At Sydney Bariatric Clinic our specialist team brings a caring and thoughtful approach to more than just weight loss surgery. We offer patients general surgical procedures for a range of other conditions. Gallstone/gall bladder problems, hernias and reflux can all be managed by our expert team. Our surgeons consult face to face at Westmead and Lakeview/Baulkham Hills with Telehealth available where suitable,

Gallbladder or Gallstone problems?

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped organ associated with the liver that stores bile. Patients can be troubled by gallstones which can form in the gallbladder and cause pain and inflammation. Gallstones can cause pain, hospital admissions, cholecystitis and pancreatitis. The most appropriate treatment for gallstones in most patients is removal of the gallbladder. The procedure is very common with most patients having no complications from the procedure or from the loss of this small organ.

Our surgeons at Sydney Bariatric Clinic perform cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal) with laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery with 4 small incisions. very rarely – especially in the elective setting – is a larger incision required. Most patients spend less than 24hours in hospital and recover to return to work quickly. Your surgeon can provide personalised advice and care for your circumstances.

Hernia Surgery

Patients with groin pain, abdominal discomfort, known hernias and previous surgery may benefit from hernia surgery. A hernia is a sac-like structure that protrudes from one body space through a weakness to another space and may appear as a bulge or as pain in the abdomen or groin as an example. A hernia can cause pain and discomfort and surgical repair with the use of specialised mesh is the most appropriate treatment for most patients.

At Sydney Bariatric Clinic, our surgeons can repair your hernia with laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery meaning minimal recover time. As an example, for most patients, groin hernia surgery requires only three small incision and a short hospital stay, usually less than 24hours. Larger hernias, such as from a previous surgery, can require a bigger operation, but for the most part, our surgeons can also accomplish these repairs with laparoscopic surgery. Our surgeons will offer a solution tailored to your needs and give you personalised advice.

Reflux Disease (GORD) and Hiatus hernia surgery

Gastro-oesophageal reflux is common in the community and is experienced by most patients as heartburn. Stomach acid and contents are normally contained within the stomach by the proper functioning of the lower oesophageal sphincter and the anatomy of the stomach. For patients experiencing reflux our team can diagnose the condition and provide endoscopy to check the lining of the oesophagus, stomach and small bowel to assess whether any damage as been done and a potential cause. In many cases, medication and life-style changes are successful in mitigating the symptoms of GORD. For some patients however, surgical procedures, such as a hiatus hernia repair or fundoplication is required. These procedures seek to restore the correct position of the stomach in the abdomen and improve the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter creating an improved valve effect. These surgeries are accomplished with keyhole surgery and commonly require only a one night hospital stay. Your surgeon can provide tailored advice for your personal circumstances.

Non-surgical / Medical management of weight loss

Sydney Bariatric Clinic provides a complete process for the management of obesity. Weight-loss surgery is not for everyone. Some patients are not suitable for medical reasons and others will decide to pursue a non-surgical approach. Our team is experienced in the use of multiple medical therapies and can assist you for your individual circumstances. Your doctor can provide face to face and telehealth appointments in a respectful and kind environment. Additional support from our psychologists and dietitians is available.

What is the recovery process like after gastric sleeve surgery?

Most people stay in the hospital for 2-3 days after gastric sleeve surgery. After surgery, you will need to follow a strict diet to allow your stomach to heal. You will start with a liquid diet and gradually move up to a solid diet over several weeks. You will also need to take vitamins and supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Post-bariatric surgery follow-up Care

Sydney Bariatric Clinic provides comprehensive follow-up care and support after surgery . Obesity is a chronic disease that requires long term management. Regular reviews of nutritional status and progress reviews are essential for long term success and our team can provide a caring and kind environment to support patients.

Our post-surgery care program involves our medical and nursing team, psychologists and dieticians.