Patient Journey

Trans­formations

Dr. Harald Puhalla’s clinic has helped numerous patients undergo incredible weight loss transformations. Due to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency guidelines, before and after images are not available.

Transformations

Patient Journey

Our patients undergo incredible transformations after having weight loss surgery.

Unfortunately, due to strict guidelines from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, the use of before and after images can be difficult to implement.

However, the “after” part of the journey is the most important. Here are some of our patients who have undergone amazing transformations.

Transformations

Malcom

Malcolm underwent a single anastomosis gastric bypass in April, 2019.

Initial weight: 186.7kg, BMI: 55.2

Current weight: 94.7kg, BMI: 28

Malcolm has embraced an active lifestyle, enjoying Cross Fit several times a week. 

Transformations

Leah

Leah underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with minimiser ring in February, 2020.

Initial weight: 122.9kg, BMI 43.5

Current weight: 74.4kg, BMI 26.4

Transformations

Julie

Julie underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with minimiser ring in February, 2021.

Initial weight: 112kg, BMI 34.2

Current weight: 83.5, BMI 25.5

Transformations

Lee

Lee underwent a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with minimiser ring in August, 2020.

Initial weight: 113kg, BMI 41.6

Current weight: 80.2, BMI 29.5

Since having surgery, Lee has more energy, and has been able to keep up with her grand kids! 

Transformations

Jason

Jason underwent a loop duodenal switch with sleeve gastrectomy in May, 2020. 

Initial weight: 166.75kg, BMI 53.8

Current weight: 112kg, BMI 36.2

Transformations

Helen

Helen underwent a loop duodenal switch with sleeve gastrectomy in September, 2020. 

Initial weight: 140kg, BMI 52.1

Current weight: 94kg, BMI 34.9

Since having surgery, Helen has much more energy, feels more clear-minded, and is able to work again. 

Transformations

Mandy

Mandy underwent a laparoscopic single anastomosis gastric bypass in October, 2020. 

Initial weight: 123kg, BMI 48.4

Current weight: 67kg, BMI 26.3

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Professional Associations

General Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you will need a referral to see Dr Puhalla. A referral from your GP is valid for 12 months, while a referral from a specialist is valid for 3 months. 

The initial consultation costs $250, with a Medicare rebate of $76. The pre-operative appointment costs $90, with a Medicare rebate of $38. You will need a valid referral to claim the Medicare rebates. 

No, weight loss surgery is not currently available in the public health system.

Yes, Dr Puhalla accepts uninsured patients. You can apply to the ATO for early release of your super, for which we can assist you. Medicare rebates are available for some fees, however you are liable for all costs.

Unfortunately, Medicare and health fund rebates do not cover the full cost of providing you with medical care. This is because the rate at which successive governments have indexed the Medicare Schedule fees has been substantially lower than increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and average weekly earnings. The reality is that Medicare rebates do not cover the cost of providing you with a safe and high quality service. The fees charged by this practice have to cover all of our practice costs.

Please bring a copy of your referral, along with your personal details, including Medicare card, private health insurance, and a list of medications. You will need to fill out personal details and medical history forms on arrival.

Yes, it is essential that you see a dietitian to support you on your weight loss surgery journey. This is to ensure that you have the best possible outcome relating to your weight loss and overall health.

Dr Puhalla will discuss your options with you to help you decide the best procedure for you. Your individual preferences, lifestyle and health are considered when determining your type of surgery.

Dr Puhalla will discuss your options with you to help you decide the best procedure for you. Your individual preferences, lifestyle and health are considered when determining your type of surgery.

Typically, the hospital stay is one to two nights. If you are undergoing revisional surgery or have a complex medical history, you may need to stay longer.

Depending on the procedure, you will need one to two weeks off work. We can provide you with a medical certificate if required.

We recommend you start driving a week after surgery, initially limiting yourself to shorter drives before returning to normal driving. 

Current wait times are around three to four weeks for appointments and surgery bookings. We also have a cancellation list, as patients often have to move their appointments, which means you may be able to be seen sooner. Please advise our team at the time of booking if you would like to put on the cancellation list.

The entire process typically takes around 8 to 12 weeks. Depending on the investigations needed, and whether or not you have private health insurance, this may be able to be shortened to around 4 weeks. We will do our best to meet your schedule, however we recommend you allow at least 8 weeks for the entire process.