Your Questions Answered

In Australia, surgery is generally recommended for adults with a BMI of 40 or above, or a BMI of 35 or above with a significant obesity-related condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea). You should also have attempted non-surgical weight loss and be committed to long-term lifestyle changes. A comprehensive consultation with Dr Keeley will determine your suitability.

Gastric sleeve surgery removes approximately 75–80% of the stomach to create a narrow sleeve-shaped pouch. Gastric bypass creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes a portion of the small intestine. Bypass produces slightly greater weight loss and higher rates of type 2 diabetes remission, but is a more complex procedure. Dr Florica will recommend the most appropriate option for you at your consultation.

Modern laparoscopic bariatric surgery has an excellent safety profile when performed by an experienced surgeon in an accredited hospital. Dr Florica has performed over 1,000 procedures with a strong safety record. Like all surgery, there are risks — these will be thoroughly discussed at your surgical consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Yes. Medicare rebates are available for gastric sleeve and gastric bypass surgery when performed by a qualified bariatric surgeon like Dr Florica FRACS. This covers a portion of the surgeon's fee, physician's fee, and anaesthetist's fee. Private health insurance may cover hospital costs (ward fees, theatre fees) depending on your level of cover.

You'll need a Gold-tier or equivalent hospital policy that covers bariatric surgery. Most funds have a 12-month waiting period for weight loss surgery if it was not included when you first took out your policy. We strongly recommend contacting your health fund to confirm your entitlements before your consultation.

A referral is desirable to see Dr Florica, but you do not need one to get started. You can book directly with Dr Keeley for your initial assessment — no referral required. If a referral to Dr Florica is then needed, Dr Keeley is able to provide one for you. Note: a GP referral does help maximise your Medicare rebates.

For gastric sleeve, most patients lose 60–70% of their excess body weight within 12–18 months. For gastric bypass, this rises to 70–80%. Long-term results are best maintained with adherence to dietary guidelines, regular exercise, and participation in our ongoing support program.

You'll begin with clear fluids, progressing to full fluids (week 1), pureed foods (weeks 2–4), soft foods (weeks 4–6), and then a normal (but smaller) diet from around 6–8 weeks. Our dietitian will provide a detailed dietary plan and support at every stage.

Yes. Because your reduced stomach capacity limits food intake, daily vitamin and mineral supplementation is recommended long-term. This typically includes a multivitamin, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Dr Keeley will review your bloods regularly and adjust supplements as needed.

Yes, pregnancy after bariatric surgery is possible and many patients report improved fertility following weight loss. We recommend waiting at least 12–18 months post-surgery before conceiving, to allow weight stabilisation and optimise nutritional status. Close monitoring by your obstetrician and our team is important throughout the pregnancy.

All procedures are performed at fully accredited private hospitals on Sydney's North Shore — Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN) and Delmar Private Hospital, both located in Wahroonga.

Laparoscopic gastric sleeve typically takes 60–90 minutes under general anaesthetic. Gastric bypass takes 90–120 minutes. Times may vary depending on individual anatomy and complexity.