Before Your Surgery

Before your weight loss surgery, knowing what to expect helps make the process much smoother. As your surgery date approaches, it’s normal to have questions about what comes next. Proper preparation in the weeks before surgery is important to ensure optimal outcomes and a smooth recovery. Here’s everything you need to know before surgery.

So that you know what to expect, we have outlined our surgical process. Below are the steps you will need to complete before your surgery.

If you have any questions, please contact our administration or nursing staff.

Preparing for Your Hospital Admission

• You will need to arrange an appointment at the Pre-Admission Clinic the week before your surgery. Call 07 3232 7316 to arrange a Telehealth appointment. The Pre-Admission Clinic is on Level 2 of The Wesley Hospital.
• Before your Pre-Admission Clinic appointment, please complete your hospital admission details online at www.bookmyadmission.com.au.

1 week before

• Please have your blood test. The blood test request form is given at the time of your surgery booking. You can attend QML or S&N Pathology.
• Finalise payment – Payment can be made by credit card over the phone or via direct deposit. Please see your quote or contact the office to request account details.
• Make sure you have discussed all medications you are currently taking with Dr Martin. In particular, any blood thinning medications and some diabetic medications, e.g. Warfarin, Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Jardiance, Forxiga or herbal medications may need to be ceased prior to surgery.
• Smokers – You must stop smoking for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery to have bariatric surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications such as infections or blood clots. It can also slow down the healing process of the staple lines and joins. For more information see Queensland Health’s guidelines on Smoking and Surgery
• You must start an Optifast diet two to three weeks prior to surgery. This shrinks your liver of fat and makes it much firmer to reduce bleeding during the operation. This is the best and simplest way to reduce liver size. Our dietitian will discuss this with you at your consultation.

1 day before

• The afternoon before surgery, we will text you to confirm admission and fasting times. Please reply to our message to confirm you have received it.

With your pre-surgery preparations underway, you’re one step closer to your procedure. If you have any questions or need assistance with any steps before surgery, don’t hesitate to reach out.

When the day arrives, knowing what to expect can help everything go smoothly. Click below to learn about what happens on the day of your surgery.

Day of Surgery

After Surgery