Frequently Asked Questions

Bariatric surgery may be suitable if you have a BMI over 35 with weight-related health conditions, or over 40 regardless of comorbidities. If you’ve tried and struggled with other weight loss methods, surgery could help reset your health journey.

Most people lose around 50%–80% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months after surgery — and the majority are able to keep it off long term. Your individual results will depend on your procedure type, your commitment to lifestyle changes, and your ongoing follow-up.

Here’s a general guide to typical outcomes:

• Gastric Sleeve: 65-75% of excess weight lost
• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): 60–80% of excess weight lost
• Gastric Bypass (One Anastomosis): 60–80% of excess weight lost

We’ll support you every step of the way to help you reach your goals and maintain long-term results.

Yes, gastric sleeve surgery is permanent and cannot be reversed.

Yes. Both One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) are permanent procedures. They involve permanent changes to your stomach and digestive system to support long-term weight loss. Because of this, ongoing lifestyle changes and follow-up care are essential for success.

No, we do not use minimiser rings in any procedures at Aurora Bariatrics. This aligns with best-practice care and avoids complications associated with implants.

Weight loss medication can support short-term weight loss, but surgery offers a more sustainable, long-term solution. Surgery reduces stomach size and hunger hormones, offering stronger metabolic effects and greater total weight loss over time.

Yes. You’ll follow a Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD), like Optifast, for 2–4 weeks before surgery. This helps reduce liver size and makes surgery safer.

Your pre-operative care is carefully tailored to ensure you’re medically, nutritionally, and emotionally prepared for surgery. This typically includes:

• A consultation with a Bariatric GP for a full medical assessment
• A Dietitian appointment to begin your nutrition plan and VLCD (Very Low-Calorie Diet)
• Blood tests to assess your overall health and nutritional status
• A Surgical consent consultation with Dr Ruth Blackham 
• A Psychological assessment, if recommended
• An Upper GI endoscopy, where indicated, to assess for reflux or hiatal hernia

Depending on your individual history and risk factors, you may also need:

• Cardiac tests such as ECG or stress testing
• A Sleep study for suspected sleep apnoea
• A Liver ultrasound to assess for fatty liver
• Additional imaging, such as a chest X-ray

These steps help us tailor your surgical plan and support your safety and recovery.

We offer several payment pathways to suit different circumstances — whether you're insured or not:

• Private Health Insurance: If you have Gold-level cover, your fund will cover most hospital costs. 
• Fixed-Price Package (Uninsured Patients): For eligible patients, we offer a set fee of $21,499, covering hospital, surgeon, and 12 months of aftercare.
• Self-Funded Surgery: For those ineligible for the fixed-priace package, surgery can still proceed with a typical cost of $25,000+ which also covers hospital, surgeon and 12 months of aftercare.
• Payment Plans: Interest-free and extended term options available through ZipMoney and TLC.
• Superannuation Access: You may be able to access your super under the ATO’s Compassionate Release scheme — ask us early, as the process can take 6–8 weeks.
• Non-Surgical Option: We also offer a telehealth-based weight loss medication program.

For full fee breakdowns, eligibility criteria, and what’s included, visit our Costs & Finances page.

Most patients feel mild-to-moderate discomfort managed with hospital pain relief and oral medications for a few days after discharge.

Your return to work depends on how physically demanding your requirements are your recovery. 

Typically we recommend:

• Office work: 1–2 weeks post-op
• Physical jobs: 2–6 weeks, depending on recovery and job demands

Light walking begins in hospital. Gentle movement is encouraged early, with a gradual return to low-impact exercise after 4–6 weeks.

Aurora Bariatrics provides 12 months of aftercare included in your bariatric management fee, with access to a full team:

• Nurse Practitioner 
• Surgeon review 
• Bariatric GP review
• SleevePlus support with Bariatric GP (optional)

Temporary hair loss can occur between 3–6 months post-op due to rapid weight loss. Adequate protein, supplements, and time usually restore hair growth.

The skin has an amazing ability to remodel and shrink, it just needs time. As a rule, plastic surgery should not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation, as your skin usually continues to contract long after you have reached your goal weight.

Most patients find that skin trimming surgery is not needed. Regular exercise and keeping well hydrated also helps remould your skin.

If excess skin does persist we can refer you to a plastic surgeon for an opinion.

Yes, it’s common. Drink plenty of water, stay active, and follow dietary advice from your dietitian.

Sleeve stretching is uncommon if you follow portion guidelines, avoid overeating, and attend regular reviews.

Yes. Long-term supplementation is essential for preventing nutrient deficiencies. We’ll guide you on the right combination of multivitamins, iron, calcium, and vitamin D.

Yes. Titanium staples are used in all procedures and are safe, durable, and compatible with MRI and airport scanners.

In most cases, yes. Let your surgeon know about any past abdominal surgeries so we can assess the best approach.

You will always see the anaesthetist before surgery. They receive all your pre-op information and if necessary will contact you. The rooms will contact you with fasting instructions for surgery and information about your anaesthetist.. To find our more, please contact your anaesthetist directly.

Dumping syndrome is a condition where food, particularly high-sugar food, moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. 

It is uncomfortable but not harmful. To prevent dumping syndrome, focus on dietary and eating habit adjustments. This includes eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding sugary and high-fat foods, and consuming liquids between meals rather than with them.

Gastric bypass may be recommended if you’ve regained weight after a previous gastric band or sleeve. Dr Blackham specialises in revision procedures — we’ll assess your needs during consultation.

Yes, with appropriate clearance. Surgery often improves conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Let us know all pre-existing conditions so we can plan safely.

Yes — and often more easily. Weight loss can significantly improve fertility, especially for women with PCOS or irregular cycles. As hormones and insulin resistance improve, ovulation becomes more regular.

However, pregnancy should be avoided for 12–18 months post-op, as your body is still adjusting and losing weight. Use reliable contraception and speak with your GP or bariatric team if you’re planning to start a family.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery is typically safer, with lower risks of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and birth complications.

Learn more on our Fertility and Pregnancy Considerations page.

We’ll tailor an activity plan to suit your needs, including low-impact or seated exercises. Special support services can also be arranged.

Not typically. Most patients achieve sufficient weight loss with surgery alone. However, weight loss medication may be considered as a short-term adjunct if weight loss plateaus. 

Yes — many patients are able to stop or reduce medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and joint pain as they lose weight.

Yes — many patients reduce or stop medications as they lose weight. It is common to see improvements in conditions like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, and heart disease after bariatric surgery.

In particular, people with type 2 diabetes often see major improvements or even remission, sometimes within weeks of surgery — especially after a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.

Always speak with your GP or specialist before making any changes to your medications. Regular follow-up ensures safe and effective management as your health improves.