Frequently asked questions.
Common questions about your care at Meridian, answered by the team.
Why is long-term nursing and multidisciplinary follow-up important?
Metabolic bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment to maintaining your health. Long-term follow-up helps ensure you are getting the nutrition you need, taking the right supplements, monitoring your blood tests, staying active, and making dietary adjustments as your needs change.
Having a team with expertise in bariatric care is important because symptoms such as abdominal pain, reflux, or changes in bowel habits can have different implications after weight loss surgery than they do for the general population. Regular review also helps detect nutritional deficiencies, which can develop years after surgery, even if everything has been going well.
Life changes too. Stress, pregnancy, menopause, illness, busy schedules, or simply drifting from healthy habits can all affect your nutrition, weight, and wellbeing. Regular check-ins allow us to identify any concerns early, provide support, and help you get back on track before small issues become bigger ones.
Long-term multidisciplinary follow-up is about more than monitoring your weight. It is about protecting your health and helping you achieve the best possible outcomes for life.
How can I reduce the risk of blood clots after surgery?
Blood clots are something to be mindful of after any surgery because your body naturally makes your blood more likely to clot to reduce bleeding, and you will be less active for a short time after your operation.
Preventing blood clots is a routine part of your care. During surgery, you will wear compression stockings and inflatable calf sleeves that gently squeeze your legs to keep your blood flowing. You will also receive a daily blood-thinning injection while you are in hospital.
One of the most important things you can do is get moving. Your nurses will help you out of bed as soon as it is safe after surgery. Once you are able to walk independently, aim to take a short walk around your room or the ward every hour during the day. Walking improves circulation, reduces the risk of blood clots, and also helps lower your risk of developing a chest infection.
How should I care for my surgical wounds?
You will have five small abdominal wounds after surgery. These are usually not very painful and will be covered with waterproof dressings, so you can shower as normal. After one week, gently peel off the dressings and continue showering, gently patting the wounds dry afterwards.
Your wounds should heal well, but contact your nurse if you notice signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, pain, discharge, or an unpleasant smell.
Avoid swimming or baths until your wounds are fully healed, usually 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
What should I expect during my first nursing assessment?
Your nurse appointment is your final Meridian appointment before surgery. The team will make sure you are well prepared for your hospital stay and discharge home by reviewing your health history, medications, pre- and post-operative diet, pain relief, bowel care, return to work, and answering any final questions.
Your nurse brings all aspects of your care together, providing education, support, and coordination with your healthcare team to ensure you are prepared both practically and emotionally.
Meridian is proud of its long-term nurse follow-up. One of the priorities of this first appointment is to get to know each other so you feel comfortable getting in touch with any concerns along your journey.
Who should I contact if I have a question between appointments?
Your Meridian nurse is your first point of contact. Our bariatric nurses are highly experienced in caring for patients before and after weight loss surgery and are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Nurses are the central link within your healthcare team. If needed, they will coordinate with your surgeon, dietitian, or physician to make sure you receive the right advice and care. No question is too big or too small.
When can I start driving again?
You should not drive for at least 24 hours after your anaesthetic or prescription pain medication.
After metabolic bariatric surgery, it is common to feel tired or have lower energy while recovering and eating less. For most people, waiting about one week before driving is reasonable, provided you feel alert, can comfortably wear a seatbelt, and are able to perform an emergency stop without pain or hesitation.
If you are unsure whether you are ready to drive, it is safest to wait a little longer or discuss it with your nurse.
Do I need a referral to see a dietitian?
No, you do not need a referral to see a dietitian.
What should I expect at my first dietetic appointment?
Your first appointment is a comprehensive assessment where we discuss your weight history, medical history, and diet history. We will work together to develop a personalised plan tailored to your goals. As part of your initial consultation, we also provide a complimentary body composition scan to help assess your current body composition and track your progress over time.
Why is a pre-operative diet recommended before metabolic bariatric surgery?
A pre-operative diet is recommended to reduce the size of your liver, making it easier and safer for your surgeon to access your stomach during surgery. Most patients will follow this diet for 2 to 4 weeks before their procedure, although the exact duration will be determined by your team. Your dietitian will guide you through the pre-operative diet and support you to ensure you are prepared for surgery.
Will I need vitamins and minerals after surgery?
Yes. Following metabolic bariatric surgery, you will need to take vitamin and mineral supplements to help prevent nutritional deficiencies. We recommend a baseline supplement plan for all patients, which is then tailored to your individual needs based on your routine blood test results.
Nutritional blood tests are completed before surgery, at 6 months after surgery, and then annually to monitor your vitamin and mineral levels and make any necessary adjustments to your supplements.
Is hair loss common after surgery or with medical weight loss therapy?
Yes, temporary hair loss is relatively common after both metabolic bariatric surgery and medical weight loss therapy. It is usually related to the body's response to major weight loss, reduced energy and protein intake, and the physiological stress associated with surgery. Hair loss typically occurs around 3 months after surgery.
Our goal is to minimise hair loss and support healthy hair regrowth by ensuring you meet your protein requirements and recommending appropriate vitamin and mineral supplementation. Hair loss is generally temporary and most people notice regrowth within a few months. Your dietitian can discuss strategies to help support this during your appointments.