questions about the beginning of sleeve process in au

[anewmee 16]

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!

[shantell500 46]

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

[BigAussieGirl 162]

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.

[ShinyLady 37]

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!

[susieslimlips 5]

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.

[Brandii 0]

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 September 30, 2017 by Brandii

[Marblicious 130]

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