A WELCOME MESSAGE from
Dr Evan Willingham
Hello!
It is with pleasure that the Toowoomba Bariatric Surgery Team welcomes you to this website for an informative browse as you contemplate bariatric (weight-loss) surgery.
Our goal is to ensure you and your significant others are well informed, thoroughly prepared, and ready for this journey. The best way that we can collaboratively make decisions in your best interests, is for us to understand you and your current health status, and provide you with excellent pre-operative education. To achieve this, we need to have open, frank and in-depth discussions.
We invite you to be proactive in this decision-making process, and ask us as many questions as you feel necessary to ensure clarity and understanding. It is also important to understand that bariatric surgery is not a ‘magic bullet’ – it is merely a tool that will help you on your journey to regain control of your weight and health. Without doubt, this is a challenging journey requiring commitment to changes in your daily routine both in nutrition and exercise habits.
Our multidisciplinary team of clinical and administrative bariatric professionals is committed to helping you and your family throughout this experience – an experience that is both life-changing and challenging – beginning today, through to tomorrow and beyond. If you would like to discuss your health wish us, please get in touch.
We look forward to meeting you and helping you find your way to a healthier you.
Evan Willingham
Dr Evan Willingham MBBS (QLD) FRACS
Laparoscopic and Robotic
General, Obesity and Metabolic Surgeon,
Gastrointestinal Endoscopist
The Bariatric Surgery Registry (BSR) is a clinical quality and safety registry with the primary objective of measuring outcomes of patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Australia and New Zealand. Dr Evan Willingham is consistently recognised as a Leading Contributor to the BSR.
Defining Obesity
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines obesity as 'an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health'
You are not alone ...
In 2017/2018, approximately 12.5 million (67%) Australians aged 18 and over were overweight or obese. It is estimated that by 2030, over 18 million Australians will be overweight or obese.
We believe
that it is time to end the stigma surrounding obesity and weight loss
Living with obesity is not a personal choice and it should not be seen as a character flaw. Obesity is much more than the choice of a poor diet, or lack of exercise. Obesity is today scientifically recognised as a serious and complex disease that merits significant medical intervention. It is a disease that negatively and seriously affects health and well-being, increases the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Those living with obesity may find body movement and normal daily tasks are more difficult, and frequently experience shortness of breath on exertion and tire more easily. Essentially, many people living with obesity may find themselves with a deteriorating quality of life. When diets, exercise and medications have been ineffective for losing weight and improving health, then bariatric and metabolic surgery may be a solid option to consider. Let us explain it to you.
Do you know that
Weight Loss Surgery
is also known as bariatric and metabolic surgery?
Please Watch ...
Understanding Metabolism, Weight Loss, Gain, and the Effects of Bariatric Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery
It's not just about the weight you lose. It's also about the weight that's lifted.
John ...
"My diabetes is resolved.
My sleep apnoea is gone.
I've got my life back"
Click below to check out an informative brochure on weight loss surgery.
Hear John's Story ...
Weight Loss Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment
Lifestyle modifications such as dieting, exercise, and medication have long been regarded as the conventional methods to achieve weight loss. Sometimes, these efforts are successful in the short term, but can fail in the long-term.
Surgical Treatment
Doctors today recognise that once a person's weight exceeds a certain range, they are more likely to suffer from a wide range of other health conditions. Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery may be considered if you have had a long-term battle with your weight or if you have weight related conditions such as diabetes, for example, that may be improved with dramatic weight loss.
Suitability for Surgery?
There are many things to consider when assessing suitability for surgery. Your GP as well as our specialist bariatric Practice Nurse can give you an early indication of your suitability for surgery prior to making an appointment with Dr Willingham.
Initial Steps to Surgery
Step 1
Obtain a Referral
Obtain a referral from your GP to see Dr Willingham. Without a referral, you cannot apply for a Medicare rebate.
Your GP will forward this referral to our practice rooms and we will contact you to arrange appointments with our multidisciplinary team.
Please Note:
If you have not heard from us within a week of seeing your GP, please call us on (07) 4580 0828.
Step 2
Make Appointments
We will call you to make appointments for you to meet with Dr Willingham, our Practice Nurse, and the Dietician. Usually, these appointments are all scheduled for the same day, but could also be on separate days.
You will receive a confirmation email, and a Patient Information and Health Questionnaire form. This will need to be completed and return to us.
To avoid delays, please ensure that your COMPLETED form has been returned to us PRIOR to your appointments.
Step 3
Attend Appointments
Please allow a minimum of 3-4 hours of your time to attend your scheduled appointments.
We will discuss your motivation for surgery and conduct a medical assessment. If you are a suitable candidate for surgery, we will discuss your surgical options, and begin the education and preparation process.
After seeing Dr Willingham, you will receive a quote for the most appropriate surgical option for you and will be encouraged to take the time to think things through prior to making any decisions about surgery.
Free!
30-Minute Consultation with our Nurse
Would you like to learn a little more about bariatric surgery before obtaining a referral to see Dr Willingham? Book in for a complimentary 30-minute chat with our bariatric Practice Nurse. Fill in this form and we will be in contact to arrange a suitable time for an in-person chat.
Calculate your BMI
BMI Calculator
BMI Definitions (kg/m2)
- Underweight Under 18
- Healthy Weight 18-25
- Overweight 25-30
- Obese 30-35
- Severely Obese 35-40
- Morbidly Obese 40 and Over
Disclaimer
The information herein is not intended as medical advice. It should be considered as a reference only, or a starting point for further discussions with Dr Willingham and his team about weight loss surgery. Please be aware that results may vary from person to person