Locations
- Medi Weight Loss, Bayswater
- Victorian Bariatric Surgery Centre, Williamstown
- Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery, Box Hill
- Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery, Heidelberg
What Is Bariatric Medicine?
Bariatric medicine is the medical management of obesity and obesity-related conditions — both non-surgical and in the context of bariatric surgery. A bariatric general practitioner bridges the gap between your regular GP and your bariatric surgeon, providing continuity of care throughout the entire weight loss journey.
Dr Chun Guan Chong is a SCOPE-certified Bariatric Practitioner — one of a small number of GPs in Melbourne with formal accreditation in obesity medicine through the World Obesity Federation.
Pre-Operative Assessment and Optimisation
If you are considering bariatric surgery, Dr Chong plays a critical role in preparing you for the best possible outcome:
Medical assessment and optimisation
- Comprehensive medical review to identify and address any conditions that increase surgical risk
- Management of diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and other comorbidities before surgery
- Pre-operative blood tests and investigations
Pre-operative investigations coordination
- Blood tests: full nutritional panel, metabolic screen
- Sleep study arrangement (undiagnosed OSA must be managed before surgery)
- Abdominal ultrasound and gastroscopy referral where indicated
- Dietitian and psychology referral
Multidisciplinary coordination
- Liaison with your bariatric surgeon, dietitian, and other specialists
- Patient education — what to expect before, during, and after surgery
Pre-operative diet
- Supervision and support for the liver-shrinking diet (VLCD) in the weeks before surgery
Post-Operative Follow-Up
Long-term follow-up after bariatric surgery is essential. Without adequate monitoring, nutritional deficiencies, weight regain, and complications can develop silently.
Dr Chong provides comprehensive post-bariatric care including:
- Regular weight and body composition monitoring
- Blood tests: nutritional panel every 3–6 months (full blood count, iron, B12, vitamin D, folate, liver function)
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation review and adjustment
- Gastric band adjustments if applicable
- Management of post-bariatric complications
- Long-term weight maintenance support
Gastric Band Adjustments
Dr Chong is experienced in adjustable gastric band (lap band) management, including:
- Band adjustments using saline injection through the access port
- Troubleshooting band-related complications (slippage, reflux, port problems)
- Long-term band management regardless of where your original surgery was performed
Do I Need a Referral?
- For Medi Weight Loss (Bayswater) — no referral required
- For bariatric surgery centre consultations (Epworth, VBSC, Heidelberg) — a GP referral is required
Dr Chong can provide referrals to bariatric surgeons through his clinical networks if you are seeking a surgical assessment.
Consulting Locations
Dr Chong provides bariatric medicine services across four Melbourne locations:
- Bayswater — Medi Weight Loss (no referral required)
- Box Hill — Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery
- Heidelberg — Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery
- Williamstown — Victorian Bariatric Surgery Centre
Call Medi Weight Loss on (03) 9967 1996 to discuss which location is most appropriate for your situation.
Ready to book?
Dr Chun Guan Chong is a SCOPE-certified Bariatric General Practitioner providing pre-operative assessment, post-surgical follow-up, and perioperative care at bariatric surgery centres across Melbourne.