If you’ve been managing your weight for some time, you’ve likely already put in considerable effort. Different diets, exercise programs, and lifestyle changes that may have shown promise but didn’t deliver lasting results.
That experience is more common than many people realise, and it’s often what brings people to consider weight loss surgery for the first time. It’s a significant decision, and an understandably daunting one.
This article is here to help, walking you through what to expect at every stage of the process, from your first consultation through to recovery after surgery, so you may move forward feeling informed and supported.
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, reach out to Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery in Melbourne. With experienced bariatric surgeons, a dedicated multidisciplinary team, and a compassionate approach to care, we’re here to help.
The Basics of Weight Loss Surgery
Who is Bariatric Surgery for?
Before Your Surgery: What to Expect
On the day of Your Weight Loss Surgery
Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today
What to Expect from Weight Loss Surgery — in summary
- Bariatric surgery is a medically recognised treatment for obesity that works by reducing stomach size, rerouting the digestive tract, or both
- It is generally considered for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 28 or above with a related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
- Before surgery, patients can expect blood tests, an ECG, a psychological evaluation, and a pre-operative diet to help reduce liver size and support a more straightforward procedure
- Most bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically under general anaesthesia, typically taking one to two hours, with patients encouraged to walk gently within hours of waking
- Hospital stays are usually two to three days, with the first weeks at home focused on rest, slow fluid intake, and a gradual dietary progression from fluids to solid foods
Warning signs to watch for during recovery include shortness of breath, fever, severe abdominal pain, and persistent vomiting
The Basics of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, refers to a range of surgical procedures that help people manage their weight by changing the way the digestive system works.
Depending on the procedure, this may involve reducing the size of the stomach, rerouting the digestive tract, or both. The result is that you may feel full sooner, eat less, and achieve more sustainable, long-term weight loss.
It is a medically recognised treatment for obesity, a complex chronic condition affecting 13 million Australians.
For many people, it can be an important step toward reducing the risk of serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnoea. But there are other potential benefits of weight loss surgery, such as increased energy, better sleep quality, and improved mental health.
Who is Bariatric Surgery for?
Weight loss surgery is generally considered for people living with obesity who haven’t achieved lasting results through diet, exercise, or other approaches. As a general guide, it may be suitable for those with:
- A BMI of 30 or higher
- A BMI of 28 with a related health condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea
Suitability is always determined through a thorough assessment with your weight loss surgeon, taking into account your full health history, lifestyle, and goals.
Before Your Surgery: What to Expect
Your First Consultation
This is a calm, supportive conversation to understand your health history, weight loss journey, and goals. There’s no pressure; it’s simply an opportunity to explore what may be right for you.
Pre-Operative Assessments
These will typically include blood tests, an ECG, and in some cases, imaging or an endoscopy. These evaluations are a standard part of the process, helping to ensure you are physically prepared to proceed to surgery.
Preparing Your Body & Mind
Your bariatric surgeon, dietician and psychologist work closely together in the lead up to surgery. The surgeon may recommend following a low-calorie or meal replacement diet in the weeks before surgery. This may help to reduce liver size, which may make the procedure more straightforward.
Weight loss surgery aims to bring meaningful, lasting change and having the right support around you can make a real difference. Your appointments with the Dietician and Psychologist are a critical part of the preparation for surgery and help you navigate this part of the journey. At these appointments, you will be given information and tools that prepare you for the build-up to surgery, the surgery itself, the initial post-op phase, as well as lay the groundwork for ongoing success.
On the day of Your Weight Loss Surgery
It’s completely normal to feel nervous on the day of your procedure. Knowing what to expect can help.
Arriving at the Hospital
You’ll typically be asked to arrive two hours before your procedure. Before arriving, you may need to have:
- Fasted from solid food or any fluids including water for at least 6 hours, this could be from midnight the night before or from 7AM depending on whether morning or afternoon surgery
- Stopped any medications your surgeon has requested
Once you arrive, the nursing team will prepare you for surgery, including changing into a gown and having a cannula placed for fluids and medication.
During the Procedure
Weight loss surgery is performed under general anaesthesia to help you be comfortably asleep throughout.
Most bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera, which means less scarring and a generally faster recovery. Depending on the procedure, surgery typically takes one to two hours.
Waking up and the First Few Hours
Most patients report feeling surprisingly well after surgery, with manageable pain and little to no hunger. Thirst is often the more prominent sensation.
You’ll be encouraged to get up and walk within a few hours of waking. Gentle movement plays an important role in recovery and helps reduce the risk of blood clots.
Recovery After Bariatric Surgery
Your Hospital Stay
Most patients stay in the hospital for two to three days, though this varies depending on the procedure. Before discharge, your team will check that you’re comfortable, mobile, and tolerating fluids.
The First Few Weeks at Home
The first weeks are about rest and gradual progress. Some key things to keep in mind:
- Sip fluids slowly, aim for 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day
- Avoid straws, which can introduce uncomfortable air into your stomach
- Follow your dietitian’s dietary plan, progressing gradually from fluids to solid foods over the first 6 weeks after surgery
- Avoid lifting anything over 5kg for the first four to six weeks
- Begin with gentle walking and build up slowly
Warning Signs to Watch For
Most people recover well, but it’s important to know what to look out for. Contact your surgeon or seek urgent care if you notice:
- Shortness of breath or a racing heart rate
- Fever or increasing redness and swelling at the wound site, which may indicate infection
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain that isn’t relieved by pain medication
- Severe and persistent vomiting, dizziness, or confusion
When in doubt, always reach out. Our team would rather hear from you than have you waiting at home, unsure.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey Today
Choosing to explore weight loss surgery takes courage, and you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand which pathway may be right for your individual circumstances, surgical or otherwise.
When you feel ready, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our team today to book a consultation.
