For Referrers

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Urgent advice needed? Please call Dr Cocco

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General Surgery​

Dr Cocco provides a range of general surgery, including hernia, gallbladder, reflux and others.  Short waiting times for most procedures are available, referrals can be emailed, and telehealth is available for appropriate patients. 

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Weight Loss 

Dr Cocco is happy to manage all aspects of medical and surgical weight loss including providing second opinions if needed.  Patients can benefit from weight management even if they are not a surgical candidate.  Patients with BMI >27 may be candidates for medical therapy and Dr Cocco is happy to manage these patients. 

Guidelines for Bariatric Surgery

BMI ≥ 35 or Asian background patients BMI  ≥ 32.5

- Bariatric surgery is recommended (regardless of presence, absence, or severity of co-morbidities)

BMI 30 – 34.9 or Asian background patients BMI ≥ 27.5

- Bariatric surgery should be considered in individuals with metabolic disease (eg T2DM)

Medical management can be considered for patients who are overweight or obese, especially in the setting or prior treatment or surgery. 

 

Age and co-morbidities are not always a barrier to surgery, frailty should be carefully considered but significant co-morbidities often are much more manageable following weight loss. 

 

Dr Cocco works with experienced Anaesthetists and other clinical staff. Bariatric patients are thoroughly assessed and prepared prior to any procedure. Follow-up can be rigorous, but it is essential for the best outcome.  

 

Dr Cocco is happy to manage all aspects of medical weight management including prescription, escalation and follow-up of medical therapy.  If you have a patient interested in medical weight loss options, Dr Cocco is happy to manage this and link them in with our multidisciplinary team.  

 

Pre-operative investigations

There are a number of pre-operative investigations and assessments done prior to embarking upon surgery.  Dr Cocco does not expect anything done prior to referral.  An example of what is usual after a first appointment as follows- an abdominal ultrasound (focussing on liver and gallbladder), a barium swallow to assess for reflux and hiatus hernia, pathology tests looking largely at nutritional status and example of the regular tests here if interested. 

 

Post-operative review

Dr Cocco would routinely see post bariatric surgical patients every 3 months for the first year and then 6 monthly to yearly after that assuming everything is well.  The purpose of the reviews is to ensure progress, monitor nutritional status and manage any issues early.  Routine blood tests such as these are often all that is needed to ensure patients are nutritionally replete.   

Patients are expected to meet fluid and protein goals (dieticians assist with this), take a multivitamin and participate in review with both surgeon, dietician and psychologists for best outcomes. 
 

Questions or concerns?
Dr Cocco would be happy to discuss your patient with you, please email or call if needed or alternatively if unavailable please leave a message with reception and he will return your call when he is able.