Hi there fellow Aussies. Hope you had a super Australia Day.
Interested to know the experience in paying for the procedure. I have seen the US members seem to have their health fund approve it first. I have no idea how the system works for us in Australia.
Has anyone had trouble being given the green light for the op from anyone - GP, Nutritionist,Psych etc or indeed their health fund.

It depends on your surgeon. In my case i got a referral from my GP to the surgeon I had researched and wanted. Then after my initial surgeon appointment I saw the dietician and psychologist both once. Then I had blood tests and an ultrasound then my surgery. In some ways my surgery was 'fast tracked' because I live 4 hours from where I had surgery so I skipped an appointment with the surgeons' health specialist as all my results were normal. I also skipped a couple of 'pre' appointments with the surgeon and dietician and psychologist.
I have private hospital cover so my surgery was covered. There were gaps with pathology, the anaethesist and the surgeon. All up it cost about $3500 out of pocket. I don't have extras cover so the psychologist and dietician weren't covered. I had a post op (free) appointment 2 weeks after surgery and am supposed to go back at 3 months to the surgeon but will probably just see my GP as not having any problems and its too far to travel. I have had one phone consult with dietician since op (she visited me in hospital as well) and I only have to talk to her again if I want to.

Hi there
I was sleeved in August and it is fabulous!I am now in between a Size 12 and 10, a lot more energy, more confidence, more self esteem and loving the comments about how fabulous I look!
I am in Sydney and I was out of pocket about $5000 after anaethantisis and surgeon. I was totally covered for hospital with my health fund, stayed in hospital 3 nights. Medicare covered not much at all, as this procedure is not covered by Medicare, however I strongly believe it should.
In Australia we have to be in our fund for at 12 months to be covered for hospital. America is different, there insurance covers it all and that is why they have to go thru abit.
Prior to my op, I attended a couple of group sessions to hear from others how they went and how they are going. I found it really helpful.
All the best.

I got the item codes from the surgeon and confirmed it was covered with Medibank Private, just for my own peace of mind. All I had to pay was my $200 excess, the surgeon booking fee which is not claimable ($1600 from memory) and $400 of the anaesthetist, a gap. The surgeon gives the green light and they checked my insurance to ensure I was a private patient. So no real approval process like they have in the US. Its more a case of doing what the surgeon says, which varies. Basically they don't want to jump in with rash decisions, and have patients regret it, they want to manage any complications and ensure you are going to be a success.

The dietician visits, were partially claimable, but still added up - I saw her for nearly 6 months with fortnightly visits. To be honest, I was a little annoyed, as eating what they said I should was too much for my, and gained weight while following her plan initially. The key lesson is a balanced diet, and I think proving to them that you will see it through.

I didn't have to see a psychologist, and yes, I required a referral to see the surgeon.

Same as the others, initially referral from GP, however I myself had done alotof research and decided the lap band wasn't for me and to the sleeve. As they say it is a ' Set and Go' then I went to the Obesity CLinic(horrible word), sawa nurse first, discussed options, add of costs and what is included. Up to 3yrs post op, however 6 visits to dietician, ( which I claim thru health fund), not much back though. Had blood tests included in deal, saw their GP and still see him - not that I really need to and he looks creepy to me! I think it is just a money making thing. Then saw surgeon and talked it all thru, went to some meetings, however most people there had been banded.
Then had surgery, saw Dr in hospital, physio and dietician in hospital. Then saw Dr 4 weeks later, 8,12,16 weeks later.
I agree with above, didn't think dietician was a great help, as you just have to adjust to the portions, drinking water and staying on shakes and fluids for at least 6 weeks. And start walking when comfortable. After 6 weeks started to introduce semi soft solid food. But you will find you can't eat a lot and if you do accidentally, it is really uncomfortable.
Having said all that, it is good if you have a good rapport with your Dr and the team. I actually found the Nurse at the clinic has been most beneficial to me.

Mine was always a referral from my GP then saw the surgeon's dietician and nurse then surgeon 3 times before the Op. Mine was covered by health insurance after 12 months. I had to pay $2300 and $150 for the anesthetist. Well worth it so far

Hi, I actually manage a health fund centre and how it works is that our Medicare system tell the doctor what each procedure should cost, however the Australian doctor has to right to charge what he/she deems fit. Mostly in Australia the cost is about 5 to 8 thousand dollars out of pocket. The balance of the cost is picked up by the private health insurance company and Medicare. The insurance policy must all be held for 12 months as obesity is classified as a pre existing illness. In April there are going to be new changes and a person MUST have a top hospital to be eligible for coverage......personally I find that so bizarre as so many illness result from obesity! Hope this helps . Sara x

Thanks to each every one of you who responded. Pretty much as I expected but everybody filled in some details I was unaware of.
I had a wry smile about following the dietitian a putting on weight. Same happened to me when I was going through IVF. Was 5 kgs less than I am now and they were getting concerned I was getting to big for the procedures I had to face. I felt ashamed and followed the recently graduated dietitians advice to the letter - after all I wanted a baby. Well outcome was i put on more weight thanks to sustagen and dairy that i avoid and never did have that baby.

How sad True that you went thru all of that crap & still didn't get yr bub. There's so much shame associated with being 'large' & the medical profession seems to really enjoy adding to that shame. I had an obstetrician tell me to "stay away from the fridge & it's a wonder you could get pregnant at all", needless to say I didn't go back to see him, even for my second & third pregnancy's My dietician (skinny as) told me to chew my multi vitamins when I was on liquid only diet & really wanted to eat!! Huh? Back to your initial question; I got my GP referral & contacted the clinic I was referred to. I went to Circle of Care; they are great & have a comprehensive but pricey program. I had to pay $5200 & my health fund covered 100% of the hospital fees. The program involves appointments with a clinical psych, dietician & sports physician & I get a receipt which I can use to claim 80% back of costs from my health fund. I guess it all depends on your health fund & the doctor you see. Good luck, you won't regret it xxx