Preparing for Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss Surgery Pre-Operative

Preparing for weight loss surgery is an important part of your journey.

Your dietitian will provide a specific low calorie diet to follow pre-operatively. This diet is designed to prepare your body for a safe and successful surgery.

Your surgeon will provide direction on any medications that will need to be stopped pre-operatively.

Preparing for bariatric surgery

Weight Loss Surgery Pre-Operative Diet & Medication

Weight Loss Surgery Pre-Operative Diet

At BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic, all patients are required to commence an Optifast based diet for a period of 2-3 weeks prior to Obesity Surgery. This diet induces a change to the patient’s metabolism putting it into a Ketotic state, known as Ketosis. During this period the patient’s diet will be restricted, with only certain additional foods allowed (your Dietitian will provide clear direction tailored to you). There are no carbohydrates, sugars, fruits or juices etc. permitted during this Optifast period.

The ketosis will result in fat stores coming out of the liver to provide the metabolic fuel your body needs. During surgery, it is necessary to retract the liver – the reduction in fat stores in the lead up to surgery allows for this to be done safely without risk of damaging or tearing the liver during the procedure.

Some patients may note that they can lose 5-10% of their body weight during this period. (It would be terrific if this were sustainable long term, but Optifast isn’t sustainable over time).

Weight Loss Surgery Pre-Operative Medication

What to expect during your call?

Your First Step Starts With Information

During your complimentary 15-minute information call, we’ll discuss procedure pathways, costs, private health insurance, superannuation access, in-clinic and telehealth appointments, bulk-billing eligibility for initial consultation with Bariatric Surgeon, Dr David Joseph and the general process involved with weight loss surgery.

This call is designed to provide general information and support in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

No referral required. Australia-wide telehealth available.

Disclaimer: This information call does not replace a medical consultation and does not include personalised medical advice.

Book Appointment

Speak To Heather Today

Prefer to speak with someone directly?

Our Bariatric Program Manager, Heather can provide general information about weight loss surgery pathways, pricing, insurance, superannuation, in-clinic and telehealth appointments, eligibility for bulk billed initial consults and the next steps involved.

Call BodyFree on (02) 9565 5505 to speak with Heather and our patient support team.

Request A Call Back

If now isn’t a convenient time to call, simply submit the form below and Heather will contact you shortly. We’ll help answer general questions about weight loss surgery pathways, costs, insurance options and how the process works.

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Real Patient Experiences

Bariatric Surgeon Dr David Joseph and the BodyFree team has helped more than 7,000 weight loss surgery patients achieve their health and weight goals.

From my first consultation to surgery, recovery and follow-up appointments, I have always felt supported and well looked after by Dr Joseph and the team at BodyFree. The whole process went smoothly and I’m very grateful for the care and support provided throughout

The entire team at Body Free has been exceptionally kind, caring and incredibly responsive throughout the entire process. From the initial consultation onward, the journey was straightforward and conducted with professionalism, care and understanding. Every member of the team demonstrated genuine compassion and expertise, helping what could have been a daunting experience feel supportive and well guided.

From the first consult with the dietitian through to my post-operative follow-up appointments, the team were supportive, professional and responsive. Communication was always clear, with helpful written information provided throughout.

From first contact till now has been best experience. That ladies in BodyFree reception, Dr David Joseph, ESP hospital explained everything and answered whatever questions I asked. Highly recommended.

Today marks one year since surgery, I want to share my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr Joseph and his entire team for the wonderful treatment I received from you. Thank you for the wonderful work you do in improving people's lives, please know my appreciation goes far beyond what I can put into words here. Thank you again-from the bottom of my heart-for everything.

From the beginning of my weight loss journey the team at body free clinic were wonderful and made the process easy and stress free, my surgery and team who performed the surgery made me feel safe and I wasn’t nervous I was excited for my future self, when I woke up I received round the clock care with very little to no pain post op I couldn’t recommend Dr David Joseph enough for giving me my life back and all the wonderful nurses in East Sydney private hospital for my care while a patient.

I had a mini bypass in September 2024 and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Right from the initial consult to now, 18 months post-surgery, I have been well-supported by the surgeon, dietician, and other staff at BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic. They have done fabulous post-care, keeping track of how I am going and how I might need to make lifestyle or diet adjustments. I would encourage anyone who is sitting on the fence to give BodyFree Weight Loss Clinic very serious consideration if you make a decision to go for it. I have been very happy!

I can’t thank the whole team enough, from initial consultation all the way to the operating table the process was simply and the work done was amazing. Both pre and post surgery I found amazing! Thank you Dr Joseph and all the team involved for giving me the extra push and helping me get my life back.

Recently I utilised the services of BodyFree and have to say it has been the best experience. My Surgeon was Dr Joseph, a no nonsense, tell you how it is Doctor. I knew what to expect at every part of the journey and although my interactions with him were very short and sweet, he showed empathy and you could tell he genuinely cared that my experience was a good one and all questions had been answered. All in all, if I could rate my experience higher than a 5, I would.

The BodyFree surgical team are fantastic. I was genuinely scared to go through with this surgery and the team have been nothing but helpful and caring.

From the initial contact with receptionists Heather and Bianca to consultations with Natasha, the dietician, and Dr. David Joseph, I experienced a remarkably streamlined process. The practice's commitment to providing essential information has earned my highest recommendation for exceptional patient care.

Thanks to Dr. Joseph, Natasha Leader, Bianca and Heather, and everyone at the BodyFree Clinic. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. David Joseph to anyone considering gastric sleeve surgery. He is not just a highly skilled surgeon but also a compassionate professional who, along with his dedicated team, truly changes lives for the better.

I first came to see Dr Joseph on the recommendation from a good friend. The care, support & professionalism from Dr Joseph, Heather & Bianca has been, and continues to be nothing short of incredible. Along with additional help from Natasha Leader as my dietician, my goals have been achievable. Nothing has ever been too much trouble for David or his team - they've been genuinely interested in my progress and the aftercare is impeccable. If I could give more than 5 stars, I wouldn't hesitate.