Patient Information

We answer some common questions about booking in to speak with Dr McLeod about weight loss surgery. As well as some common questions about the surgical process afterward.

What happens during an initial consultation?

At your initial consultation, Dr McLeod will discuss in detail the procedures he offers to address obesity. This will include information about the benefits of surgery, the alternatives to surgery, and of course the risks of surgery. This gives you the means to make a decision about proceeding with weight loss surgery, or not, as the case may be. We encourage you to bring a partner, friend, or support person if you wish.

Ask your surgeon questions. Be clear about what path you wish to take. This is a very important decision for your well being. We do not expect you to decide on the day. We encourage you to take all the information Dr McLeod and his team provides to you. To ruminate on this, discuss it with the people important to you, and return for another talk. This way you can be sure about your decision making. Of course, some people have already done extensive research prior to the initial consultation and may decide to proceed on the day.

What’s the process if I decide to go ahead?

Once you decide surgery is for you then there is a comprehensive work up to follow. This includes a nutritional screen, a barium swallow, and sometimes a gastroscopy (a camera into the stomach). It also includes consultations with the dietitian, psychologist and exercise physiologist. He may also refer you to a cardiologist for an ECHO (heart ultrasound) if you are over 60 or have a history of heart disease. If you have diabetes or thyroid problems, you may also need to see our endocrinologist. For patients with breathing problems, sleep apnoea, or a very high BMI, a sleep study and referral to our respiratory physiotherapist may be required.

Any issues found during this extensive workup will be dealt with prior to surgery if that is appropriate to your surgery.

You will also see our practice manager, Michelle. She will give you a very thorough run-through of all the costs involved. As well as explain the logistics of theatre bookings, further appointments with Dr McLeod, and allied health appointments. That way, there are no hidden surprises.

You can see Dr McLeod as many times as you need to prior to surgery to ensure you fully understand your surgery and the process around the procedure. This is very important for informed consent.