Choosing the right weight loss surgeon is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your bariatric surgery journey. The surgeon you select will not only perform your procedure but will guide your care before, during, and after surgery. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to make an informed decision.
Weight loss surgery is a significant medical procedure that requires careful consideration. While factors like location and cost are important, the surgeon's qualifications, experience, and approach to patient care should be your primary considerations. This guide follows Australian clinical guidelines and AHPRA compliance standards to provide you with factual, evidence-based information.
Understanding Your Options
Types of Bariatric Surgeons
In Australia, bariatric surgeons are general surgeons who have completed additional specialized training in metabolic and obesity surgery. They may work in private practice, public hospitals, or both. Some surgeons focus exclusively on bariatric surgery, while others also perform other gastrointestinal procedures.
Essential Qualifications to Look For
When researching surgeons, look for these essential qualifications:
- FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons): This indicates the surgeon has completed extensive surgical training and passed rigorous examinations. FRACS is the gold standard qualification for surgeons in Australia and New Zealand.
- ANZMOSS Membership: Membership in the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society shows the surgeon is actively engaged in the bariatric surgery community and stays current with best practices.
- AHPRA Registration: All surgeons must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You can verify registration on the AHPRA website.
- Hospital Privileges: The surgeon should have operating privileges at accredited hospitals, preferably those with experience in bariatric surgery.
Experience Levels
Experience matters in bariatric surgery. Research suggests that surgeons who perform a higher volume of procedures tend to have better outcomes. However, experience isn't just about numbers - it's also about:
- Years of practice in bariatric surgery
- Number of procedures performed (especially the specific procedure you're considering)
- Experience with complex cases and revision surgery
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Complication rates and patient outcomes
Key Decision Factors
1. Qualifications & Credentials
As mentioned above, FRACS and ANZMOSS membership are essential. Additionally, look for:
- Medical school and training background
- Fellowships in bariatric or metabolic surgery
- Board certifications
- Professional memberships (IFSO - International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders)
- Teaching positions or academic appointments (indicates expertise recognition)
2. Experience & Volume
Ask about the surgeon's experience with your specific procedure. Key questions include:
- How many procedures of this type have you performed?
- How many do you perform per year?
- What are your complication rates?
- Do you perform revision surgery if needed?
While there's no magic number, surgeons who perform at least 50-100 bariatric procedures annually often have better outcomes. However, a surgeon with less volume but excellent training and outcomes may still be a good choice.
3. Procedures Offered
Ensure the surgeon offers the procedure you're considering. Common procedures include:
- Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)
- Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
- Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band
- Duodenal Switch / SADI-S
- Revision procedures
Some surgeons specialize in specific procedures, while others offer a full range. Consider whether you want a surgeon who can offer multiple options if your initial choice isn't suitable.
4. Location & Accessibility
Consider the surgeon's location in relation to:
- Your home (for pre-op appointments and follow-ups)
- The hospital where surgery will be performed
- Emergency access if complications arise
Many surgeons now offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, which can help if you live far away. However, the initial consultation and surgery will require in-person visits.
5. Hospital Affiliations
The hospital where your surgery is performed is almost as important as the surgeon. Consider:
- Hospital's experience with bariatric surgery
- Accreditation and quality ratings
- Availability of intensive care if needed
- Multidisciplinary support services
- Your private health insurance coverage at that hospital
6. Team & Support Services
Bariatric surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach. Look for a surgeon who works with:
- Dietitian: Essential for pre-op preparation and post-op nutrition guidance
- Psychologist/Mental Health Professional: Important for addressing emotional eating and mental health aspects
- Nursing Support: For post-operative care and patient education
- Exercise Physiologist: For safe return to physical activity
Ask about the team's involvement in your care - are they part of a coordinated program, or will you need to find your own support providers?
7. Programs & Follow-Up Care
Long-term success after bariatric surgery requires ongoing support. Ask about:
- Pre-operative preparation program
- Post-operative follow-up schedule (typically 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, then annually)
- Support groups or patient education sessions
- Telehealth options for follow-ups
- Long-term monitoring and maintenance programs
8. Pricing & Insurance
Understanding costs is important, but don't let price be the only factor. Consider:
- Consultation fees (many surgeons offer free initial consultations)
- Surgeon's fee
- Hospital fees (can be the largest cost component)
- Anaesthetist fees
- Pre and post-operative care costs
- Private health insurance coverage and gap payments
- Medicare rebates
Get written quotes and understand what's included. Prices can vary significantly, so compare but remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best.
Using Our Comparison Tool
Our free comparison tool makes it easy to compare 2-3 surgeons side-by-side. Here's how to use it:
- Search for Surgeons: Use the search bar to find surgeons by name, or filter by city or procedure type.
- Add to Comparison: Click on surgeons from the search results to add them to your comparison (you can compare 2-3 at once).
- Review the Comparison: The tool shows side-by-side comparisons of qualifications, experience, procedures, locations, pricing, team support, and more.
- Identify Differences: Rows highlighted in yellow show differences between surgeons - these are areas to consider carefully.
- Book Consultations: After comparing, book consultations with your top choices to discuss your individual situation.
Essential Questions to Ask
Come prepared to your consultation with questions. Here are essential questions organized by category:
Credentials & Experience
- Are you FRACS-qualified and an ANZMOSS member?
- How many years have you been performing bariatric surgery?
- How many procedures of this type have you performed?
- How many do you perform per year?
- What is your complication rate for this procedure?
- Do you perform revision surgery if needed?
- What ongoing training do you do to stay current?
Procedures & Approach
- Why do you recommend this procedure for me?
- What are the alternatives, and why aren't they suitable?
- What is your surgical technique? (e.g., laparoscopic, robotic)
- What are the potential risks and complications?
- What is your approach if complications occur?
Support & Follow-Up
- Do you have a multidisciplinary team? Who is involved?
- What is your follow-up schedule?
- Do you offer telehealth consultations?
- What support is available if I have questions or concerns?
- Do you have support groups or patient education sessions?
- What is your approach to long-term weight maintenance?
Costs & Insurance
- What are the total costs, including surgeon, hospital, and anaesthetist fees?
- What is covered by private health insurance?
- What will be my out-of-pocket costs (gap payment)?
- Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What Medicare rebates apply?
Recovery & Expectations
- What is the expected hospital stay?
- What is the typical recovery timeline?
- When can I return to work and normal activities?
- What dietary changes will I need to make?
- What is the expected weight loss?
- What are the long-term lifestyle changes required?
Red Flags to Watch For
While most bariatric surgeons in Australia are highly qualified and ethical, be cautious if you encounter:
- Pressure to decide quickly: A good surgeon will give you time to consider your options and get a second opinion.
- Unwillingness to discuss risks: All surgery has risks, and a transparent surgeon will discuss them openly.
- Lack of transparency about costs: You should receive clear, written information about all costs upfront.
- No multidisciplinary team: Bariatric surgery requires team support - be wary of surgeons who work in isolation.
- Poor communication: If the surgeon or their staff don't answer questions or return calls, this may indicate poor patient care.
- Unverified claims: Be skeptical of claims like "guaranteed results" or "no complications" - these are not realistic.
- Not FRACS-qualified: While there may be exceptions, FRACS is the standard qualification for surgeons in Australia.
- No hospital affiliations: Surgeons should have operating privileges at accredited hospitals.
- Minimal follow-up: Long-term follow-up is essential for success - be cautious of surgeons who don't emphasize this.
- Unrealistic expectations: A good surgeon will set realistic expectations about outcomes and lifestyle changes.
The Consultation Process
What to Expect
Your initial consultation typically lasts 30-60 minutes and includes:
- Review of your medical history and current health status
- Discussion of your weight loss goals and expectations
- Physical examination
- Discussion of procedure options and recommendations
- Review of risks, benefits, and alternatives
- Discussion of costs and insurance
- Time for your questions
How to Prepare
To make the most of your consultation:
- Bring a list of questions (use the questions above as a starting point)
- Bring your medical records, including previous weight loss attempts
- Bring a list of current medications
- Bring your private health insurance details
- Consider bringing a support person to help remember information
- Be prepared to discuss your medical history honestly
What to Bring
- Referral letter from your GP (if required)
- List of current medications and dosages
- Medical records and test results
- Private health insurance card and policy details
- Medicare card
- List of questions
- Notebook to take notes
Making Your Decision
Decision Framework
After meeting with potential surgeons, use this framework to make your decision:
- Qualifications: Are they FRACS-qualified and ANZMOSS members?
- Experience: Do they have adequate experience with your procedure?
- Communication: Did they listen, answer questions clearly, and make you feel comfortable?
- Team Support: Do they have a multidisciplinary team?
- Follow-Up Care: Is there a clear, long-term follow-up plan?
- Hospital: Are you comfortable with the hospital where surgery will be performed?
- Costs: Are the costs transparent and within your budget?
- Gut Feeling: Do you feel confident and comfortable with this surgeon?
Trust Your Instincts
While qualifications and experience are important, your comfort level with the surgeon matters too. You'll be working with this surgeon and their team for years to come, so it's important to choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with.
Second Opinions
Getting a second opinion is often recommended, especially for major medical decisions. A second opinion can:
- Confirm the recommended procedure is appropriate
- Provide alternative perspectives or approaches
- Help you feel more confident in your decision
- Give you more information to make an informed choice
Most surgeons understand the value of second opinions and won't be offended if you seek one. In fact, a confident surgeon will encourage you to be fully informed.
Ready to Compare Surgeons?
Use our free comparison tool to compare 2-3 surgeons side-by-side. Compare qualifications, experience, procedures, pricing, and more.
Compare Surgeons Now →Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I look for in a weight loss surgeon?
Look for a surgeon who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and a member of the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS). These qualifications indicate the surgeon has completed extensive training and maintains professional standards.
How many procedures should a bariatric surgeon have performed?
While there's no fixed number, research suggests surgeons who perform at least 50-100 bariatric procedures per year tend to have better outcomes. However, experience is just one factor - also consider their complication rates, patient satisfaction, and ongoing training.
What questions should I ask during a consultation?
Ask about their experience with your specific procedure, complication rates, follow-up care programs, multidisciplinary team support, total costs including hospital fees, expected recovery timeline, and what to expect long-term. Also ask about their approach to patient care and whether they offer telehealth consultations.
Should I get a second opinion?
Yes, getting a second opinion is often recommended, especially for major medical decisions like weight loss surgery. It can help you confirm the recommended procedure is appropriate, compare different approaches, and feel more confident in your decision.
What are red flags when choosing a surgeon?
Red flags include: pressure to make a quick decision, unwillingness to discuss risks and complications, lack of transparency about costs, no multidisciplinary team support, poor communication, unverified claims about outcomes, and surgeons who aren't FRACS-qualified or ANZMOSS members.
How important is location when choosing a surgeon?
Location is important for accessibility, especially for follow-up appointments. However, don't let proximity be the only factor - the surgeon's qualifications, experience, and fit with your needs are more important. Many surgeons now offer telehealth consultations for follow-ups, which can help if you live far away.
What should I look for in a surgeon's support team?
Look for a multidisciplinary team that includes a dietitian, psychologist or mental health professional, and nursing support. This team should be involved in both pre-operative preparation and long-term post-operative follow-up. The team approach is associated with better outcomes.
How do I compare surgeons?
Use our free comparison tool to compare 2-3 surgeons side-by-side. Compare their qualifications, years of experience, procedures offered, hospital affiliations, team support, pricing, and follow-up programs. Book consultations with your top choices to discuss your individual situation.
Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
The information provided in this guide is based on general guidelines and should not be considered as medical advice. Only a qualified, AHPRA-registered bariatric surgeon can determine if weight loss surgery is appropriate for you and which procedure (if any) is medically suitable based on a comprehensive assessment of your individual health history, current medical condition, BMI, and other relevant factors.
Weight loss surgery is a significant medical decision that requires thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team including a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, psychologist, and other healthcare professionals. Individual results, outcomes, and suitability vary and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Always seek the advice of qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information provided in this guide.