Your Visit & Appointment Information
What will happen at my first appointment?
You will see the nurse who will go through your medical history and then see the surgeon. You may be referred to have some blood test, see a dietician, have a gastroscopy and/or see a psychologist. Once these have been completed, you will return to see doctor approximately 4-6 weeks after your first appointment.
What should I bring to my initial appointment?
Our doctors are all specialist surgeons therefore you will need a referral letter from your GP or another specialist in order to receive a Medicare rebate. Please bring this with you to your consultation or if this has been sent directly to us please call us prior to your appointment to make sure we have received this.
Also bring the following:
Medicare
Health fund card (if applicable)
Completed patient information forms if not sent back prior to appointment
Details of your current medications and any allergies
How much will surgery cost?
You will be approximately out-of-pocket $6000 after everyone’s fees. This includes the surgeon, anaesthetist, assistant and any pathology fees. Initially you will need to outlay more than $6000 and claim from Medicare and your private health fund. This does not include your hospital excess if you have one.
See here for more: Informed Financial Consent
Do I really need to see a psychologist?
Yes, if at the appointment you were instructed to see a psychologist you must undertake this task before your next appointment with Dr Karihaloo. If you have a psychologist that you already actively see, please discuss this with us. If you do not, we have psychologists that we refer to who specialist in bariatric patients undergoing weight loss surgery and we will give you the instructions at the first appointment.
