Bariatric Surgery FAQ
General Information and Pregnancy
Fertility, or the chance of falling pregnant, is significantly increased during and after weight loss. However, weight loss during pregnancy may pose increased risks to the health of the patient and/or the foetus and must be avoided. Pregnancy may also affect weight loss results.
To ensure optimal health outcomes, it is strongly recommended to avoid pregnancy for at least 18 months post-procedure. During any weight loss therapy, the use of effective contraception (preferably non-hormonal methods) is advised. In the event of pregnancy, The BMI Clinic must be notified immediately to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Most people experience a significant reduction in appetite after bariatric surgery and become full on very small portions (e.g., half to one cup of fluid). You will follow a texture-modified diet of fluids, purée, and soft foods, for two weeks each after surgery. During this time, your appetite will remain minimal.
As you recover, your appetite may gradually return over weeks to months but will remain significantly reduced. Patients often report feeling full after just a few tablespoons of yoghurt. It is essential to eat slowly and cautiously, as overeating can lead to bloating, reflux, hiccups, or indigestion. Learning to recognise your body’s signals will help you avoid discomfort and establish healthy long-term eating habits.
Laprascopic Gastric Sleeve:
Patients typically lose 20-30% of their total body weight within 12 months. For example, a person starting at 100kg could expect to lose approximately 20-30kg. Additionally, patients generally achieve around 60% excess weight loss within 12 months.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass:
Patients typically lose 25–30% of their total body weight in around 1-2 years post procedure. In addition, patients typically achieve around 60–75% excess weight loss.
Mini Gastric Bypass:
Patients typically lose 30-35% of their total body weight in around 1-2 years post procedure. In addition, patients typically achieve around 65-85% excess weight loss.
The most rapid weight loss occurs in the first 3-6 months, after which it stabilises.
Your dietitian will provide guidance on balanced and nourishing food options to support your weight loss journey and overall well-being.
Procedure and Recovery
We advise our patients to take 2 weeks off work, to allow sufficient recovery time following the surgery. You will likely be able to resume driving 1-2 weeks following the surgery.
In order to allow the stomach to heal, it is important that the diet progresses slowly. Thankfully, appetite is strongly suppressed by this therapy and hunger is not an issue. Our patients are required to maintain a liquid only diet for 2 weeks before progressing to a puree diet for 2 weeks, then soft diet for a final 2 weeks. Our patients are able to return to a normal diet approximately 6 weeks after the procedure, however portion sizes are much smaller than previous, and will remain so for many months and even years.
These procedures are performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery), requiring patients to typically stay in hospital for 2 nights after the surgery.
Eligibility and Follow-up
Absolutely, we work with patients from all around Australia and currently have many patients located outside of Sydney or Melbourne.
Your initial consultation can usually occur remotely via video conference (Zoom).
When it comes to the procedure itself, you will be required to remain in Sydney or Melbourne for 7-10 days post-procedure, as it is during this time that you are most at risk of an uncommon complication. During this period, you will have a post-procedure check-in, and a formal surgeon review will take place at 4 weeks post-op.
To further support patients who are unable to attend their allied health consultations face-to-face, we offer video consultations to ensure you are able to access the full support of your care team and get the most out of your included allied health consultations.
Bariatric surgery is generally recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, particularly for those struggling with long-term weight management despite lifestyle changes. In some cases, patients with a BMI below 30 may be considered if they have obesity-related health conditions. Your eligibility will be assessed during your initial consultation with our specialist team.
Diet, Lifestyle, and Exercise
Yes! Exercise is an important part of losing weight and maintaining long-term success. We encourage exercise as part of your weight loss strategy—all activities are encouraged and safe. Your surgeon will provide specific recommendations for starting exercise at your post-procedure review appointment.
Portion creep can compromise your weight loss efforts, as it leads to a greater number of calories being consumed. Regular contact with your Dietitian and Bariatric Physician provides a valuable point of accountability to ensure you are maintaining small portion sizes and not experiencing symptoms after eating (symptoms of reflux, bloating and cramping can suggest your portions are too large).
When it comes to eating AND drinking post procedure, Dr Sartoretto recommends these three Golden Rules to minimise the risk of symptoms, optimise the chances of weight loss and improve the odds of keeping the weight off.
- Small, single portions
- When eating, use a small plate (eg a bread plate or a child’s plate) and serve a portion only the size of the palm of your hand.
- Use a small cup – no large tumblers.
- Do not set your table with food; instead, serve your portion (and anyone else’s) and pack the leftovers away before you eat.
- It is OK to leave some leftover food on your plate – pack it away for lunch tomorrow.
- Go slow!
- Your meal should take no less than 20 minutes to finish – this ensures you chew your food thoroughly and prevents you feeling unwell after you eat.
- Sip on your cup of liquid slowly – drinking too quickly will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.
- Wait 30 minutes before you go back for seconds
- The brain’s connection with the stomach is delayed – eating too soon after a meal increases the chances of overeating and the chances of developing discomfort.
- These rules prevent you from overeating and allow you to get back in touch with your feeling of fullness. If you break them, you are likely to suffer some reflux or cramping, so sooner or later you’ll change your ways!