Weight Loss Surgery As A Health Improvement Tool

Weight Loss Article Highlights Current Issues Around Weight Loss

A recent ABC news article highlighted to role that weight loss surgery (also know as bariatric or metabolic surgery) plays in improving health outcomes for those with obesity.

It also went into the ways patients fund their bariatric procedures, including some who choose to have the surgery overseas, so called 'Medical Tourism', in a bid to save money.

Accessing superannuation was also highlighted as a popular way to fund these weight loss procedures.

Medical weight loss, using the GLP-1 class of drugs, has also become a popular alternative in some cases.

Safe Options Available With Dr Lockie's Practrice

Unlike some other practices, each patient has a metabolic assessment before any weight loss option is recommended.

In some cases, metabolic disorders need to be addressed prior to making decisions about the best option for the patient.

In our Practice, the options recommended are always made in the best interests of the patient. This is not always the case, especially with 'Medical Tourism'.

Dr Lockie's Practice options:

• Metabolic assessment for every patient 
• Medical weight loss using appropriate medications
• Surgical weight loss using the appropriate procedure  using detailed metabolic analysis and research to maintain long term success 
• Sometimes, a combination of all three options above, are used to reach the desired outcome

The other factor which is possibly just as important as the weight loss option, is the preparation and ongoing support of a multi-disciplinary team which gets to the root causes of the obesity, and keeps patients on track, once the weight loss starts.

Without understanding the psychological and nutritional aspects of the causes of the obesity, there is a good chance the outcome will not be optimal.

The Dangers Of Medical Tourism

The chance to have a luxury overseas holiday, plus have a procedure performed at a big discount, might seem like a great deal. It's not unusual to see stories like this on social media which seems to make this choice an attractive one.

The problem is, that procedures done overseas, usually in countries which do not have the high standards expected in Australia, can and do go wrong.

These are some of the factors determining the success or otherwise of procedues performed overseas:

• Less qualified surgeons and assisting practitioners
• Substandard hospital infrastructure
• Lack of accurate pre-op diagnosis and preparation
• Inappropriate selection of procedure
• Lack of post-op support
• Untimely action on complications

It then becomes a question of whether a patient considers the savings made, worth the extra risks involved and a possible sub-optimal outcome.

Experience And Expertise Count

The experience of the award winning Dr Lockie team is unmatched in Brisbane, working successfully as a unit for 20 years. Each practitioner is a leader in their field.

The results show that Dr Lockie and the team are successful in helping people achieve their goals, and the feedback they receive from patients is excellent.

What does this mean for the patient?

• The option that is finally chosen by the patient in consultation with Dr Lockie and the team is the correct course of action (saving possible unnecessary procedures)
• Any processes needed to prepare the patient will be put in place appropriately
• If surgery is chosen, your surgical team has a track record of excellence
• You will get the best support possible, post-op.
  • The facility of the Support Group - the longest running of its kind in Australia, 20 years.
  • Sheduled follow up appointments designed to keep patients on track
  • Added support of the Dr Lockie Polyphonic Care App
  • Emergency care after hours number
  • Follow up SMS checks to ensure your continued recovery

Funding Options For Bariatric Surgery

The Dr Lockie Practice understands the financial strain that many people are under, especially in 2026 where the cost of living crisis in full swing.

A no obligation appointment with SCOPE certified Shirley Lockie will not only provide a Metabolic Assessment, to help start the decision making process for weight loss options, she will also explain the full financial cost of various options. The appointment is fullly Medicare funded. 

Funding options could include:

• Covered by health insurance along with a co-payment
• Self financed - Dr Lockie does accept uninsured patients
• Externally financed - using a specialist finance company
• Funded by access to superannuation funds

We understand your health is your most important asset, so we will do all we can to help patients achieve their health goals and return them to good health.

Take the first step now!