Real journeys. Real change.
Every person who considers weight loss surgery has their own story. Some people are looking for better health. Some want to move more comfortably. Others want to feel more confident, more energetic, and more in control of their future.
Here, you can explore the kinds of journeys patients often go through before and after bariatric surgery, and learn what support is available along the way.
Over 1,600 patient journeys supported
We are proud to have supported more than 1,600 people through their weight loss surgery journey.
For many patients, the decision to seek help comes after years of struggling with weight, health concerns, low energy, reduced mobility, or frustration after repeated attempts to lose weight.
The first step is not surgery. The first step is a conversation.
For many patients, the decision to seek help comes after years of struggling with weight, health concerns, low energy, reduced mobility, or frustration after repeated attempts to lose weight.
The first step is not surgery. The first step is a conversation.
Every success story begins in a different place
From 155kg with funding issues to 34 inch waist!
“I was 155kg with Type 2 Diabetes, Sleep Anea, Heart Meds and I was a ticking time bomb. I just wore clothes that fit irrespective of what I looked like. It was embarrassing. Simple things like tying my shoe laces was a chore.
From assistance with Self Funding down to the day of procedure and Post op, Dr Maani was smooth, easy going and no question and conversation was off the table. He is very relatable and made the process as easy as possible.
9 months post op. I'm down 65kg. From 46/48inch waist down to 34 inch. I can shop at a normal store. I can sit at a concert and not be concerned about smearing myself onto the person sitting next to me. I can adjust my seatbelt on an aircraft and most importantly, I feel amazing in myself. My only regret ... should have done it sooner.”
From assistance with Self Funding down to the day of procedure and Post op, Dr Maani was smooth, easy going and no question and conversation was off the table. He is very relatable and made the process as easy as possible.
9 months post op. I'm down 65kg. From 46/48inch waist down to 34 inch. I can shop at a normal store. I can sit at a concert and not be concerned about smearing myself onto the person sitting next to me. I can adjust my seatbelt on an aircraft and most importantly, I feel amazing in myself. My only regret ... should have done it sooner.”
From chronic sickness to a changed life - in three months! One patients story
"I suffered from chronic eczema my entire life. Always had cuts and infections and tried everything under the sun including traveling abroad to see renowned dermatologist, Chinese doctors, naturopaths and nutritionists to name a few. I was bordering 100kg, developed polycystic ovarian syndrome, was pre-diabetic, had no energy, bad sleeps, poor concentration and my self confidence was at an all time low. So much so that I started isolating myself from social interaction and would make excuses up so I wouldn't have to go into the office.
I was close to booking this procedure elsewhere (rushing into it) and felt extremely pressured to book and pay a deposit. I want to flag to anyone starting this journey - if something doesn't feel right, then you're probably right. Trust your gut and make sure you've done extensive research to find the best surgeon. This is a big surgery and you want to make sure you minimise the risk of complications and have the best chance of success. Look at reviews, check qualifications, read forums and testimonial and make sure you thoroughly understand the pros and cons of surgery and who your chosen surgeon is. That's how I found Dr Maani and I couldn't have been more happy with my decision.
Dr Maani and his team are extremely helpful. They are warm, compassionate, considerate, professional and don't put you under pressure to commit like other places (where it feels like a sales pitch). Dr Maani and his team genuinely care that you are making the right decision for you regardless of whether that means you proceed to surgery (or not).
The process leading up to the procedure and the procedure itself was seamless. The physical healing was the smoothest of any surgeries I have had (which is upward of 10 - both health related and cosmetic). I have felt very well supported throughout my journey and still now, as I continue to recover and adjust to my new life.
I'm three months post op and the biggest change (which I didn't even consider as a potential outcome) is that my life long chronic eczema has been cured. For the first time in my life I no longer have multiple cracks / cuts and infections in my skin. It negatively impacted every aspect of my life. I no longer have polycystic ovarian syndrome, I'm not pre-diabetic, I have good quality sleep, my stress levels have significantly reduced, I'm more confident and social, I've dropped two dress sizes in three months (15kg), I have more energy to do activities with my daughter on the weekend, my mental clarity and focus has improved. The list goes on.
Post op made me realise how much my life revolved around food... the time I spent thinking about food, buying food, planning to go out to eat, feel bad for eating too much food, cleaning up after food, trying not to cave to cravings or binge eat. Post op, my relationship with food is changing for the better. I eat to fuel my body and now I have so much extra thinking time to spend on other things that matter in my life. Do I miss eating larger portions? Yes! Do I miss having a drink? Yes! But do the pros outweigh the cons? Absolutely!! Overall, this procedure was life changing and my quality of life has shy rocketed more than I could have ever imagined... and it's only month three!"
I was close to booking this procedure elsewhere (rushing into it) and felt extremely pressured to book and pay a deposit. I want to flag to anyone starting this journey - if something doesn't feel right, then you're probably right. Trust your gut and make sure you've done extensive research to find the best surgeon. This is a big surgery and you want to make sure you minimise the risk of complications and have the best chance of success. Look at reviews, check qualifications, read forums and testimonial and make sure you thoroughly understand the pros and cons of surgery and who your chosen surgeon is. That's how I found Dr Maani and I couldn't have been more happy with my decision.
Dr Maani and his team are extremely helpful. They are warm, compassionate, considerate, professional and don't put you under pressure to commit like other places (where it feels like a sales pitch). Dr Maani and his team genuinely care that you are making the right decision for you regardless of whether that means you proceed to surgery (or not).
The process leading up to the procedure and the procedure itself was seamless. The physical healing was the smoothest of any surgeries I have had (which is upward of 10 - both health related and cosmetic). I have felt very well supported throughout my journey and still now, as I continue to recover and adjust to my new life.
I'm three months post op and the biggest change (which I didn't even consider as a potential outcome) is that my life long chronic eczema has been cured. For the first time in my life I no longer have multiple cracks / cuts and infections in my skin. It negatively impacted every aspect of my life. I no longer have polycystic ovarian syndrome, I'm not pre-diabetic, I have good quality sleep, my stress levels have significantly reduced, I'm more confident and social, I've dropped two dress sizes in three months (15kg), I have more energy to do activities with my daughter on the weekend, my mental clarity and focus has improved. The list goes on.
Post op made me realise how much my life revolved around food... the time I spent thinking about food, buying food, planning to go out to eat, feel bad for eating too much food, cleaning up after food, trying not to cave to cravings or binge eat. Post op, my relationship with food is changing for the better. I eat to fuel my body and now I have so much extra thinking time to spend on other things that matter in my life. Do I miss eating larger portions? Yes! Do I miss having a drink? Yes! But do the pros outweigh the cons? Absolutely!! Overall, this procedure was life changing and my quality of life has shy rocketed more than I could have ever imagined... and it's only month three!"
No matter the age! 71 years old! ‘I am able to walk into town quite easily’
"I was 71 years of age when I had the gastric sleeve and hernia repair. The three years prior to the surgery I was constantly at the GP. I could not breathe, I was constantly coughing, unable to walk without coughing so needless to say my weight had ballooned to 110kg. It was a circle of puffers, antibiotics and steroids. So disappointing as my husband and I had plans to travel in our retirement plus we are both community minded and had been prominent in our community here on the South Coast of NSW. When my GP suggested bariatric surgery it was not something I had even considered but after consultation with my family, I realised that I did not want to continue my life as it was, besides I was only seventy!
The first contact I had with Dr Jason Maani was at an online meeting giving details of the bariatric surgery. I found him to have a quiet, calm and caring disposition so I asked to be referred to him at the visiting site in Wollongong. He agreed to perform a gastric sleeve and after the necessary checks on my health, I was admitted to St George Private for the procedure in February 2021. I cannot say that I did not feel apprehensive about having this done at my age but I was reassured by the doctors and nurses at the hospital. My husband came up to Sydney and stayed close to the hospital. Looking back, after being discharged, I remember the journey home being a horrendous four hours' drive home but after a couple of weeks I felt quite well and was coping fine with the liquid diet. I did not have the reflux problems I had suffered with prior to surgery. It was strange to feel full after just a small amount of food. I do not remember feeling full before! I lost 25kgs pretty quickly and have maintained my new weight. It is three years since the surgery. I know that I need to do so for health reasons as I never want to go back to my pre surgery life.
Having good health is most important and I thank Dr Maani each time I talk to him as he has changed my life. I am able to walk into town quite easily. My husband and I have been travelling quite extensively. I have had the energy to move house. I am President of my local Rotary Club and we have a good social life. When eating out, I just eat what I need or share a meal. I have found that restaurants are very obliging if you ask to do this. My weakness is a glass of wine but I feel that life has to be worth living and I know that mine is so worth living after the surgery and I look forward to the future."
The first contact I had with Dr Jason Maani was at an online meeting giving details of the bariatric surgery. I found him to have a quiet, calm and caring disposition so I asked to be referred to him at the visiting site in Wollongong. He agreed to perform a gastric sleeve and after the necessary checks on my health, I was admitted to St George Private for the procedure in February 2021. I cannot say that I did not feel apprehensive about having this done at my age but I was reassured by the doctors and nurses at the hospital. My husband came up to Sydney and stayed close to the hospital. Looking back, after being discharged, I remember the journey home being a horrendous four hours' drive home but after a couple of weeks I felt quite well and was coping fine with the liquid diet. I did not have the reflux problems I had suffered with prior to surgery. It was strange to feel full after just a small amount of food. I do not remember feeling full before! I lost 25kgs pretty quickly and have maintained my new weight. It is three years since the surgery. I know that I need to do so for health reasons as I never want to go back to my pre surgery life.
Having good health is most important and I thank Dr Maani each time I talk to him as he has changed my life. I am able to walk into town quite easily. My husband and I have been travelling quite extensively. I have had the energy to move house. I am President of my local Rotary Club and we have a good social life. When eating out, I just eat what I need or share a meal. I have found that restaurants are very obliging if you ask to do this. My weakness is a glass of wine but I feel that life has to be worth living and I know that mine is so worth living after the surgery and I look forward to the future."
Questions Patients Often Ask Before Starting
Every patient journey begins with questions. Whether you are considering weight loss surgery for your health, confidence, mobility, or long-term wellbeing, the first step is understanding what may be involved.
Yes. There is no shame in wanting to feel healthier, more comfortable, or more confident in your own skin.
Many people delay asking for help because they feel they should simply “put up with it” or because they worry that wanting change is vain. In reality, your health, confidence and quality of life matter.
Weight loss surgery is a personal decision, and for many patients, the journey is about more than appearance. It can also be about energy, movement, health and feeling more like yourself again.
FAQ 2
Many people delay asking for help because they feel they should simply “put up with it” or because they worry that wanting change is vain. In reality, your health, confidence and quality of life matter.
Weight loss surgery is a personal decision, and for many patients, the journey is about more than appearance. It can also be about energy, movement, health and feeling more like yourself again.
FAQ 2
No. You do not need a referral from your GP to book an initial consultation.
Although many patients are referred by their GP, you are welcome to contact the clinic directly and arrange an appointment without seeing a GP first.
Although many patients are referred by their GP, you are welcome to contact the clinic directly and arrange an appointment without seeing a GP first.
Often, yes.
Many patients are asked to follow a pre-operative diet before surgery. This is usually a very low-calorie diet, often called a VLCD, and is typically followed for a few weeks before the procedure.
The purpose is to help shrink the liver and reduce fat around the abdomen, which can make surgery safer.
Your surgeon and care team will explain exactly what is required for your individual situation.
Many patients are asked to follow a pre-operative diet before surgery. This is usually a very low-calorie diet, often called a VLCD, and is typically followed for a few weeks before the procedure.
The purpose is to help shrink the liver and reduce fat around the abdomen, which can make surgery safer.
Your surgeon and care team will explain exactly what is required for your individual situation.
You may wish to seek advice if your weight is affecting your health, mobility, confidence, energy or quality of life.
It is especially important to seek help if you have obesity-related health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart disease, reflux, joint pain, breathing difficulties, or reduced mobility.
These health concerns are often called co-morbidities. A consultation can help you understand whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate and what options are available.
It is especially important to seek help if you have obesity-related health concerns such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, heart disease, reflux, joint pain, breathing difficulties, or reduced mobility.
These health concerns are often called co-morbidities. A consultation can help you understand whether bariatric surgery may be appropriate and what options are available.
Many patients describe feeling uncomfortable in their body, self-conscious in social situations, and frustrated after repeated attempts to lose weight and keep it off.
Some people also find that extra weight affects their energy, movement, ability to exercise, family life, confidence and overall enjoyment of life.
For others, health concerns such as joint pain, foot pain, reduced mobility, pre-diabetes or diabetes risk can become the reason they decide to seek advice.
Some people also find that extra weight affects their energy, movement, ability to exercise, family life, confidence and overall enjoyment of life.
For others, health concerns such as joint pain, foot pain, reduced mobility, pre-diabetes or diabetes risk can become the reason they decide to seek advice.
The process is designed to give you clear information so you can make an informed decision.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your health, weight history, goals, risks, treatment options and what life after surgery may involve.
You should feel able to ask questions without pressure. The decision to proceed with surgery should always be your own, based on clear advice and a proper understanding of the procedure.
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your health, weight history, goals, risks, treatment options and what life after surgery may involve.
You should feel able to ask questions without pressure. The decision to proceed with surgery should always be your own, based on clear advice and a proper understanding of the procedure.
After surgery, there is a period of adjustment. Patients need to follow staged eating guidelines, learn new portion sizes and build long-term habits around food, movement and health.
Recovery and results are different for every person, but ongoing follow-up is an important part of the journey.
Many patients focus on goals such as improving energy, moving more comfortably, being more active with family, reducing pressure on joints, and feeling more confident in everyday life.
Recovery and results are different for every person, but ongoing follow-up is an important part of the journey.
Many patients focus on goals such as improving energy, moving more comfortably, being more active with family, reducing pressure on joints, and feeling more confident in everyday life.
For some patients, losing weight may make movement easier and reduce pressure on the joints, feet and back.
Patients often hope to return to activities such as walking, hiking, running, playing with children, travelling, or simply getting through the day with more comfort.
Your ability to exercise after surgery will depend on your recovery, overall health and your surgeon’s advice.
Patients often hope to return to activities such as walking, hiking, running, playing with children, travelling, or simply getting through the day with more comfort.
Your ability to exercise after surgery will depend on your recovery, overall health and your surgeon’s advice.
No. Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix.
It is a medical treatment that works best when combined with long-term changes to eating, activity, follow-up care and lifestyle habits.
Patients need to be ready for a genuine life change, especially in the weeks and months after surgery.
It is a medical treatment that works best when combined with long-term changes to eating, activity, follow-up care and lifestyle habits.
Patients need to be ready for a genuine life change, especially in the weeks and months after surgery.
The best way to find out is to book a consultation.
Your surgeon can assess your health, discuss your goals, explain the risks and benefits, and help you understand whether bariatric surgery may be suitable for your situation.
You do not need to have all the answers before booking. The first step is simply having a conversation.
Your surgeon can assess your health, discuss your goals, explain the risks and benefits, and help you understand whether bariatric surgery may be suitable for your situation.
You do not need to have all the answers before booking. The first step is simply having a conversation.