Patient Journey

Weight Loss Journey

If managing your weight has felt like an exhausting, uphill battle, with countless diets and exercise routines falling short, bariatric surgery might offer a long-term solution. However, it’s important to remember that weight-loss surgery isn’t suitable for everyone. A thorough consultation and individualised assessment are essential to determine if it's the right option for you.

Initial Consultation

You will meet Dr Niazi during your first visit to the clinic, and we will carefully go through your medical and weight history, explain your treatment options, and answer all your questions to ensure you understand everything clearly.

We are Here to Help

Our team are here to help and answer any questions you may have about the benefits and risks of surgical treatment.


There is absolutely no pressure or obligation to proceed with surgery at any time. It is simply a great way to get all the facts so you can decide if weight loss surgery is right for you. 


Most patients do extensive research and have many questions about their condition, weight loss, and their options for treatment. 


If there are any concerns Dr Niazi can offer suggestions to improve any issues before embarking on surgery.

Keen to Proceed?

On the other hand, if you are keen to proceed, you will usually be able to have your surgery within 2-4 weeks of your consultation.

Dr Niazi will discuss with you, your best option and which surgical option is best suited.
A flowchart with yellow circles and icons illustrating the stages of a process.

Medical Assessment

Typically, we also perform certain assessments or tests prior to the surgery. These assessments are performed to check 
  • your general health,
  • medical history, 
  • behavioural health, 
  • current life situation, 
  • motivations, and 
  • long term goals and expectations.

Further Assessments

Our comprehensive model of care may require further pre-surgery testing, such as 
  • cardiac testing, 
  • sleep studies, 
  • X-rays and 
  • blood work. 
The condition of your health determines whether you need testing before surgery.

You may also be referred to other health professionals for a more extensive behavioural health assessment if your weight issues are related to significant: 
  • Eating and dietary habits, 
  • Physical activity,
  • Health-related risk-taking behaviour, or
  • Previous weight loss failures.
These clinical assessments help Dr Niazi to know whether you are ready for the surgery in all ways.

Surgery Choices

Diagram of the human digestive system with a gastric band installed, showing the band on the stomach.
Illustration of a gastric bypass surgery, showing a re-routed digestive system.
Diagram of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, showing re-routed digestive system.
Diagram of the human digestive system, showing the liver, gallbladder, stomach, intestines, and related organs.

Surgical Planning

Each surgery has it's own Surgical Pathway & Care Program, but o nce the type of Bariatric procedure has been agreed, an operating date that suits you best is selected.


Once this date is set other events are triggered, these include:

 

  • Ensure that you will have support at home after the surgery
  • You are able to take time off work for 7 to 10 days (office workers)
  • Check with the health fund for coverage if insured
  • Book a date dietician consultation 2-3 weeks before surgery
  • Commence Optifast diet at least 2 weeks before surgery.
  • Attend to any Dietician directives
  • Undertake Psychological preparation as required
  • Upper GI endoscopy if needed

 

Your Recovery and Bariatric Care Plan

After bariatric surgery, regular post-operative follow up visits are important to ensure your complete recovery and a successful outcome.

Your hospital discharge instructions will have the periodical follow-up visits listed, and these will vary dependent on the specific surgery performed.

Post Surgery Care Plan

Weight-loss surgery does require a significant lifestyle modification. You must be emotionally ready to deal with the substantial changes you will experience after surgery. 


Understanding your motive to undergo bariatric surgery and what your psychosocial, emotional and lifestyle-related challenges and expectations are following surgery is best understood before surgery.


To help you mentally prepare, our staff will ensure that you:

 

  • Have a good support system
  • Understand the importance of maintaining new routines after surgery
  • Have a realistic plan for post-op physical recuperation

 

Once you understand what to expect after surgery, our support team will discuss these changes with you. 


Information about your post-op care and weight-loss support groups will also be provided.


Some patients may benefit from Psychological Counseling to help them on their weight loss journey. This can also be provided where required.

This part of your post operative journey will vary depending on the type of your surgery. The main procedures performed at our practice and their individual Care Plans are included in the links above, but your detailed care plan will be made available

Best Weight Loss Results

Your weight loss journey is about you and your needs. Our relationship really begins after surgery, because this is where your goals will materialise.

To this end we offer a Care Plan that includes these elements:
  • Surgical Follow Ups
  • Ongoing Dietary Support
  • Food Choice training
  • Exercise Regime
  • Psychological Support
  • Life Long MBSA support
Your Weight Loss Success is our Weight Loss Success.