Frequently Asked Questions

Possibly. Patients with a recent heart attack require a thorough assessment and approval from their cardiologist before surgery is considered. Your heart health, medications and overall recovery will be carefully reviewed to ensure surgery is safe.

Your consultation includes a detailed discussion about your medical history, weight loss goals and overall health. Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram will explain the available treatment options, expected outcomes, recovery process and answer any questions so you can make an informed decision.

Preparation usually includes following a pre-operative diet, reviewing your medications and completing any recommended tests. You'll also receive detailed instructions about your hospital stay, recovery and the lifestyle changes needed after surgery.

Bring comfortable clothing, your Medicare or private health insurance details, personal toiletries, any regular medications and important medical documents. It's also a good idea to leave valuables at home unless necessary.

Yes. Smoking increases the risk of complications such as infection, poor wound healing and breathing problems. Most patients are asked to stop smoking well before surgery to improve safety and support a smoother recovery.

No. Vomiting is not a normal part of recovery after bariatric surgery. It usually happens when food is eaten too quickly, not chewed properly or when you eat beyond the point of fullness. If vomiting continues, you should contact your bariatric team for assessment and advice.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions, which usually results in less pain and a faster recovery. Any discomfort is typically well managed with prescribed pain relief and improves over the first few days.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure and your overall health. Most patients feel noticeably better within a few days to weeks, while full recovery generally takes around four to six weeks. Walking is encouraged soon after surgery to support healing.

Yes. Follow-up appointments are an important part of your recovery and long-term success. They allow your progress, nutrition and overall health to be monitored, with visits commonly scheduled during the first year and then as required.

Most medications can still be taken after surgery, although some may need to be adjusted or changed to a different form. Your surgeon and healthcare team will review your medications to ensure they remain safe and effective throughout your recovery.

Bariatric surgery reduces the size of your stomach, so you will feel full after eating much smaller portions. This is an expected part of the procedure and helps support long-term weight loss by encouraging healthier eating habits.

Yes, although it's generally recommended to wait until your initial recovery is complete before travelling, especially on long flights. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe based on your progress and any individual health considerations.

Temporary hair thinning can occur a few months after surgery due to rapid weight loss and changes in nutrition. This usually improves over time, especially when you maintain adequate protein intake and follow your recommended vitamin and mineral supplements.

Alcohol is absorbed more quickly after bariatric surgery, which can increase its effects and the risk of dehydration. It also adds unnecessary calories and may slow your weight loss progress. Limiting or avoiding alcohol is generally recommended.

Some patients notice changes in taste or develop different food preferences after surgery. Many find they naturally prefer healthier foods as they adjust to their new eating habits. These changes vary from person to person and often settle over time.

Some people may experience digestive changes such as reflux, altered bowel habits or occasional nausea. These symptoms are often manageable with dietary adjustments, healthy eating habits and regular follow-up with your bariatric team.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies after bariatric surgery can sometimes affect your teeth and gums if left untreated. Taking your recommended supplements, attending regular blood tests and maintaining good oral hygiene can help protect your dental health.

Long-term neurological complications are uncommon but can occur if vitamin deficiencies go untreated. Regular blood tests, lifelong supplementation and ongoing follow-up help reduce this risk and support healthy nerve function.

Yes, but the scars are usually small because most bariatric procedures are performed laparoscopically using several small incisions. They generally fade over time and become less noticeable as healing progresses.

Feeling colder or more tired is common during the early stages of weight loss as your body adjusts to changes in metabolism and calorie intake. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and following your recovery plan can help improve these symptoms over time.

Yes. You'll follow a staged diet that gradually progresses from liquids to soft foods before returning to solid foods. Following these dietary guidelines helps your stomach heal properly and supports safe, long-term weight loss.

Recovery typically begins with clear liquids, followed by full liquids, pureed foods, soft foods and finally a balanced long-term diet. Your bariatric team will guide you through each stage and advise when it's safe to progress to the next phase.

Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and avoid drinking fluids during meals. Nausea often improves with smaller portions and adherence to your recommended diet stage. If symptoms continue, contact your bariatric team for further advice. Anti-nausea medication can help as well during the initial phase of your recovery.

Follow your recommended meal plan, take your prescribed vitamin and mineral supplements, stay hydrated and attend regular blood tests. These steps help prevent nutritional deficiencies and support your recovery and long-term health.

Your dietitian provides personalised nutrition advice before and after surgery. They help you meet your protein, vitamin and fluid requirements, guide you through each diet stage and support healthy eating habits for long-term success.

Most patients should aim for approx. 60–80 grams of protein each day to support healing, preserve muscle mass and maintain long-term health. Your dietitian will recommend the right amount based on your individual needs and recovery stage.

Some bariatric procedures, particularly gastric bypass, change how your body absorbs nutrients. This is why lifelong vitamin supplements, a balanced diet and regular blood tests are essential to help prevent nutritional deficiencies.

Yes. Foods high in sugar and refined starch can cause digestive discomfort and make it harder to achieve long-term weight loss goals. Focusing on protein-rich, nutritious foods supports recovery and overall health.

Yes, but only after you have fully recovered and your iron and nutritional levels are stable. Most people are advised to wait at least 12 months before donating blood. Always check with your doctor and the blood donation service first.

Regular blood tests help monitor vitamin, mineral and nutritional levels after surgery. They are usually performed every 6-12 months during the first year, depending on how you are progressing and then annually or as recommended to detect and treat any deficiencies early.

Yes. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended after bariatric surgery to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. Your healthcare team will advise which supplements you need and monitor your levels during follow-up appointments.

Yes. Weight regain is possible if healthy eating habits, regular exercise and follow-up care are not maintained. Bariatric surgery is a powerful tool, but long-term success depends on ongoing lifestyle changes and support.

Maintaining long-term weight loss involves eating balanced meals, prioritising protein, staying physically active and attending regular follow-up appointments. Building healthy habits and seeking ongoing support can help you achieve lasting results.

Checking your BMI regularly can help you monitor your progress alongside other health measures. Your bariatric team can recommend how often to review it based on your individual weight-loss journey.

Yes. Weight loss varies between individuals, and occasional plateaus are common. Staying focused on healthy habits, following your treatment plan and attending follow-up appointments can help you stay on track towards your long-term goals. Remember to trust the process of this weight loss tool.

Yes. Many women experience improved fertility after weight loss surgery. However, it is generally recommended to wait 12 to 18 months before becoming pregnant to allow your weight and nutritional status to stabilise.

Weight loss surgery can affect emotional wellbeing in different ways. Many people experience improved confidence and quality of life, while others may need additional emotional support as they adjust to lifestyle changes after surgery.

Psychological support is often recommended to help prepare for the emotional and behavioural changes that accompany weight loss surgery. It can improve readiness for surgery and support long-term success.

Yes. Emotional wellbeing, eating behaviours and realistic expectations can influence long-term success after bariatric surgery. Addressing these factors before surgery helps patients prepare for lasting lifestyle changes.

Many patients report feeling more confident and emotionally positive as their health improves following weight loss surgery. Individual experiences vary, and ongoing support is available to help patients adjust during their recovery.

Yes. Many patients experience improvements in self-confidence, body image and overall quality of life after achieving sustainable weight loss. Ongoing support from your healthcare team plays an important role in maintaining these positive changes.

Changes in eating habits and body image can make social situations feel challenging at first. Over time, most patients become more confident as they adjust to their new lifestyle, with support from family, friends and their bariatric team.

Yes. Weight loss surgery can significantly improve or, in some cases, resolve obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Improvements vary between individuals and depend on ongoing healthy lifestyle habits.

Losing excess weight reduces pressure on the joints, which can improve mobility and relieve pain in areas such as the knees, hips and lower back. Many patients find that everyday activities become easier after surgery.

For many people, weight loss surgery can reduce the risk of obesity-related conditions and improve overall quality of life. Long-term health benefits are greatest when surgery is combined with healthy eating, regular exercise and ongoing follow-up care.

Yes. Regular physical activity can help manage appetite, improve mood and support long-term weight loss. Combined with healthy eating habits, exercise is an important part of maintaining your results after surgery.

Weight loss can reduce pressure on the airway, making breathing easier during sleep. Many patients experience improvements in snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms, leading to better overall sleep quality.

No. Recovery is similar for both procedures. Your recovery time will depend on your overall health and how well you follow your post-operative care plan.

It can. Losing excess weight often improves breathing during sleep by reducing pressure on the airway. Many patients notice reduced snoring and improvements in sleep apnoea symptoms after surgery.

Yes. Some patients may develop acid reflux after gastric sleeve surgery due to changes in the stomach. Symptoms can often be managed with dietary changes, medication and regular follow-up with your surgeon. Mr. Niruben does make it a point to always check this, and on many an occasion he has found weakness of the anti-reflux mechanism here even for patients who do not have any reflux symptoms prior to surgery. He fixes this at the same time to avoid patients suffering from reflux symptoms post gastric sleeve.

A gastric band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, helping you feel full after eating smaller portions. This encourages portion control and supports gradual, sustainable weight loss.

Many patients experience improved mobility, greater confidence and better management of obesity-related health conditions after gastric band surgery. Long-term success depends on healthy lifestyle habits and regular follow-up.

No. A gastric balloon is not suitable for everyone and may not be recommended for people with certain stomach or digestive conditions. Your suitability will be determined after a comprehensive medical assessment.

Some patients experience temporary difficulty swallowing while the swelling heals. This usually improves within a few weeks, and your surgeon will provide guidance on diet and recovery to help minimise discomfort.

Most patients experience less heartburn and rely less on reflux medication after surgery. You may need to eat smaller meals, chew food thoroughly and follow temporary dietary recommendations while recovering.

Dietary changes can help reduce reflux symptoms in many patients. Eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods and not lying down soon after eating may improve symptoms, although some people may also require medication.

During gallbladder surgery, the bile duct may be assessed to ensure there are no blockages or injuries. This helps reduce the risk of complications and supports a safe surgical outcome.

Yes. Repairing a hernia can restore the abdomen's natural shape by removing the visible bulge. While the main goal is to treat the hernia safely, many patients also notice an improvement in appearance.

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by gallstones blocking the flow of bile. Symptoms often include abdominal pain, nausea and fever. In many cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder is the most effective treatment.

Anaesthesia is generally very safe, although complications can occur with any surgical procedure. Before surgery, your anaesthetist will assess your health carefully to minimise risks and ensure your safety throughout the operation.

Untreated hernias can become trapped, cutting off blood supply or causing a blockage in the bowel. These complications can become serious and may require emergency surgery, which is why timely hernia repair is often recommended.

Medicare and many private health insurance policies may contribute towards the cost of bariatric surgery if you meet the eligibility criteria. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your level of cover and individual treatment plan.

Yes. Checking your private health insurance cover before surgery helps you understand your cover, potential out-of-pocket costs, and any waiting periods that may apply.

Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram is a FRACS-qualified Bariatric and General Surgeon who provides weight loss and upper gastrointestinal surgery in Melbourne. He has also completed the AANZGOSA fellowship in Upper GI Surgery. He offers personalised care and ongoing support to help patients achieve safe, long-term health outcomes.

Mr. Niruben Rajasagaram operates at several hospitals across Melbourne, providing bariatric and general surgery services. His team will advise the most suitable hospital for your procedure and individual needs.

If gastric sleeve surgery is not suitable, other treatment options may be available. These can include medical weight management, a gastric balloon, or another bariatric procedure, depending on your health and weight-loss goals.

The timeframe varies depending on your medical assessment, any required pre-operative tests and hospital availability. During your consultation, you'll receive a personalised timeline based on your individual circumstances.