Weight Loss (Bariatric) Surgery in Sydney’s North Shore
First of all, congratulations on making the first step towards a real lifestyle change.
We know that most people will have already explored many options before enquiring about weight loss surgery.
Often, people are sick of the cycle of weight loss followed by weight regain. And many people will find that after working hard to lose weight, they can even put more back on. This process can be so disheartening. While weight loss surgery is by no means an "easy" way out, it can help break this cycle and empower you with the tools to have long lasting weight loss.
But more important than the number on the scales, bariatric surgery can help with obesity related complications and allow you to live a life without compromise.
What is obesity?
Being obese means having an excess of body fat, that typically can lead to health-related complications. It is estimated that since the 1970's, the number of people living with obesity has increased 3x and today there are approximately 800million people suffering from obesity.
In adults we classify obesity through the Body Mass Index, which uses both height and weight. As per the World Health Organisation, obesity is defined as a BMI >30.
The reason we are so concerned about the rising levels of obesity is due to the associated diseases. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, osteoarthritis, amenorrhoea and polycystic ovaries are all linked to being overweight or obese. Not to mention that it can also increase the risk of developing some cancers.
How can we help?
The challenge of losing weight can be very difficult for many. We know that people try their best with making dietary, exercise and lifestyle changes, only to find they can’t achieve the desired results. This is because often your body is working against you, trying to get back to the weight or "set point" that you started at.
Surgery has been shown in randomised trials to provide more reliable and sustained weight loss than diets alone. It can act as a reset, helping to decrease hunger and increase fullness. The cause of weight loss after surgery involves complex neurohormonal mechanisms. But we often classify the types of surgery as either restrictive, malabsorptive, or a combination of both.
The Patient Journey
Book an appointment
Call or email Dr Gillespie’s rooms to book an appointment. You will need a referral from your GP or specialist if you would like a Medicare rebate. You will be sent a Bariatric Questionnaire to complete prior to your first appointment.
First Consult
You'll meet with Dr Gillespie to discuss your history and what options might be right for you. This consult is ideally in person but zoom calls are also available.
Our secretaries can also discuss with you finance options including using private health insurance, self-funding surgery or accessing early release of super.
Preparation
If you would like to pursue surgery, a workup takes place including pre-operative bloods and occasionally other imaging or endoscopy.
You will then be reviewed by our dietitian to help with pre-operative education.
Pre-operative diet
Most patients are placed on two weeks of a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD). This helps to shrink the liver through rapid weight loss, and makes the anaesthetic safer. The details for this will have been discussed at your pre-op consult and dietitian review.
Surgery
Once the preparation is done, we will book you in for a date for your surgery! This will usually involve a one-night stay in hospital. You will be admitted on the day of surgery and the hospital will provide fasting instructions the day prior.
Follow up
We like to follow you pretty closely for the first 2 years post procedure. This includes both surgeon and dietician visits.
It is also a great way to make sure you stay on track!
Who can have weight loss surgery?
Any patient with a BMI >35, or any patient with a BMI >30 with a weight related comorbidity is eligible for weight loss surgery.
This is as per the guidelines from the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) in 2022.
Dr Gillespie’s
Professional Associations
Once you have your GP referral, contact our rooms via phone, email or our enquiry form to book your appointment.