For Patients

During your first consultation, please remember to bring the following:

• Your GP referral
• Any relevant blood test results, scans, and X-rays
• A list of current medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Your private health insurance card

• A list of questions you wish to ask

To optimise your consulting time with Dr Jorgensen, please print out and bring in the new patient form pre-filled.
If you are a bariatric patient please print and pre-fill the NEW PATIENT pre assessment forms for bariatric patients form.
If you do not have a printer at home we will print out for you and you can fill these out in our office.

Click here for useful links page including statistics, patient tips and practical advice to help you on your Upper GI and Bariatric Surgical Journey.

Every patient is different, but as a general rule of thumb, the following ranges reflect typical excess weight loss after surgery:

• Gastric Bypass – Approximately 75% excess weight loss
• Sleeve Gastrectomy – Approximately 65–70% excess weight loss

In the overwhelming majority of cases, patients are able to maintain their weight loss long-term. Numerous studies show that bariatric surgery is the only durable form of weight loss.

Long-term success depends not only on the type of surgery but—most importantly—on sustained dietary changes and regular exercise. These lifestyle adjustments are just as vital as the procedure itself.

No. Obesity is a disease that results from a complex interplay between a person’s genetics and their environment. The modern environment is obesogenic, meaning it promotes weight gain. Individual genetics – affecting both physiology and psychology – determine a person’s susceptibility to obesity. Much of the epigenetic tendency toward obesity develops in utero or during childhood.

A person cannot change their genetics or epigenetics. What they can change is their biology through surgery, supported by healthy lifestyle measures such as improved nutrition and regular physical activity

Patients will receive a comprehensive quote for Dr John Jorgensen’s Bariatric Programme, which covers two years of care and includes:

• Dr Jorgensen’s Surgical Fee: This includes the fee for the surgical assistant.

• Psychological Support: A structured two-year program valued at $1,200. It helps improve mindset for weight loss and reprogram negative food behaviours. The FreshStart program includes:

• Pre- and post-operative psychological support

• Group support

• Phone and online support

• Group sessions every three months

• Unlimited Consultations: Two years of bulk-billed consultations with Dr Jorgensen, a dietitian, or a bariatric nurse.

Regular Follow-Up: A well-planned schedule of follow-up appointments over two years, including blood tests

Speak to your doctor about your suitability for bariatric surgery if:

• You have a BMI above 40 (morbidly obese)
• You have a BMI between 30 and 40 plus one or more serious obesity-related comorbidities, such as:
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
• Osteoarthritis
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• You do not excessively consume alcohol or other drugs of dependence
• You are ready to embrace significant lifestyle modifications, including changes to eating habits and a commitment to regular exercise
• You are willing to challenge negative food thinking patterns

Yes, bariatric surgery is now widely recognized as a highly effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes in obese patients.

• Global Endorsement: In 2016, 45 scientific and medical organizations recommended that bariatric (obesity) surgery should become a standard treatment for obese patients with diabetes. This marked one of the most significant changes in diabetes care in decades. Link here.
• High Success Rates:
• Approximately 80% of patients who undergo bariatric surgery experience complete resolution of their diabetes either during their hospital stay or within weeks to months afterward.
• The remaining patients typically see a substantial reduction in their medication requirements.
• Type 2 Diabetes as a Key Indicator:
• Type 2 diabetes is considered one of the strongest indications for weight loss surgery.
• Metabolic Benefits:
• Procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass trigger hormonal changes that promote diabetes remission.

These are often referred to as “metabolic surgeries” due to their impact on blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity.

Bariatric surgery is generally considered safe and well tolerated, with risks comparable to other common procedures like hip or knee replacements. Here’s a clear overview

Low Surgical Risk
2023 primary bariatric surgery data collected in Australia- 15,985 GS- 1.5% complication rate.(Monash University).

According to the Bariatric Surgical Registry, among over 22,000 patients who had bariatric surgery in 2017. 

• Only 2.5% experienced an adverse event requiring return to theatre, ICU, or hospital readmission.
• More than 99.9% survived their surgery

Greater Risk Without Surgery

• For morbidly obese individuals, the risks of not undergoing surgery include
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep apnoea
• Severe obesity
• A significantly increased risk of premature death

Hospital Safety Standards

• St George Private Hospital is Australia’s first Internationally Accredited Centre of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery.
• It boasts one of the safest surgical records for bariatric procedures globally.
• As a Bariatric Centre of Excellence, St George Private Hospital has one of the safest surgical safety records for bariatric procedures in the world and is Australia’s first Internationally Accredited Centre of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, as accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation, which accredits centres of excellence around the world.

 Side Effects:

• Dr Jorgensen will provide detailed information about potential side effects during your consultation, tailored to your individual health profile.

• Set-Point Theory: The hypothalamus in the brain defends your body’s highest weight – this is known as your “set point.” When you lose weight through diet and exercise, your body may interpret it as famine and trigger biological responses to regain the lost weight.
• Famine Reaction: Dieting can activate survival mechanisms like increased hunger, reduced metabolism and stronger cravings – all designed to restore your previous weight.
• Biological Reset Through Surgery: Bariatric surgery alters your biology, reducing the internal “pull” to regain weight. It changes hormone levels and appetite signals, making it easier to maintain weight loss.
• Support, Not a Shortcut: Surgery doesn’t eliminate the need for healthy eating and exercise – it supports these efforts by making weight maintenance more achievable.

In short, surgery helps reset the body’s resistance to weight loss, giving you a fighting chance to succeed where traditional methods often fall short. Want to explore how different procedures affect appetite hormones or metabolism?

After bariatric surgery, your diet needs to change significantly – not just to support weight loss, but to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs in a much smaller volume of food. 

• Smaller Stomach Capacity: Procedures like sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass reduce your stomach to the size of an entrée plate. That means:
• You’ll only be able to eat small portions at each meal
• Every bite needs to count – there’s no room for “empty calories”
• Nutrient Density Is Key: With limited intake, your meals must be nutrient-rich to meet daily requirements. This includes:
• Lean proteins
• Vegetables
• Healthy fats
• Low-glycemic carbohydrates
• Avoid Processed Foods: Modern processed foods – like sugary snacks, white bread and items high in industrial fats or additives – can sabotage your progress and interfere with healing and long-term success.
• Recommended Eating Plan: Dr Jorgensen suggests using the CSIRO Low-Carbohydrate Diet Book as a template. It focuses on whole foods and balanced nutrition tailored for post-surgery needs.

• Universally Positive Effects: No study has ever shown negative results from modest exercise. It’s consistently beneficial across all health domains.
• Supports Weight Loss:
• Helps maintain muscle mass, which is crucial during rapid weight loss
• Increases calorie burn, aiding in fat loss and weight maintenance
• Improves Insulin Sensitivity: This is especially important for managing or reversing Type 2 diabetes and improving overall metabolic health.
• Baseline Activity: Aiming for 10,000 steps per day is considered a minimum requirement for maintaining health post-surgery.
• Surgery Without Exercise: While people who cannot exercise can still undergo bariatric surgery, results may be compromised – especially in terms of long-term weight maintenance and metabolic benefits.
• Diet vs. Exercise: When it comes to weight loss, it’s roughly 90% diet and 10% exercise – but that 10% still makes a meaningful difference.

Recovery after bariatric surgery is typically smooth and well-structured. Here’s what you can expect;

Recovery Timeline

• Hospital Stay: Most patients return home within 48 hours after surgery.
• Return to Work:
• Desk job: 1–2 weeks post-op
• Physical job: 2–6 weeks, depending on intensity and healing

 Life After Surgery

• Initial Restriction: Your stomach will be very small at first, so you’ll only tolerate tiny amounts of food. It may take time to adjust to new textures and portion sizes.
• Diet Progression:
1. Weeks 1–3: Pureed diet
2. Weeks 4–8: Soft foods
3. 9–12 months: Most patients can eat entrée-sized meals with little difficulty
• Long-Term Eating: By the end of the first year, you’ll likely be able to eat normal-consistency meals – just in smaller portions.

 Weight Loss Journey

• Rapid Phase: Most weight loss occurs in the first 6–9 months
• Continued Loss: Progress continues until around 12 months

Stabilisation: Weight typically stabilizes after the first year

Yes, you can still be a candidate for bariatric surgery even if you have a heart condition – and in many cases, surgery can actually improve your heart health

Bariatric Surgery and Heart Conditions

• Positive Impact: Bariatric surgery often leads to improvements in:
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart enlargement
• Pre-Surgical Precautions:
• Inform Dr Jorgensen of any previous surgeries, heart conditions, or if you are taking blood thinners
• It’s advisable to obtain medical clearance from your cardiologist
• Provide details of any other treating specialists to ensure a safe and coordinated approach

• It Depends on Several Factors:
• Amount of weight lost: More weight loss often leads to more loose skin
• Genetics: Skin elasticity varies from person to person
• Age: Younger patients tend to have better natural skin retraction
• About half of older patients opt for skin removal procedures
• Timing Matters:
• It’s generally advised to wait at least one year after surgery — once your weight has stabilized — before considering plastic surgery
• Not Everyone Needs It:

Some patients are satisfied with their post-weight-loss appearance and do not require or desire skin removal surgery

After bariatric surgery, your eating habits will need to change significantly to support healing, nutrition, and long-term success

Key Principles

Keep meals small – your stomach will only hold entrée-sized portions

Eat and drink slowly – rushing can cause discomfort or nausea

Avoid snacking and grazing – stick to structured meals

Use meal replacements if needed – especially during early recovery

Avoid alcohol – and limit it long-term

Focus on high-protein foods – essential for healing and muscle maintenance

Practice mindful eating – avoid distractions like TV

Sit at the table, chew well and eat slowly

Drink liquids between meals, not during

Chew each bite 20 times – this helps digestion and prevents discomfort

Avoid sugary and fatty foods – they can sabotage your progress

Introduce new foods one at a time – to monitor tolerance

Take recommended vitamin and mineral supplements – lifelong support

Exercise regularly – aim for 10,000 steps per day

Eat real, whole foods – avoid processed items

 Recommended Resource

Use the CSIRO Low-Carbohydrate Diet Book as a template for healthy, balanced eating

You can begin gentle exercise almost immediately after bariatric surgery – even short walks while still in hospital are encouraged.
Here’s a summary;

  In-Hospital Movement:

• Light walking is encouraged as soon as possible, even during your hospital stay

  First Month Guidelines:

• Start slow and avoid high-impact sports
• Do not swim until your surgical wounds have fully healed to prevent infection

 Professional Guidance:

A physiotherapist will advise you during your hospital stay on safe movements and gradual progression

If you’d like to provide patient feedback or raise a concern, you’re welcome to email the clinic at reception@johnjorgensen.com.au. Alternatively, you can call them directly at 02 9553 7288, and they’ll address your issue promptly

Broaching the topic of weight loss with loved ones can be delicate, but approaching it with empathy and respect makes all the difference.

What Not to Do

• Don’t focus on appearance, willpower or weakness
• Avoid comparisons to siblings, relatives or friends
• Refrain from shaming statements like “Do you really need to eat that?”
• Don’t use ominous phrases like “We need to have a talk”
• Avoid judgment – obesity is influenced by genetics, environment, medications, and food engineering
• Don’t enforce double standards (e.g., banning snacks only for one person)

What To Do

• Choose the right time and place – a walk or park chat is better than the dinner table
• Show empathy and take a team approach: “Let’s do this together”
• Frame the conversation around health and happiness, not food or discipline
• Example: “I’m worried about your diabetes and the rising medication. Could we try making some changes together or talk to the doctor?”
• Encourage a visit to the GP to reinforce health concerns

Promote healthy shopping and eating habits – keep nutritious snacks available

A Centre of Excellence in bariatric surgery is a hospital that meets the highest international standards for patient care, safety and surgical outcomes.

• Rigorous Accreditation: St George Private Hospital was the first in Australia to be awarded the title of Bariatric Surgery Centre of Excellence after undergoing a detailed audit by the Surgical Review Corporation – the world’s largest accrediting body for bariatric surgery.
• Elite Status: So far, only one other hospital in Australia has achieved this designation. St George Private is also Australia’s highest-volume bariatric hospital.
• What Accreditation Requires:
• High surgical caseload
• 24-hour patient support, both in and out of hospital
• Post-procedure support group meetings
• ICU and imaging services (X-Ray/CT) available 24/7

Ongoing audit and monitoring of long-term patient outcomes