What Does a Bariatric GP Do? Melbourne Guide
A bariatric GP bridges the gap between your surgeon and GP. Learn what to expect from bariatric general practice care in Melbourne.
Dr Chun Guan Chong
MBBS · FRACGP · Grad Dip Surg Sci
What Is a Bariatric GP?
A bariatric GP is a general practitioner with specialised training and expertise in obesity medicine and bariatric care. They sit at the intersection of general practice and surgical weight management, providing comprehensive care that includes:
- Medical assessment and weight management prior to surgery
- Pre-operative optimisation
- Post-surgical follow-up and monitoring
- Non-surgical medical weight loss programs
- Management of obesity-related conditions (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, PCOS)
Dr Chun Guan Chong is a SCOPE-certified Bariatric Practitioner and FRACGP-qualified GP who provides bariatric care across Melbourne, including at the Victorian Bariatric Surgery Centre, Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery, and Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery.
The Role of a Bariatric GP Before Surgery
If you're considering weight loss surgery, your bariatric GP plays a critical role in preparing you for the best possible outcome:
- Medical optimisation — Ensuring conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnoea are well managed before surgery
- Pre-operative investigations — Coordinating blood tests, sleep studies, dietitian review, and psychology assessment
- Patient education — Helping you understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery
- Multidisciplinary coordination — Liaising with your surgeon, dietitian, and other specialists
The Role of a Bariatric GP After Surgery
Post-bariatric care is just as important as the surgery itself. Without proper follow-up, nutritional deficiencies, weight regain, and complications can occur. A bariatric GP provides:
- Regular monitoring of weight, blood tests, and nutritional status
- Management of vitamin and mineral supplementation
- Gastric band adjustments (if applicable)
- Identification and management of complications
- Long-term support for weight maintenance
Do I Need a Referral?
You do not need a referral to see Dr Chong for a general practice or weight management consultation. A GP referral is typically required for a surgical consultation at a bariatric surgery centre.
Consulting Locations Across Melbourne
Dr Chong consults at multiple Melbourne locations:
- Bayswater — Knox General Practice and Family Medicine & Medi Weight Loss
- Box Hill — Epworth Centre for Bariatric Surgery
- Heidelberg — Heidelberg Weight Loss Surgery
- Williamstown — Victorian Bariatric Surgery Centre
To book with Dr Chong, call (03) 9100 3130 or book online via HotDoc.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a consultation with Dr Chun Guan Chong at Knox General Practice or Medi Weight Loss, Bayswater.