Frequently Asked Questions

• Book into the hospital; online or fill in the booklet and drop off to the hospital at least 2 weeks prior to surgery

• Ensure you have paid all pre-payments; surgeon, anaesthetist and assistant (if applicable) - if your anaesthetist is Dr Eggleton you will need to have made an appointment to see him prior to surgery on (02) 4935 9300

• Attend dietitian appointment/s pre-surgery

• Complete Optifast or VLED diet (if applicable)

• Cease any medications you have been instructed to stop at our or the anaesthetist appointment (if any), if you are unsure, please call the nurse on 49478177

• Pack your hospital bag 

Yes, you can. The ATO will only release the amount you are going to be out-of-pocket. For patients in a health fund, approx $6,000 and self-funding patients will be required to get a quote from all parties involved (surgeon, assistant, anaesthetist, hospital), approx $20,000

Our reception staff will be able to give you the forms to submit to the ATO via your mygov account at your first appointment. You will also need a copy of the same form to be completed by your GP. (I have attached to this email)

The hospital will phone you the business day before your surgery to advise you what time to arrive at the hospital.  They will also advise you when to stop eating and drinking fluids. You will need to organise someone to drive you to and from the hospital.

When you were given a procedure date the doctor should have given you instructions on which medications if any to cease on the day of surgery. If you are unsure, please call the nurse on 49478177 to discuss your medications.

As a guide, the operation itself will take 1.5 to 2 hours and you will be in the Recovery Ward for approximately 2 hours before returning to your room.

Generally, you will be in hospital for 2 nights. Follow the dietitian instructions you received prior to your surgery.

Generally, two to three weeks off work is typical but this will depend on the type of work to be undertaken.  You can discuss this with your surgeon.

• If required, the nurses at the hospital will change your dressings prior to your discharge home.  You will also receive written instructions from the hospital on discharge.  It is advisable to leave dressings intact for 4 to 5 days post-surgery then remove and leave wounds exposed. 

• If dressings become loose and water seeps under the dressings remove and replace if necessary.

• Your stitches are all dissolving.  Some stitch ends may become noticeable and can be left alone. If you are concerned, please call the rooms to discuss this with the Nurse.

You will need to continue to crush or cut up large tablets for two weeks and then resume as normal.

Capsules can be opened

• You can take soluble Panadol if required for pain/discomfort.

• If you experience 'shoulder tip pain' you may benefit from a heat pack. Walking and moving your shoulders as much as possible will help alleviate this pain.

DO NOT take any anti-inflammatory medications for at least three months, e.g. Nurofen, Naprosyn after surgery. If you are required to take a short course of NSAID's you also need to take this with an anti-reflux medication if you are not already on one.

You will be required to take an anti-reflux medication (if you do not already take one) for the first one to two months after your surgery (one tablet per day). These will be given to you at the hospital. If you experience reflux symptoms once you have finished your course of medication, please call, and discuss with our Nurse.

You will be fitted with TED stockings on admission to the hospital and you will need to wear these for 1 to 2 weeks or until back to normal daily activities.

You will be up walking on the day after your surgery.  You can start exercising in the third week after your operation including attending a gym.

Generally, you are able to drive when you can turn your body comfortably to see blind spots – usually 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery.

The sleeve gastrectomy is fashioned with a French bougie which is approximately the size of Doctor’s thumb.  It is reinforced with absorbable buttressing, tissue glue and occasionally clips and sutures.  The surgeon performs a visual leak test during your operation.                                                                                    

The surgeon, anaesthetist and assistant all require prepayments which are due two weeks prior to surgery. After surgery you will be sent via post or email the receipts which you can claim back monies from Medicare and your health fund (if applicable).

Other accounts may include:

• Pathology: which can be paid and then monies claimed from Medicare and Health fund (if applicable)

• Hospital excess (if in a Health fund) which is an agreement between you the patient and the health fund,

• Hospital and theatre fees (if self-funding the procedure)

Ensure you submit all receipts to Medicare and your Health fund (if applicable) to receive a rebate. Once you have done this with all accounts it will leave you with your out-of-pocket expenses. Please call and talk to administration staff if you have any questions.