Frequently Asked Questions

Referrals are only accepted through your GP. Please ask your regular GP to refer you.

1. In general, to be considered for the program, you should have a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height squared) more than 40 kg/m2.

2. You should expect to move to healthy lifestyle changes that are able to be achieved for the long term. A high level of motivation is required. 

3. Patients should not be a current smoker and should have quit at least six months from the time of enrolment in the program. Patients who want to quit smoking should speak to their GP, visit www.icanquit.com.au, download the ‘My QuitBuddy’ app or call the Quitline on 13 78 48.

Yes, but please note you will be expected to travel to Wagga Wagga for certain appointments.

No. There are only a limited number of publicly funded surgeries available. Patients are assessed and triaged according to disease progression.

You will receive an SMS to advise you that your referral has been received.

You will be invited to an information session once a spot is available for you.

12 months to the information session, up to another 12 months to enter education.

If you wish to proceed with the program after the information session, you will need to call and book an appointment with the MOS Doctor. The doctor will assess your medical situation and if you meet further criteria, you will be allocated into a group to start the education phase.

There are many reasons why you may NOT be suitable for surgery through our program and the Doctor will discuss this with you.

Once accepted into the program you will need to attend small group workshops in person or virtually (if attending virutally you will need a stable internet connection, camera, and microphone from a computer or mobile device). You will also need to attend one on one consultations with the MOS team either virtually or in person.

The program and surgery is fully funded under Medicare, however there will be expenses for travel to/from Wagga Wagga, special dietary requirements and nutritional supplements leading to and after surgery. 

IPTAAAS- Travel assistance is available through the Isolated Patient Travel Accommodation and Assistance Scheme and can be accessed at: http://www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au/

The MOS program does not cover skin removal or other cosmetic surgeries.

From referral to surgery, the time can vary, after initial appointments and education workshops, we wouldn’t expect you to be in the active phases of the program for more than 12 months. Each patient is different and every patient’s journey is individual.

You will continue to see the MOS health professionals for at least two years after receiving surgery. Ongoing connection with the team is important for your long-term success.

The MOS program is strictly for patients considering surgery for weight loss. If you’re not sure if surgery is right for you, we encourage you to attend the information session and the initial Doctor consultation. If you do not want bariatric surgery, you are not eligible for the program and will be discharged.

However if discharged from the program MOS will welcome a new referral

Guidelines recommend delaying pregnancy for two years after surgery due to weight loss and the risk of developing nutrient deficiencies that will impact on your baby.

You will need a minimum or two weeks off work, and up to six weeks if your job is of a physical nature.

Due to the limited number of available surgeries unfortunately not all patients will proceed to surgery. The most suitable patients are chosen based on the benefit to their associated medical conditions and their readiness for surgery. 

MOS aims to proceed the right patient at the right time getting the right results.

However, if discharged from the program MOS will welcome a new referral

The MOS team may feel there may be a risk to your long-term health and safety and bariatric surgery success.  If you are discharged from the service, you will have a plan to work on specific areas alongside your GP and other health professionals in your community with a view that you may be referred back to us by your GP.

Your GP plays a very important role in your long-term success before and after bariatric surgery.  You will be discharged from our service two  years after your surgery.

If you need help with things like weight regain, your first step should be to your GP. They can refer you to other health professionals. If you need any additional help or are unsure, then certainly you can contact the MOS team for advice or more information.

Remember that it’s normal to regain some weight after your initial weight loss following bariatric surgery. When you have struggled with the dieting mindset for a large part ofyour life, sometimes these thinking patterns can return after bariatric surgery especially in times of stress. It is important to recognise that this is common, and this is a good time to reach out to your GP or other health professionals.

We know it can be difficult to reach out for help – don’t be afraid to ask for help - you’re not a failure! - and this is a normal part of the bariatric surgery journey.

It is often helpful to think back to your original reasons for seeking bariatric surgery. Often it wasn’t about losing weight but rather to improve your health, move more freely, be more active, live a less restrictive life and live longer.