Bariatric surgery nutrition
Specialist nutrition support before, during, and long after.
Bariatric surgery changes a lot. What and how you eat, how your body absorbs nutrients, how you manage weight long term. Specialist dietitian support at every stage makes a measurable difference to how well it works.
Pre-operative nutrition
Post-operative recovery
Long-term maintenance
Sleeve and bypass
Upper GI
Telehealth AU-wide
At a glance
Pre-op, post-op and long-term support
Sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, upper GI
No referral required to book
Medicare rebates may apply with CDM plan
Telehealth - Australia-wide
Support at every stage
Wherever you are in your bariatric journey
Nutrition needs change significantly at each stage of bariatric surgery. The support that helps before surgery is different to what you need in the weeks after, and different again to what matters years down the track.
Before surgery
Pre-operative nutrition
The weeks before surgery matter more than most people realise. A pre-operative consultation covers your liver shrinkage diet, protein and micronutrient requirements, and practical strategies to help you complete the pre-op phase as effectively as possible.
VLCD and liver shrinkage diet guidance
Pre-operative protein and micronutrient targets
Practical strategies for the pre-op period
After surgery
Post-operative recovery
Post-op nutrition is not just about eating less - it is about eating right for a significantly changed digestive system. Early consultations focus on texture progression, protein targets, and preventing deficiency. Later appointments address habits, weight maintenance, and managing regain.
Texture progression and food tolerance
Protein targets and micronutrient management
Deficiency prevention and supplement review
Long term
Maintenance and beyond
Years after surgery, nutritional needs are still different to someone who has never had bariatric surgery. Long-term follow-up addresses weight maintenance, managing regain, ongoing micronutrient needs, and building eating habits that hold up in real life.
Long-term weight and body composition management
Ongoing micronutrient monitoring and supplementation
Behaviour change and sustainable eating habits
Why dietitian support matters
Surgery changes the anatomy. Nutrition changes the outcome.
Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective interventions for long-term weight loss - but the nutrition piece is what determines how well it works, and for how long.
Muscle loss is a real risk
Rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery does not distinguish between fat and muscle. Without targeted protein support and the right nutrition structure, muscle loss is a well-documented consequence - with implications for metabolism, strength, and long-term weight maintenance.
Nutritional deficiency is common
A significantly reduced stomach size and altered absorption mean that nutritional deficiency - particularly iron, B12, vitamin D, and calcium - is common after bariatric surgery. Clinical dietitian support identifies and addresses deficiencies before they become a problem.
The rules around food change completely
What to eat, how much, in what order, and how quickly - all of it changes after bariatric surgery. A dietitian translates the clinical requirements into practical, real-life guidance so you are not navigating it by trial and error.
Long-term outcomes depend on habits
Surgery creates the conditions for weight loss. Sustainable habits are what maintain it. Dietitian support addresses the behaviour and lifestyle piece alongside the clinical nutrition - so the changes you make have somewhere to land.
How to work with Ashleigh
Two pathways for bariatric patients
Whether you are booking independently or have been referred by your surgeon, there is a clear next step.
For patients
Book an individual consultation
Bariatric patients can book directly - no referral required. An initial consultation covers your surgical history, current nutrition, goals, and any relevant clinical context. Review consultations are available for ongoing follow-up at any stage of your journey.
Initial Consultation - 60 min$225
Review Consultation - 30-45 min$130
For surgeons and GPs
Referring a patient?
Ashleigh accepts referrals for bariatric dietitian support from surgeons and GPs. For practices requiring a structured pre and post-operative nutrition pathway, a Nutrition and Nursing Package may be available for eligible patients - contact Ashleigh directly to discuss. Standard referral letters and GP Management Plans are accepted.
Get in touch to discuss
Common questions
Everything you need to know
Questions about bariatric nutrition support, booking, and what to expect.
Do I need a referral to book?
No referral is required. Bariatric patients can book an individual consultation directly online. If you have a GP referral or are on a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM), Medicare rebates may apply - bring your referral to your appointment.
I had surgery several years ago - is it too late to see a dietitian?
Not at all. Long-term follow-up is just as important as early post-operative support. Nutritional needs after bariatric surgery are ongoing - whether you are managing regain, concerned about deficiency, or simply want a proper clinical review of where things are at, a consultation is worthwhile at any stage.
What does a bariatric initial consultation cover?
The initial consultation covers your surgical history and procedure type, current eating patterns and food tolerance, any symptoms or concerns you are experiencing, micronutrient and supplement review, and a personalised nutrition plan and recommendations going forward.
How are appointments delivered?
Individual consultations are delivered via telehealth - a secure video call you can attend from anywhere in Australia. In-person appointments may become available in the future - you will be notified if this applies to your booking.
What is the Nutrition and Nursing Package?
The Nutrition and Nursing Package is a structured pre and post-operative pathway available for patients referred directly by their surgeon. It combines dietitian and nursing support in a coordinated care model. If your surgeon has mentioned this package, or you would like to know if it is available for your situation, get in touch or ask your surgeon's rooms.
Are Medicare rebates available?
Medicare rebates may be available if you have been referred by your GP on a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDM). Please bring your referral to your appointment. Private health fund rebates may also apply depending on your level of extras cover - check with your fund prior to your appointment.
Ready to get the right support?
Book a consultation directly, or get in touch if you have questions first.