Gastric Sleeve Surgery Consultation & Assessment

A gastric sleeve pre-operative assessment looks at far more than a single number. Suitability is based on a comprehensive assessment, not BMI alone. 

• BMI and Weight History. BMI is one factor considered alongside your weight history and overall health, not a standalone measure used in isolation to determine suitability. 
• Obesity-Related Health Conditions. Conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnoea are often discussed where relevant, since these can influence both suitability and the surgical approach. 
• Previous Weight-Loss Attempts. The surgeon may review previous dietary, exercise, medical, or other weight-management approaches you have tried to understand what has and has not worked for you. 
• Overall Health. General health and existing medical conditions can influence whether surgery is appropriate, and this is considered as part of the broader gastric sleeve assessment. 
• Reflux and Digestive Health. Symptoms such as reflux or other digestive concerns may matter when choosing the most suitable procedure, as some bariatric options suit patients with existing reflux better. 
• Current Medications. Medications may need to be reviewed as part of the assessment and surgical planning, particularly where they affect nutrition, healing or anaesthetic risk. 
• Previous Abdominal or Bariatric Surgery. Previous operations can affect surgical planning and may require additional assessment before a safe and appropriate approach can be confirmed. 
• Readiness for Long-Term Changes. Gastric sleeve surgery involves long-term changes to eating habits, nutrition, physical activity and follow-up care, and this readiness is considered as part of the overall picture. 

Before gastric sleeve surgery, your surgical team reviews your health, medical history and any factors that may affect your treatment. Recommended tests and assessments vary by patient, so you may not need every investigation.

Blood tests may assess your general health and nutritional status, while a gastroscopy may be recommended if you have reflux or other digestive symptoms. An anaesthetic assessment may also be required before surgery. Depending on your medical history, we may recommend additional investigations or specialist reviews.

To prepare for your gastric sleeve consultation, it can help to bring:

• Current height, weight and weight history
• Previous weight loss attempts or treatments
• Current medications and relevant medical history
• Details of previous abdominal or bariatric surgery
• Recent test results, if available
• Medicare and private health insurance details
• Questions, concerns and treatment goals

Practical tip: Write down your questions before the appointment so you can discuss them with your surgical team.

Not every patient will require every test or assessment. Your recommended investigations will depend on your individual circumstances.

The next step is different for each patient and depends on your assessment results and treatment plan. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include completing recommended medical investigations, reviewing test results, further specialist assessment where required, dietitian assessment and nutritional preparation with Ms. Stefania Basso, an anaesthetic assessment, discussing surgical preparation, discussing alternative treatment options, developing an individual treatment plan, or planning surgery if appropriate. 

If you want to explore your options further, related pages worth reading include Gastric Sleeve Surgery Melbourne, Who Is Eligible for Weight Loss Surgery, How to Prepare for Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Diet After Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost Melbourne, and Gastric Sleeve Surgery Recovery.