Your Weight Loss Surgery Journey | What to Expect

The Process

From First Consultation to Long-Term Success

Our comprehensive bariatric program is designed to give you the best possible preparation, surgical outcome, and long-term results.

Initial Consultation with Dr Keeley

Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment by Dr Rebecca Keeley. She will review your medical history, current health conditions, weight history, medications, and personal goals to determine your suitability for surgery.

Pre-operative Investigations

Blood tests, an ECG, sleep study (if indicated), nutritional screening, and psychological assessment ensure you are optimally prepared for surgery and anaesthesia.

Surgical Consultation with Dr Florica

Dr Florica reviews your assessment, explains the most appropriate procedure in detail, discusses risks and benefits, and answers all your questions. You'll receive your Informed Financial Consent at this stage.

Pre-operative Diet (2 Weeks)

A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet in the two weeks before surgery reduces liver size and improves surgical safety. Our dietitian will provide a detailed meal plan and guidance.

Surgery Day

Your procedure is performed at Sydney Adventist Hospital or Delmar Private Hospital. Dr Florica performs all procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. You'll be in hospital for 2–4 nights depending on your procedure.

Early Post-operative Period (Weeks 1–6)

You'll progress through a staged diet: fluids → pureed foods → soft foods → normal diet. Regular review appointments with Dr Florica and Dr Keeley ensure your recovery is on track.

Long-term Follow-up Program

Our ongoing support program includes regular check-ups, dietitian consultations, blood test monitoring, and psychological support. We remain your partner in health for the long term.

Dr Rebecca Keeley FRACGP — Bariatric Physician consultation

Typical Recovery Timeline

Day 1–3: In hospital, walking, starting fluids
Week 1–2: Home, fluid diet, light activities
Week 2–6: Soft foods, gentle exercise
6–8 Weeks: Return to normal diet
3–6 Months: Significant weight loss, returning to all activities
12–18 Months: Most of expected weight loss achieved

Our team is with you every step. You'll never feel alone in your journey — our coordinators are available to answer questions between appointments.

Multidisciplinary Support

Your Full Support Team

Successful bariatric surgery is about much more than the operation itself. Our multidisciplinary team supports every dimension of your transformation.

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Dr Oliver Florica FRACS

Your surgeon — performing your procedure and overseeing your surgical recovery throughout the post-operative period.

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Dr Rebecca Keeley FRACGP

Your bariatric physician — coordinating your pre-operative assessment, managing your health conditions, and supervising long-term weight management.

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Dietitian

A specialist bariatric dietitian guides your pre-operative diet, your post-surgical eating program, and nutritional monitoring through all stages of recovery.

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Psychologist

Psychological assessment and support addresses emotional eating patterns and helps build the mindset for long-term lifestyle change.

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Anaesthetist

Your anaesthetist will meet with you before surgery to review your health and ensure the safest possible anaesthetic plan.

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Practice Coordinator

Our friendly practice team manages your appointments, answers questions, navigates health fund claims, and ensures a seamless experience from first contact to long-term follow-up.

Preparing for Your Consultation

What to Bring to Your First Appointment

✓Referral letter from your GP
✓Medicare card and private health insurance details
✓List of current medications (including dose and frequency)
✓Any recent blood test results or specialist letters
✓Records of previous weight loss attempts (diets, programs)
✓A list of your questions — no question is too small

No referral needed to get started: You can see Dr Keeley directly without a GP referral. A referral is desirable to see Dr Florica — and if needed, Dr Keeley can provide one following your initial consultation. Call us on (02) 9980 6865 for guidance.