Resources for patients and interested individuals.
To book a an appointment, you can:
Complete the online forms we will send you before your first appointment.
Let us organise your in-body scan and appointments with our in-house dietitian and psychologist to help you prepare, mentally and physically, for the journey ahead.
Complete the online Hospital Admission Form.
Your procedure will take place in a private hospital, where you’ll be seen by Dr Baxter and our dietitian during your stay. Care continues seamlessly from the earlier steps through to your post-surgery support.
Access 18-months of post-surgery support, including multiple follow-up visits with our in-house dietitians, bariatric GP, psychologist, online resources and motivating events.
At your first consultation with Dr Ian Baxter, the initial focus will be:
After your initial consultation with Dr Baxter, your Bariatric Nurse Educator will discuss your barium swallow and pathology, walk you through the process of applying for early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds (if applicable) and answer any questions you may have at this stage.
The bariatric surgical process need not be confusing or scary. Once you’ve met the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre Team, had your blood test and barium swallow, we have received all your results and decided on which procedure you will be having, your surgery date will be set and pre-operative appointments arranged.
At all times through this phase and beyond, if you have any questions or concerns simply get in touch with the Centre. Dr Ian Baxter and our experienced team are with you every step of the way.
Your pre-op appointments will include;
If you are a smoker, it is highly recommended for you to stop smoking prior to bariatric surgery (and preferably forever) to reduce the risk of any complications. If you’d like to better understand these risks, simply contact one of our team members.
You will be required to commence a very low energy diet (VLED) 7-14 days prior to surgery, which has two main benefits:
Your bariatric dietitian will inform you of the duration of your individualised VLED diet prior to your commencement.
As a total meal replacement program, the Formulite® VLED diet also provides all the vitamins and minerals your body needs – improving your nutrition before surgery.
Having already confirmed your admission time and fasting time prior to the day of your surgery, it is important to follow these instructions on the day of your surgery:
The hospital staff will notify your next of kin when you are in recovery and when they can come visit you.
Bariatric surgery takes roughly 45 to 60 minutes to complete. In most cases you will spend two nights (three days) in hospital, during which you’ll commence a liquid diet. The nursing staff will assist you with your medications, pain relief and intravenous fluids.
Prior to discharging, you’ll receive a visit from Dr Baxter and one of the Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre’s dietitians where you’ll be able to ask any questions you have.
Rest assured that once you go home, you won’t be going it alone. Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre’s specialist New Beginnings aftercare package provides all the guidance and support you need every step of the way for the months and years ahead.
The team at SCMWLC have a very strong presence in the patient’s journey post-surgery.
At Sunshine Coast Medical Weight Loss Centre, you’re not just another surgery for our team. Before, during and in the 18 months after surgery, we will be your trusted guides sharing the expertise and resources we have gained over the past 20-plus years. We understand this is a life-long journey and that you may need support beyond that if old habits creep in — we are always available for a check in to provide more support if you need it.
As well as being highly trained and experienced in the field of bariatrics, we’re proud that each and every one of our team members will make you feel understood, supported and genuinely cared for as you navigate this significant and meaningful life change.
With several people on staff who have undergone successful weight loss surgery, you’ll have access to real-life experience from like-minded people who know what it takes to tackle obesity.
Led by one of the state’s most highly trained and experienced weight loss surgeons, Dr Ian Baxter, we guarantee that our in-house team of bariatric GPs, psychologists, dietitians and educators will be there for you every step of the way.
Together, we’ll give you the best chance of achieving and sustaining your health and weight loss goals.
Schedule a free 30-minute appointment with our Bariatric Navigator to find out more or book a specialist consult if you are ready to take the next step.
Book a complimentary session with our Bariatric Navigator to get all your questions answered – no obligations.
Call us to schedule an appointment with a surgeon or discuss weight loss medication with our GP.
