Your Patient Journey with Aurora Bariatrics

From first consultation to long-term success, we’re with you every step of the way.


If you’ve been struggling with obesity, failed diets, and unsuccessful exercise attempts, you’re not alone — and there are solutions. At Aurora Bariatrics, we provide a clear, supportive pathway to help you decide if bariatric surgery or another treatment option is right for you.

Your Journey

Your Initial Consultation

Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Ruth Blackham. During this appointment, we will:

  • Review your medical and weight history
  • Discuss all treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical
  • Answer your questions in plain language so you can make an informed decision

There is no pressure to proceed with surgery. This appointment is about giving you the facts so you can decide what’s best for your health and lifestyle.

If you are medically suitable and ready to proceed, surgery can often be scheduled within a month.


Medical Assessment

Before surgery, we assess your overall health, current lifestyle, and long-term goals. This may include:

  • General health and medical history review
  • Behavioural health and motivation assessment
  • Risk factor screening for heart disease, sleep apnoea, or other conditions
  • Blood Tests


Some patients may also need additional pre-surgery testing, such as:

  • Cardiac testing
  • Sleep studies
  • X-rays

If your weight challenges are linked to significant eating habits, low physical activity, or previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts, you may be referred to our psychologist for additional support before surgery.


Exploring Your Options

At Aurora Bariatrics, we offer both surgical and non-surgical pathways to weight loss.

Non-Surgical Options:

  • Evidence-based weight loss medications

Surgical Options:

Dr Ruth will recommend the approach that best suits your health, goals, and lifestyle.


Surgical Planning

Once you’ve chosen your procedure, we help you prepare with a clear pre-surgery plan:

  • Arrange home support for your recovery period
  • Plan 7–10 days off work (for most office-based roles)
  • Confirm private health fund coverage if applicable
  • Book appointments with your bariatric physician and dietitian (2–3 weeks before surgery)
  • Start the Optifast diet at least 2 weeks before surgery
  • Follow any dietitian directives
  • Attend psychological preparation sessions if required
  • Complete a pre-operative assessment
  • Have an upper GI endoscopy if needed


Surgery & Recovery

Your surgery is performed by our leading bariatric surgeon, Dr Ruth, and supported by our specialist theatre and hospital teams. Meet the Team here.

After surgery, your Bariatric Care Plan begins. Regular follow-ups are essential to ensure:

  • You’re healing well
  • Nutritional needs are met
  • You have the right tools and support for success - this is where the most important part of your journey begins!

Post-Surgery Support & Long-Term Success

Weight loss surgery is a powerful tool, but it’s only part of your journey. We help you:

  • Build a strong support system
  • Establish new, sustainable routines
  • Set realistic recovery and lifestyle goals
  • Access ongoing psychological support if needed


Your detailed post-operative care plan will be tailored to your procedure and goals. This may include:

  • Surgical follow-up appointments
  • Dietary support and food choice training, if required
  • Psychological support, if required
  • Access to weight loss support groups

At Aurora Bariatrics, we believe your weight loss success is our success. Our relationship with you doesn’t end after surgery — it truly begins there.


Why Choose Aurora Bariatrics for Your Weight Loss Journey?

When you join Aurora Bariatrics, you’re not just getting a surgeon — you’re gaining a dedicated multidisciplinary team:

  • Bariatric Surgeon – Oversees your surgery for safe, effective results
  • Bariatric GP – Manages your ongoing health and medical needs
  • Nurse Practitioner – Provides day-to-day clinical support and guidance
  • Accredited Dietitian – Tailors your nutrition plan to your needs
  • Psychologist – Supports your mental wellbeing and motivation

This holistic approach ensures that every aspect of your health — physical, mental, and emotional — is cared for, giving you the best chance of achieving long-term weight loss success.