you have one that covers it).
Depending on your personal circumstances/medical history, your surgeon may require you to have other tests e.g. sleep apnea, ECG.
They usually also require the scope (via throat to check out stomach). Some do it a couple weeks before but mine did this at the beginning of surgery while I was under general.
They seem to vary by personal choice on Pre-op diet. Usually Optifast 2-4 weeks before surgery. :)

My time is NOW!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

Im in Perth and I think that it does depend on your circumstances. I needed a endoscopy to check my stomach but no ecg or bloods required. I saw a psychologist but that was organised by myself. I went to see a dietitian who taught me about the Optifast diet and fluids and stages following the surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi

Im in Alice Springs, had a referral from my GP to a surgeon that was recommended to me in Perth (I chose Perth as I have a daughter there).

On 27 September I had a face time appointment with the surgeon that went through my medical history from referring GP, discussed the surgery, some risks and what to expect after surgery. Then suggested if I wanted to proceed to contact his admin team to book in for the surgery, and need to have a consult with his dietitian before surgery. I am now booked in late October. Im covered by Bupa but have a gap of about $3,500.

Edited by Brandii

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm in Sydney, and covered by private health insurance. I had an Initial consult with the surgeon, who offered a slot two weeks from the date of that consult. I chose 4 weeks. We went through my history also I have had my thryroid removed and any impacts there might be. I had a load of blood tests done the week before and an ECG at the hospital on the day of the surgery. I had an appointment with the Nutritionist who explained what I could and could not do after the surgery and then it was all over so fast I really didn't get much time to think too much about it. I am now nearly 4 months post surgery and will see the psychologist in December for the first time. Lots of followup appointments with the Nutitionist and Barriatric surgeon but I have not seen the Surgeon who did the operation since. So relatively simple a bit like a production line. Plus's and minus's to my experience

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×