Your Weight Loss Surgery Journey
STEP BY STEP WE’RE WITH YOU
Embarking on the journey to weight loss surgery is an important decision. At every step, we are here to guide you through the process, providing the support and resources you need to achieve long-term success.
Below is an example of what you can expect when you choose to undergo weight loss surgery with Dr Roy Hopkins and his team in Sydney, Nowra or Wollongong.
1. Your Initial Consultation: Getting to Know You
Your journey begins with an initial consultation with Dr Roy Hopkins. This is a crucial first step, where he takes the time to understand your health history, weight loss goals, and any challenges you’ve faced with dieting or previous weight loss attempts. During this consultation, he will discuss the different surgical options available, including which one might be most suitable for you, whether it’s gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or another procedure.
He will also review your overall health to ensure you're a good candidate for surgery and answer any questions you may have. This is your opportunity to share your personal goals, concerns, and expectations for the surgery.
2. Your Medical Investigations: Ensuring Your Safety
After your initial consultation, you will proceed with a series of medical investigations to assess your current health and ensure you’re fit for surgery. These tests help Dr Hopkins to understand your medical condition and any underlying issues that may need to be addressed before surgery. Common investigations may include:
Blood tests to check your overall health and identify any potential nutritional deficiencies.
CT Scan to check for any abnormalities or hernias.
Sleep studies (if you have sleep apnoea or other sleep-related concerns).
Endoscopy to check for any existing damage from reflux, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal issues.
It is important to note that everyone is different. Some people will require more tests than others. These tests ensure we have all the information necessary to provide the safest, most effective treatment plan for you.
3. Follow-Up Consultation: Reviewing your Plan
Once your medical investigations are complete, you'll have a follow-up consultation with Dr Hopkins. During this visit, he will review your test results with you and finalise the surgical plan. This is the time to ask any remaining questions, and discuss what to expect in the weeks leading up to your surgery. You’ll be fully prepared and comfortable with the next steps, and he will make sure you understand the process in detail.
4. Dietitian and Psychologist Consultations: Building a Strong Foundation
As part of your preparation, you’ll meet with our Dietitian and Psychologist to ensure you are mentally and physically ready for surgery.
Dietitian Consultation: The dietitian will guide you on the pre-operative diet and help you understand the nutritional changes you’ll need to make before and after surgery. Diet is essential for successful weight loss and recovery, and the dietitian will teach you how to incorporate healthy, sustainable eating habits into your daily life that are tailored to you.
Psychologist Consultation: We’ll also ask you to meet with our psychologist, who specialises in the emotional and psychological aspects of weight loss surgery. This is an important part of the process, as it helps ensure you’re mentally prepared for the changes that come with surgery. The psychologist will work with you on coping strategies and setting realistic expectations for your post-surgery life.
5. Commence Pre-Operative Diet: Preparing Your Body
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you will begin a pre-operative diet, typically involving a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) that is tailored to your needs. This diet is designed to help reduce fat around your abdomen and shrink your liver, making the surgery safer and easier to perform. It also prepares your body for the changes it will undergo after surgery. The pre-op diet usually lasts for two weeks but can vary depending on your individual needs and surgical plan.
6. Surgery: Your Big Day!
When it’s time for your surgery, we’ll ensure you are well-prepared and supported. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, and typically involves minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic surgery), which means smaller incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery. The exact procedure will depend on the type of surgery you’ve chosen (such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass).
You will typically stay in hospital for 2 nights and receive round the clock care from the wonderful hospital team.
7. Post-Operative Review: Your Recovery Starts
A few weeks after surgery, you will see Dr Hopkins for a post-operative review to monitor your recovery. Dr Hopkins will review your wounds, check your progress, provide you with guidance on recovery, and ensure you’re healing properly. The first few weeks after surgery are crucial, and you will receive specific instructions on:
Dietary guidelines: You’ll start with liquids, then progress to pureed foods, and eventually solid foods as your body heals.
Exercise and physical activity: Light walking is recommended initially, and Dr Hopkins will guide you on when to resume more strenuous activities.
Follow-up visits: These will be scheduled to ensure that your weight loss is progressing as expected and that you're adjusting to your new lifestyle.
8. Ongoing Support: Your Long-Term Success
Our support doesn’t end once the surgery is over. We provide ongoing support to help you achieve lasting success. This includes:
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Hopkins to track your weight loss progress, review your blood results, address any concerns, and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Continued dietary support: Our Dietitian will continue to guide you on maintaining a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to keep the weight off.
Psychological support: If needed, our psychologist is available for continued counselling and emotional support to help you manage any challenges related to food, body image, or life after surgery.
Dr Hopkins and the team are committed to helping you through every phase of your weight loss journey, from surgery to long-term success. Your health and well-being are our priority, and we will be with you every step of the way.
Ready to Start Your Weight Loss Journey?
If you’re ready to explore bariatric surgery, contact Dr Hopkins today to schedule your initial consultation.
The information provided on this website is of a general nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualised medical advice. It is essential to consult a qualified medical practitioner for personalised advice regarding your health, diagnosis, and management. The content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.