Bariatric surgery is not just about the surgery. To get the best results from your operation there must be in play a team approach in an integrated fashion.
Throughout all the phases of your weight loss program you will be helped and advised by the team that we have setup.
Team Approach To Weight Loss Surgery
After consultation with your surgeon and reaching a decision to proceed with surgery you will commence on the Bariatric program. A Bariatric assessment day will be arranged where you will spend time with other team members. Their role is to assess you, educate you and report back to your surgeon. They will also be involved with your postoperative management.
Bariatric Assessor
A GP with an interest in Bariatric Medicine will take a detailed medical history, work out your co-morbidities and institute a management plan to optimise these conditions before surgery. Often conditions like Diabetes or Hypertension will be discovered for the first time and may need treatment .
Sometimes additional tests such as a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnoea or an endoscopy to assess the stomach for Hiatus Hernia or the impact of other surgery will have to be arranged. This will be done by one of our surgeons with endoscopy training.
Post surgery they will assist with band volume adjustments and metabolic review visits at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months to monitor your progress. Read more about our Bariatric Assessors.
Dietitian
The dietitians at Mercy Bariatrics work in conjunction with the multidisciplinary team, to guide you through your journey of bariatric surgery. The dietitians provide information, support and guidance regarding your nutrition prior to surgery, as well as assisting you with your transition through the dietary phases after your operation.
If your surgeon has requested a period of preoperative dietary preparation, your dietitian will explain the purpose of the diet and provide you with written and verbal instructions to ensure a successful outcome.
After surgery, we encourage regular dietary review which gives you the opportunity to ask any nutrition related questions and allows the dietitian to thoroughly assess your diet for nutrient adequacy. The dietitians conduct gastric volume tests and fluid assessment trials, which will benefit current and future patients. Read more about our Dietitians.
Support & Education
We encourage our patients to join The Fresh Start Program, an online educational program, developed by psychologist Amber Kay, which encourages lifestyle and mindset changes after weight loss surgery. Read more in Support & Education.
Mercy Bariatrics Perth
For more information about our fully integrated approach or to book an appointment, please get in touch.
