Your complete guide to finding and evaluating bariatric surgeons. Learn what qualifications matter, what questions to ask, and how to make a confident decision.
Weight loss surgery is a significant medical procedure with lifelong implications. The surgeon you choose will not only perform your operation but also guide your preparation, recovery, and long-term success. Making an informed choice is important for your safety and long-term results.
Important: This guide provides general information to help you evaluate surgeons. It does not constitute medical advice or endorsement of specific practitioners. Always verify credentials independently and consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalised guidance.
Technical expertise directly impacts surgical outcomes and complication rates
Dietitians, psychologists, and nurses play crucial roles in your success
Follow-up support for years after surgery supports long-term management
Before considering any surgeon, verify these essential qualifications. These credentials indicate your surgeon has completed rigorous training and meets Australian medical standards.
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registers all medical practitioners in Australia. Every surgeon must have current registration to practice legally.
How to verify: Search the surgeon's name at ahpra.gov.au. Confirm their registration is current and check for any conditions or restrictions.
✓ Look for: "Registered" status with no conditions affecting their surgical practice
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) indicates completion of extensive surgical training. This qualification requires a minimum of 10 years of medical education and training.
How to verify: Search at surgeons.org/find-a-surgeon
✓ Look for: FRACS in General Surgery or Upper GI Surgery
Look for surgeons who have completed additional training specifically in bariatric (weight loss) surgery and who perform these procedures as a significant part of their practice.
Key indicators: OSSANZ membership (Obesity Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand), fellowship training in bariatric surgery, or practice focused primarily on weight loss procedures.
✓ Look for: OSSANZ membership, dedicated bariatric practice, fellowship training
Your surgeon should have operating privileges at an accredited private hospital with appropriate facilities for bariatric surgery, including ICU access and experienced nursing staff.
Why it matters: Hospitals grant privileges based on their own credentialing process, providing an additional layer of verification. Accredited hospitals also have emergency protocols and equipment for managing complications.
✓ Look for: Privileges at accredited private hospitals with bariatric surgery programs
Research consistently shows that surgical outcomes improve with surgeon experience. Higher volume surgeons typically have lower complication rates and better patient outcomes.
Total Procedures
"How many [specific procedure] surgeries have you performed in total?"
✓ Good answer: 500+ total for your specific procedure
Annual Volume
"How many bariatric procedures do you perform per year?"
✓ Good answer: 50-100+ procedures annually
Years of Practice
"How long have you been performing bariatric surgery?"
✓ Good answer: 5+ years of dedicated practice
Revision Experience
"Do you perform revision surgeries?"
✓ Good answer: Yes, including revisions from other surgeons
Studies show that surgeons performing 50+ bariatric procedures annually have significantly lower complication rates than those performing fewer. However, volume alone isn't everything—also consider the surgeon's outcomes data, support team, and your personal rapport.
Your consultation is your opportunity to evaluate the surgeon. Experienced, confident surgeons will answer these questions openly. Evasive or defensive responses are a red flag.
✓ Good Answer
Provides specific percentages, compares to national averages, discusses how complications are managed
🚩 Red Flag
"I don't track that" or "I've never had any complications" (statistically impossible at high volume)
✓ Good Answer
Provides itemised breakdown of surgeon fee, hospital costs, anaesthetist fee, and post-op inclusions
🚩 Red Flag
Vague about costs, can't provide written quote, or surprises appear after booking
✓ Good Answer
Describes follow-up schedule, dietitian access, support groups, and long-term monitoring program
🚩 Red Flag
"Just call the hospital" or minimal follow-up offered, no dietitian support
✓ Good Answer
Clear protocol, direct contact number, hospital backup arrangements, colleague coverage
🚩 Red Flag
"Go to emergency" with no direct contact or unclear emergency protocols
✓ Good Answer
Explains reasoning based on your BMI, health conditions, goals, and discusses alternatives
🚩 Red Flag
Pushes one procedure without considering your individual situation or discussing options
These warning signs suggest you should seek another opinion. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.
Long-term success depends heavily on post-operative support. A comprehensive program should include multiple healthcare professionals and ongoing monitoring.
Regular Follow-Up Schedule
Appointments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, then annually
Dietitian Access
Dedicated bariatric dietitian for meal planning, troubleshooting, and nutritional guidance
Support Groups
Regular group meetings with other patients for peer support and shared experiences
Blood Test Monitoring
Regular blood tests to check vitamin levels and nutritional status
Emergency Access
Clear protocol for urgent concerns, direct contact number for after-hours issues
Surgery costs vary significantly between surgeons and locations. Get a complete breakdown before making your decision.
Surgeon Fee
$8,000-$12,000 (varies by surgeon and procedure)
Hospital Fee
$5,000-$10,000 (1-2 night stay, theatre, nursing)
Anaesthetist Fee
$2,000-$3,000
Pre-Op Tests
$500-$1,500 (blood tests, sleep study, etc.)
Important: The cheapest option isn't always the right choice. Consider the total package including experience, post-operative support, and included follow-up care. Understand what's included in the quoted price.
Browse our directory of qualified bariatric surgeons across Sydney and Melbourne.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. It is intended to help you evaluate surgeons but does not endorse specific practitioners. Verify all credentials independently through official sources (AHPRA, RACS, OSSANZ). Suitability for surgery must be assessed by a qualified health professional. Individual circumstances vary significantly.
