Bariatric Nutrition
Specialised nutrition support before and after bariatric surgery — tailored to optimise recovery, prevent deficiencies, and support long-term success.
Why Bariatric Nutrition Matters?
Nutrition plays a vital role at every stage of bariatric surgery — supporting a smooth recovery, preventing complications, and promoting lifelong health.
Nutrient Deficencies
Up to 80% of patients experience at least one micronutrient deficiency after bariatric surgery without proper nutrition support.
Protein Needs
Adequate protein is essential to prevent muscle loss and support healing, yet many patients struggle to meet requirements post-surgery.
Weight Regain Risks
Studies show that without ongoing dietary guidance, up to 50% of patients may experience significant weight regain within 5 years.
Long-Term Wellness
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to anaemia, osteoporosis, and other preventable complications if not managed correctly.
Who we help?
Our bariatric dietitians support people who are:
- Preparing for bariatric surgery and needing pre-surgery protocols (e.g., Optifast).
- Recently undergone gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, lap band, or other bariatric procedures.
- Adjusting to the stages of eating post-surgery (liquid → puree → soft → regular).
- Needing long-term support with portion control, meal planning, and supplement use.
- Managing challenges such as nausea, reflux, dumping syndrome, or food intolerances.
- Wanting to maintain weight loss while preventing nutrient deficiencies.
Common Bariatric Surgeries
Alongside your surgeon’s care, our dietitians support clients after all major bariatric procedures, including:
- Gastric Bypass – A small stomach pouch and rerouted intestine reduce food intake and absorption.
Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve) – Part of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, tube-shaped stomach.
Adjustable Gastric Banding (Lap Band) – A band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach to limit food intake.
Gastric Balloon – A balloon inflated in the stomach takes up space to reduce hunger.
Duodenal Switch / BPD – Removes part of the stomach and bypasses intestines for significant weight loss.
Mini Gastric Bypass – A simplified version of gastric bypass with similar results.
Our Expertise
Our team of bariatric dietitians provides structured, evidence-based support across every stage:
Pre-Surgery Preparation
Tailored nutrition plans, including protocols like Optifast, to prepare your body for surgery and improve recovery outcomes.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Step-by-step guidance through dietary stages (fluid → puree → soft → regular), supporting healing and food tolerance.
Nutrient & Supplement Management
Focus on protein, vitamins, and minerals, with supplement guidance and regular blood test reviews to prevent deficiencies.
Long-Term Weight & Lifestyle Support
Practical meal planning, portion guidance, and behavioural strategies to maintain weight loss and foster a positive relationship with food.
How We Work With You
Our bariatric dietitians provide support that is practical, compassionate, and tailored to your journey.
We start by reviewing your medical history, type of surgery, current eating patterns, and blood test results. This helps us identify your specific nutritional needs and set achievable goals.
You’ll receive a tailored plan with portion sizes, meal ideas, supplement guidance, and practical tips for each stage of recovery. We make sure it’s realistic and fits into your lifestyle.
Regular follow-ups give us the chance to track your progress, adjust your plan as your needs change, and keep you motivated. We also monitor blood results to prevent deficiencies and maintain long-term health.
Meet our Bariatric Nutrition Dietitian Team
Our team includes dietitians with specialised training and experience in bariatric nutrition. Each brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to support safe weight management, optimise recovery, and promote long-term health after surgery.
Click on a dietitian below to learn more about their background and experience, and to book a telehealth appointment directly.
If you would prefer a home visit, please
click here to submit an enquiry or referral form
.
Lisa Larosa
Lisa is an empathetic dietitian and Accredited Health Coach (HCANZA) who has specialised in bariatric nutrition through her private practice work alongside bariatric surgeons. She combines her health coaching expertise with evidence-based nutrition to support clients before and after surgery, helping them set realistic goals, build confidence, and maintain long-term healthy habits. Lisa is passionate about improving quality of life through practical strategies that fit into everyday routines. Telehealth Australia-wide & home visits available in the Bendigo region.
Liz Radicevic
Liz is a Gut Health and Sports Dietitian with a strong interest in bariatric nutrition. She has worked within bariatric clinics in Melbourne, supporting clients before and after surgery with tailored, evidence-based strategies. Liz is passionate about helping people improve their relationship with food, optimise recovery, and maintain long-term health outcomes. She takes a practical approach, ensuring nutrition plans are realistic, sustainable, and fit into everyday life. Telehealth Australia-wide & home visits available in Melbourne’s North-Eastern, Eastern & South Eastern suburbs..
Frequency Asked Questions
Our bariatric dietitians in Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga and Shepparton specialise in nutrition before and after bariatric surgery — helping clients optimise recovery, prevent deficiencies, and maintain lifelong success.
Our bariatric dietitians in Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Bendigo, and Shepparton provide specialised nutrition care before and after weight-loss surgery. We help clients prepare for procedures such as gastric sleeve, bypass, or lap band, guide post-surgery recovery, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and support long-term success.
Nutrition is essential for healing, energy, and sustainable weight management after surgery. Without personalised dietetic support, many people experience nutrient deficiencies or weight regain. Our dietitians guide you through recovery, meal progression, and lifelong nutrition maintenance.
Ideally, you should meet with a bariatric dietitian 4–6 weeks before surgery. We provide pre-surgery protocols (such as Optifast), ensure your body is well prepared, and support smoother recovery outcomes.
We guide you through every dietary stage — liquid → puree → soft → regular foods — helping you meet protein goals, restore nutrients, and adjust safely. Our dietitians offer ongoing support for reflux, food intolerance, and other post-surgery challenges.
We focus on maintaining weight loss and preventing deficiencies through portion guidance, practical meal planning, and supplement monitoring. Our long-term clients learn strategies to build sustainable, healthy habits for life.
You can self-refer via our Referral Form. GP Care Plans, referrals from surgeons, and specialist referrals are welcome, and eligible clients may access Medicare rebates.
Yes — we provide telehealth Australia-wide plus home visits in Melbourne, Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Telehealth is ideal for pre- and post-surgery check-ins and long-term review appointments.
It’s never too late. We support people who had bariatric surgery months or years ago and want help with weight regain, nutritional balance, or meal planning. Our compassionate dietitians provide tailored strategies to restore confidence and wellbeing.
We provide expert care for all major procedures — including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap band, gastric balloon, duodenal switch, and mini gastric bypass. Each client receives a customised nutrition plan for safe recovery and long-term results.
Our team provides in-person and home-visit support across Melbourne (North, West, East, South East, CBD), Bendigo, Shepparton, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, with telehealth available Australia-wide.
Contact us today to begin your journey towards a better you
Do you want to reach out for more information or see how we can help you? Reach out to us by clicking on the button below.