What to expect at your first appointment
Request a Consultation
Embarking on your health journey begins with your initial consultation. During this essential first step, you’ll discuss your objectives and goals to collaboratively develop a treatment strategy to help you reach them. While this may feel like an exciting and daunting first step, our team is dedicated to providing support throughout your entire experience.
Preparing for your appointment
To help you prepare for your initial consultation, below is a list of requirements or documents that need to be completed:
GP Referral
To be able to book your initial consultation a current referral needs to be obtained from your GP. This can be emailed to the team at admin@weightlossoperation.com.au or your GP may send your referral electronically to us.
Appointment Deposit
If you are booking your initial weight loss consultation a $100.00 deposit is required to secure your appointment. This will need to be paid at the time of making your appointment. This deposit will be deducted off the total cost of your appointment.
Complete Patient Registration
Please complete your patient registration form included as a link in your appointment confirmation sms before your scheduled appointment.
Confirming your Appointment
Please respond to your confirmation SMS that will be sent out 7 days prior to your appointment.
Financial and Scheduling Information
Cost Estimations
We will be able to provide you with estimated costs following your consultation. For patients with private health insurance we can provide you with surgical and anaesthetist fees. For patients who are uninsured quote estimates will be obtained for anaesthetist and hospital fees and surgical fees will be provided on the day of consultation.
Scheduling Procedure Date
Once a surgical consent has been signed, we can look at scheduling a date for your procedure. Dr Puhalla operates from both Gold Coast Private Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital, depending on which hospital will determine availability.
Early Superannuation Access
If you are funding your surgery through ‘Early Superannuation Access’ our team will be able to guide you through the process from lodging with the ATO to when the funds are released through your superannuation fund. Please note that the application process can only begin once your exact surgical date is scheduled and confirmed.
Cost Estimations
We will be able to provide you with estimated costs following your consultation. For patients with private health insurance we can provide you with surgical and anaesthetist fees. For patients who are uninsured quote estimates will be obtained for anaesthetist and hospital fees and surgical fees will be provided on the day of consultation.
Cost Estimations
We will be able to provide you with estimated costs following your consultation. For patients with private health insurance we can provide you with surgical and anaesthetist fees. For patients who are uninsured quote estimates will be obtained for anaesthetist and hospital fees and surgical fees will be provided on the day of consultation.
Contact us Today
01
Medical and Lifestyle History
During your initial consultation, Dr Puhalla will review your medical and lifestyle history from the questionnaire that was included in your patient registration form. This information will assist Dr Puhalla with treatment and surgical recommendations.
01
Medical and Lifestyle History
During your initial consultation, Dr Puhalla will review your medical and lifestyle history from the questionnaire that was included in your patient registration form. This information will assist Dr Puhalla with treatment and surgical recommendations.
01
Medical and Lifestyle History
During your initial consultation, Dr Puhalla will review your medical and lifestyle history from the questionnaire that was included in your patient registration form. This information will assist Dr Puhalla with treatment and surgical recommendations.
During your initial consultation, Dr Puhalla will review your medical and lifestyle history from the questionnaire that was included in your patient registration form. This information will assist Dr Puhalla with treatment and surgical recommendation.
01
Medical and Lifestyle History
Following the discussion of your medical and lifestyle history and physical examination if required, Dr Puhalla will discuss which procedure would be appropriate for your health and goals and discuss a tailored surgical plan.
Dr Puhalla will thoroughly explain how the proposed surgical plan will be performed by providing you with a detailed surgical brochure with an explanation of techniques and visual diagram of the procedure.
Additionally, an in depth discussion of the associated risks and benefits of the procedure will be provided to you to ensure you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
01
Medical and Lifestyle History
Following the discussion of your medical and lifestyle history and physical examination if required, Dr Puhalla will discuss which procedure would be appropriate for your health and goals and discuss a tailored surgical plan.
Dr Puhalla will thoroughly explain how the proposed surgical plan will be performed by providing you with a detailed surgical brochure with an explanation of techniques and visual diagram of the procedure.
Additionally, an in depth discussion of the associated risks and benefits of the procedure will be provided to you to ensure you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.