In Hospital

Dr Hatzifotis and his Multi-Disciplinary Team will discuss specific instructions with you prior to your procedure. Your preparation will depend on the surgery required.


Our Administration team will contact you the week of your surgery and provide you with specific fasting and admission times.


It is advised to: 

  • Have all Pre-op tests including blood tests and chest xrays done the week before your surgery.
  • Finalise all Payments prior to your surgery date. You will need to ensure that you have finalised payment of all accounts for your surgery. Please refer to the payment instructions you have been provided in your 'Surgery Brisbane Folder'. 
  • Complete your Greenslopes Private Hospital Online Booking Form at mycare.ramsayhealth.com.au. You will need to log in to your account or create a new account if you are a new patient to Greenslopes Hospital.
  • Fast before Surgery. You must avoid eating & drinking at least 6 hours prior to your admission time. This means nothing at all to eat or drink, including water. 
  • Ask a friend or family member to transport you to Greenslopes Private Hospital for support and comfort.
  • Admit to the Admissions desk located on the first floor of Greenslopes Private Hospital (use the lift next to the pharmacy).

Length of Stay

Dr Hatzifotis' patients will stay in hospital 1 to 3 nights depending on whether the procedure is a General procedure or a Weight Loss procedure. The length of stay will also depend on individual recovery.


Most General Surgery patients will stay in hospital for at least 1 night depending on the procedure.


Most Weight Loss Surgery patients will stay in hospital for at least 3 nights after a Gastric Sleeve and a Gastric Bypass. Again, the length of stay will depend on the individual recovery and Dr Hatzifotis' recommendation.


Patients with Diabetes may be required to admit to hospital the day before surgery and monitored by their Endocrinologist, before their Weight Loss procedure.


Other patients may be required to spend a night in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Dr Hatzifotis will inform those patients requiring ICU before surgery.


Dr Hatzifotis will visit you, in person, every day you are in hospital to monitor your recovery post-surgery.


Weight Loss Procedures

After your Weight Loss procedure, you will start on clear fluids only (water, black tea, broth, juices). These will need to be sipped slowly in small amounts.


An x-ray study called a Barium Swallow is performed after the operation to check the size of the stomach pouch and to exclude any leaks. Following the Barium Swallow, you will then be able to have free fluids for the rest of your hospital stay.


During the next 4 to 6 weeks, while your body heals, you will gradually increase the texture and volume of the food you take.


Further information, including dietary guidelines, will be provided at your review appointments with the Dietitian.


For more information, please read what happens 'After Surgery'.


Possible Acute Complications 

There are risks involved with any procedure and these risks will be discussed with you prior to surgery at your initial appointment with Dr Hatzifotis.


Dr Hatzifotis has an outstanding safety record and meticulous surgical skills. He takes precautionary measures directly aimed at reducing any risks to the absolute minimum.


It is important to contact Dr Hatzifotis if you have any concerns after surgery or develop fevers or abdominal pain, as these symptoms could be a sign of a leak.  Early treatment is the key to managing this complication.


Common Questions answered about your Hospital stay

How many nights will I stay in hospital? 

Your length of stay in hospital depends on your weight loss procedure:

  • 1 night for Band Removal
  • 3  nights for Gastric Sleeve
  • 3 nights for Gastric Bypass
  • 1 night in ICU if required
  • 1 night pre surgery if diabetic, if required


What do I take with me to hospital?

  • Clothing & sleepwear - comfortable clothing
  • Toiletries
  • Any regular medications you normally take
  • Please remove all nail polish off fingers and toes
  • Please remove all jewellery, including all piercings


If I have sleep apnoea, should I take my CPAP machine with me to hospital?

  • Yes


What medications are safe to take before surgery?

  • It is important to check with Dr Hatzifotis whether your regular medications are safe to continue
  • There are certain medications that must be ceased prior to surgery as they can cause bleeding and increase the risk of blood clots or cause other serious complications if taken around the time of surgery


Is it safe to take NSAID medications before surgery?

  • NO - All NSAID medications must be stopped at least 3 weeks prior to surgery
  • Please ensure you have completely ceased taking all NSAID and Anti-inflammatory medications prior to surgery.

These medications include:

  • Ibuprofen (Nurofen)
  • Aspirin (Disprin)
  • Naproxen (Naprosyn)
  • Diclofenac (Voltaren)
  • Celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • Mefanamic Acid
  • Etoricoxib
  • Indomethacin


The following diabetic medications must be ceased one week before surgery:

  • FORXIGA  (Dapagliflozin) tablets                                                                             
  • XIGDUO XR  (Dapagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride XR) tablets           
  • QTERN  (Dapagliflozin and Saxagliptin) tablets                                                     
  • JARDIANCE  (Empagliflozin) tablets                                                                     
  • JARDIAMET (Empagliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride) tablets                 
  • GLYXAMBI  (Empagliflozin and Linagliptin) tablets                                               
  • STEGLATRO (Ertugliflozin) tablets                                                                             
  • SEGLUROMET  (Ertugliflozin and Metformin Hydrochloride)
  • STEGLUJAN  (Ertugliflozin and Sitagliptin) tablets               

NB: If taking any other diabetic tablet medications eg. Metformin, these should be ceased when you commence your pre-op “Optifast” diet. 

What can I take for pain relief following surgery?

  • Paracetamol
  • Codeine
  • Panadeine Forte
  • Endone
  • Tramadol
  • Targin


What medications are safe to continue taking after surgery?

  • It is strongly recommended that you discuss all medications with Dr Hatzifotis, particularly NSAID medications, as these cannot be taken following surgery


Can I take Nexium after surgery?

  • Yes


Can I break my Nexium tablet in half?

  • Yes


Can I take antihistamines post-surgery?

  •  Yes


When do I start taking a multivitamin?   

  • 4 weeks following surgery. Dr Hatzifotis will discuss this with you at your post-op appointment.


How many weeks will I be off work? 

  • At least 2 weeks, or more if your work is physically demanding
  • You will be unable to lift weight heavier than 5kg for 6 weeks following your surgery


When can I drive after surgery?

  • 1-2 weeks post-surgery


How soon can I fly after surgery?

  • 2 weeks within Australia
  • 4-6 weeks for overseas travel


When can I start to exercise? 

  • Walking 2-3 times per week for 30 minutes following surgery is suitable, but nothing too strenuous.
  • Definitely no heavy lifting or lifting weight of 5kg or more, for 6 weeks following surgery.


What can I take for constipation?

  • Pear or prune juice
  • Benefiber - 1 tbsp per day
  • Coloxyl & Senna 1-2 per day
  • Movicol - 1 per day


When can I remove the dressings after surgery?

  • After 7-10 days. If the dressing comes off before that time, check that the wounds are fully healed. You may place a band aid over any wounds that are still healing.


When can I drink alcohol or fizzy drinks?

  • At least 2 months following surgery


When can I have the Flu or COVID19 vaccine?

  •  Allow at least 2 weeks before surgery
  • Allow at least 4 weeks following surgery


Can I have a MRI test after weight loss surgery?

  • Yes, the staples used are made from titanium which are safe to go in a MRI machine.