Medical Assessment
Typically, we also perform certain assessments or tests prior to surgery. These assessments are performed to check
- your general health,
- medical history,
- behavioural health,
- current life situation,
- motivations, and
- long term goals and expectations.
Further Assessments
Our comprehensive model of care may require further pre-surgery testing, such as
- cardiac testing,
- sleep studies,
- x-rays and
- blood work.
The condition of your health determines whether you need testing before surgery.
You may also be referred to other health professionals for a more extensive behavioural health assessment if your weight issues are related to significant:
- Eating and dietary habits,
- Physical activity,
- Health-related risk-taking behaviour, or
- Previous weight loss failures.
These clinical assessments help Dr Blackham to know whether you are ready for the surgery.
Your Choices
Non-Surgical
Surgical
- Gastric Bypass
- Gastric Sleeve
- Revisional surgery
Surgical Planning
Each surgery has its own Surgical Pathway & Care Program, but once the type of Bariatric procedure has been agreed upon, an operating date that suits you best is selected.
Once this date is set other events will happen, these include:
- Ensure that you will have support at home after the surgery
- You are able to take time off work for 7 to 10 days (office workers)
- Check with the health fund for coverage if insured
- Book your physician and dietician consultation 2-3 weeks before surgery
- Commence the Optifast diet at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- Attend to any Dietician directives
- Undertake Psychological preparation as required
- Pre-op assessment by our bariatric physician
- Upper GI endoscopy if needed
Your Recovery and Bariatric Care Plan
After bariatric surgery, regular post-operative follow-up visits are important to ensure your complete recovery and a successful outcome.
Your hospital discharge instructions will have the periodical follow-up visits listed, and these will vary dependent on the specific surgery performed.
Post Surgery Care Plan
Weight-loss surgery is a life-altering procedure. You must be emotionally ready to deal with the substantial changes you will experience after surgery.
Understanding your motive to undergo bariatric surgery and what your psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle-related challenges and expectations are following surgery is best understood before surgery.
To help you mentally prepare, our staff will ensure that you:
- Have a good support system
- Understand the importance of maintaining new routines after surgery
- Have a realistic plan for post-op physical recuperation
Once you understand what to expect after surgery, our support team will discuss these changes with you.
Information about your post-op care and weight-loss support groups will also be provided.
Some patients may benefit from Psychological Counseling to help them on their weight loss journey. This can also be provided where required.
This part of your post-operative journey will vary depending on the type of surgery. The main procedures performed at our practice and their individual Care Plans are included in the links above, but your detailed care plan will be made available.
Best Weight Loss Results
Your weight loss journey is about you and your needs. Our relationship really begins after surgery, because this is where your goals will materialise.
To this end we offer a Care Plan that includes these elements:
- Surgical Follow-Ups
- Ongoing Dietary Support
- Food Choice training
- Psychological Support
Your Weight Loss Success is our Weight Loss Success.
