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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Do I need to use Optifast (or other very low calorie diet, VLCD) before the operation?

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  • Dr Carla Gillespie

    Bariatric (Obesity) Surgeon, General Surgeon, Upper GI Surgeon (Abdominal)

    Dr Gillespie is an Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric surgeon based out of the Northern Beaches Hospital. Dr Gillespie studied Medicine at Newcastle University and completed … View Profile

    Long story short- yes! Using a VLCD allows rapid weight loss over a two week period which helps to decrease fat within the liver and surrounding adipose tissue. This makes liver mobilisation during the operation safer. However, this is not a test. We do not need you to reach a certain weight to proceed and all we ask is that patients try their best. On average, patients will lose 3-5kg. Any more than this and we would be concerned you are losing muscle rather than adipose tissue weight. Your surgeon and dietitian will discuss the process with you at your initial appointment.

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