For most patients considering bariatric surgery, the first consultation is the moment things start to feel real. Up until that point, the decision exists mostly in research, online reading, and conversations with friends or family who've been through the procedure. Walking into a gastric sleeve consultation brings the abstract questions into focus and replaces them with practical ones: what will the surgeon actually ask? What information do I need to bring? How long does it take? And most importantly, will I leave knowing where I stand?
This guide is intended as a general educational resource for patients preparing for a first bariatric consultation. It is not a substitute for individual clinical discussion, and your specific situation should always be assessed by an experienced bariatric and metabolic surgeon.
In this blog, we'll cover the six things that typically happen during a gastric sleeve consultation, what you should bring with you to make the appointment as useful as possible, the multidisciplinary team you'll meet during the broader process, common questions patients ask during a consultation, and what happens after the appointment.
Top 6 Things That Happen During Your Gastric Sleeve Consultation
These six elements form the structure of a thorough first consultation. Knowing what to expect in advance helps you arrive prepared, ask the right questions, and leave with the information you actually need to make an informed decision.
1. Detailed Weight and Medical History
The consultation begins with a detailed discussion of:
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Your weight history (when weight became an issue, what attempts have been made to address it, what worked and what didn't)
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Current medical conditions, including any medications you're taking
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Family history of weight-related conditions and other relevant health issues
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Surgical history, including any previous abdominal surgery
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Lifestyle factors such as work, family responsibilities, and support network
This conversation typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and is essential to understanding whether sleeve gastrectomy is the right option for your specific situation.
2. Physical Examination
A focused physical examination is part of every first consultation and typically includes:
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Measurement of height, weight, and BMI calculation
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Assessment of waist circumference and body composition
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Abdominal examination to identify any previous surgical sites or hernias
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General cardiovascular assessment
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Assessment of any signs that may affect surgical planning
The examination takes around 10 minutes and informs both the procedure recommendation and the pre-operative testing that will need to happen before surgery.
3. Honest Discussion of Procedure Options
Sleeve gastrectomy is one of several bariatric procedures, and the consultation includes an honest discussion of:
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The available options
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The risks and benefits of each
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The expected weight loss outcomes
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Which procedure may best suit your individual situation
The options typically discussed include:
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Mini gastric bypass
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Gastric balloon (a non-surgical temporary option)
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Gastric band
The surgeon should explain why a particular procedure is being recommended for you rather than simply offering the most expensive or most profitable option.
4. Review of Risks, Complications, and Realistic Outcomes
A proper consultation includes an open discussion of:
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The risks involved in bariatric surgery
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The potential complications (both immediate and long-term)
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Realistic expected weight loss outcomes (typically 60% to 70% of excess weight loss for sleeve gastrectomy over 12 to 18 months)
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The lifestyle changes required for sustained success
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The long-term follow-up commitment after surgery
This part of the consultation can feel sobering, but it's the part that helps patients make a genuinely informed decision.
5. Outline of the Pre-Surgery Pathway
The pre-surgery pathway is a 3 to 6-month process involving multiple specialists, multiple appointments, and several pre-operative tests.
The consultation includes an outline of what's involved:
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Nutritional consultation with the dietitian to begin pre-surgery food preparation
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Behavioural support through the habits and life coach program
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Pre-operative testing including blood work, ECG, sleep study, and possibly endoscopy
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Medical optimisation of any conditions that may affect surgery
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The pre-operative very low calorie diet for 2 to 4 weeks immediately before surgery to reduce liver size
Knowing the pathway in advance helps patients plan around work, family, and other commitments.
6. Time for Your Questions
A well-structured consultation always includes dedicated time for patient questions at the end.
Common questions include:
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Details about post-surgery diet progression
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Return-to-work timeframes
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Exercise restrictions in the recovery period
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Fertility and pregnancy considerations
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The long-term follow-up schedule
There are no silly questions in a bariatric consultation, and the surgeon should encourage you to ask whatever's on your mind. If a question gets dismissed or rushed, that's a useful signal about whether the surgeon is the right fit for you.
What Should You Bring to Your Gastric Sleeve Consultation?
A useful checklist for any first bariatric consultation includes:
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A current GP referral (required for the appointment to be processed correctly)
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A written list of your current medications including dosages
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Any recent blood test results, ECG, sleep study, or imaging reports if you have them
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A list of any previous weight loss attempts including approximate dates and outcomes
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A written list of questions you want to ask (we strongly recommend preparing these in advance because consultations move quickly)
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A partner, family member, or trusted friend if you'd find their support helpful during the conversation
Many patients also find it useful to keep a brief food diary for the week before the consultation, which gives the dietitian a starting point for the nutritional conversation that follows the surgical consultation.
None of this is mandatory, but the more prepared you arrive, the more the consultation can focus on the decision rather than information gathering.
Who Else Will You Meet During the Process?
A bariatric surgery pathway involves multiple team members beyond the surgeon.
At Victorian Specialist Surgery and Weight Loss Centre, the multidisciplinary team includes:
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Our bariatric and metabolic surgeon, Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram
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Our dietitian Stefania Basso, who works with patients on pre-surgery nutritional preparation and the gradual post-surgery dietary transition
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Our habits and life coach Dr. Monica Devanand, who supports patients with the behavioural and psychological aspects of long-term weight management
Beyond the in-house team, the broader care network may include:
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Your GP (who remains involved before, during, and after surgery)
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An anaesthetist who will assess you before the operation
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A psychologist for additional behavioural support where indicated
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Other specialists as required for any specific health conditions that affect surgical planning
The multidisciplinary approach reflects the medical understanding that bariatric surgery is one part of a longer journey rather than a one-off intervention.
Common Questions Patients Ask During a Consultation
The most common questions we hear during first consultations fall into five categories.
How much weight will I lose?
Realistic expected weight loss for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is typically 60% to 70% of excess body weight over 12 to 18 months, though individual outcomes vary based on adherence to the post-surgery program, baseline metabolic factors, and behavioural changes maintained over time.
What about the loose skin?
Many patients lose enough weight to develop some loose skin after surgery, particularly across the abdomen and upper arms. Some patients pursue body contouring procedures 12 to 18 months after weight stabilises. The surgeon can discuss this in detail and refer to plastic surgery colleagues if appropriate.
How quickly can I return to work?
Most patients return to office-based work within 2 to 3 weeks after sleeve gastrectomy. Physical or manual work typically requires 4 to 6 weeks. The exact timing depends on the individual recovery and the nature of the work.
Can I drink alcohol after surgery?
Alcohol consumption after bariatric surgery requires careful consideration because the metabolism of alcohol changes significantly post-surgery and the risk of developing problematic patterns can increase. Most clinicians advise abstinence for the first 6 to 12 months and very moderate consumption thereafter, with detailed discussion during the consultation process.
Will my health insurance cover this?
Private health insurance with top/GOLD-level hospital cover typically covers bariatric surgery with specific procedures attracting different out-of-pocket costs. The reception team can discuss the financial pathway including item numbers, expected out-of-pockets, and any third-party payment options during the consultation process.
What Happens After the Consultation?
A typical first consultation ends with:
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A clear recommendation about whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate for you
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An outline of the next steps if you choose to proceed (typically a follow-up with the dietitian, scheduling of pre-operative testing, and any specialist referrals required)
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Written information to take home and review at your own pace
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A clear pathway back to the practice if you decide to proceed or if you'd like further discussion before deciding
There's no pressure to make a decision at the consultation itself. Most patients take 2 to 6 weeks after the consultation to discuss the information with family, review the written materials, and consider whether bariatric surgery is the right path for them.
The practice is available for follow-up questions during this period, and additional consultations can be arranged if more discussion is needed.
Why Choose Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram for Your Gastric Sleeve Consultation
Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram is a FRACS-trained Consultant Bariatric, Oesophago-gastric and General Surgeon and Director of Victorian Specialist Surgery and Weight Loss Centre.
He completed his medical training at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (MRCS 2004), gained Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 2011 (FRACS), and has more than 14 years of general surgery experience plus 4 years of fellowship training in bariatric, upper gastrointestinal and advanced biliary surgery.
Three of his fellowship years were undertaken in Melbourne at Western Hospital, the Alfred Hospital, and St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne.
Consultations are available at our main rooms at Suite 11A, Knox Private Hospital in Wantirna, with additional consultation rooms in Berwick and Frankston.
The multidisciplinary team supports patients through every stage of the bariatric journey, from first consultation through to long-term follow-up.
With more than 100 verified Doctify reviews and a 4.96-star rating from patients, the team is consistently recognised for clear communication, careful surgical technique, and compassionate ongoing care.
Key Takeaways
A first gastric sleeve consultation in Melbourne typically takes 45 to 60 minutes and covers six core elements:
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A detailed weight and medical history
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A focused physical examination
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An honest discussion of the available bariatric procedures and which may suit you best
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A review of risks and realistic outcomes (typically 60% to 70% excess weight loss over 12 to 18 months for sleeve gastrectomy)
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An outline of the 3 to 6-month pre-surgery pathway
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Dedicated time for your questions
To make the consultation as useful as possible, bring:
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A current GP referral
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A list of medications
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Any recent test results
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A list of previous weight loss attempts
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Your written questions
The multidisciplinary team includes the bariatric and metabolic surgeon, dietitian, habits and life coach, and your GP.
There is no pressure to decide at the consultation itself, and most patients take 2 to 6 weeks afterwards to consider the information before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a first gastric sleeve consultation take?
A first gastric sleeve consultation in Melbourne typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. This covers the medical history, physical examination, discussion of procedure options, review of risks and outcomes, and time for your questions. Some consultations run longer when there are complex medical considerations or multiple questions to work through.
Do I need a GP referral for a bariatric consultation?
Yes, a current GP referral is generally required to see a bariatric and metabolic surgeon in Australia. The referral allows your GP to be part of the broader care team and ensures appropriate communication before, during, and after surgery.
How much does a gastric sleeve consultation cost?
First specialist consultation fees in Australia typically range from $200 to $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $80 to $90 depending on the specific item number used. The out-of-pocket cost varies depending on the surgeon and the practice. Reception will confirm the specific fees when you book the appointment.
Should I bring my partner or family member to the consultation?
Many patients find it useful to bring a partner, family member, or trusted friend to the consultation because the conversation covers a lot of information in a relatively short time. Having a second person there to listen, take notes, and help you remember the details afterwards often makes the consultation more productive.
What questions should I prepare for the consultation?
Useful questions to prepare include: which procedure do you recommend for my situation and why, what's the realistic expected weight loss, what are the main risks and complications, how long is the pre-surgery pathway, what does post-surgery follow-up involve, what are the costs and what does insurance cover, and what's the next step if I decide to proceed. Write your questions down before the appointment to avoid forgetting them in the moment.
What happens if the surgeon decides I'm not a candidate for sleeve gastrectomy?
If sleeve gastrectomy isn't the right procedure for your situation, the consultation may include a discussion of alternative options. These could include other bariatric procedures (gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass, gastric balloon), non-surgical weight loss approaches with appropriate specialist support, or referral to other clinicians for further assessment. The outcome of the consultation is always a clear plan, even if that plan doesn't involve surgery.
Ready to book your gastric sleeve consultation?
To arrange a consultation with Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram at our main rooms at Suite 11A, Knox Private Hospital in Wantirna, call our reception team on 03 8548 0318 or contact us through our website.
Consultations are also available at our Berwick and Frankston rooms by appointment.
Our reception team can confirm what to bring and answer any questions about the booking process.
