Again, contact Surgery Central reception.
Phone 02 49 478177 to cancel or change appointments*.
Your time slot can then be offered to another patient.
Alternatively, you can notify reception via email and reception will respond to your request. An email is a good option if you want to notify us out of business hours. Or if the phone line is too busy and you are having trouble getting through.
admin@surgerycentral.com.au
*Appointments cancelled within 24 hours or not attended may incur an administration fee of $100.
Bring any paperwork your doctor has given you. This may include:
– a referral letter
– EPC or Medicare paperwork (max 5 visits a year)
– a DVA D904 referral form for DVA veterans and their families
– copies of any recent blood tests.
If you don’t have a copy of recent blood results we can arrange for them to be downloaded. You will just need to know which pathology company did the blood collection eg Laverty, Douglas Hanly Moir, 4Cyte or Pathology North.
A way to pay for your appointment by bringing:
– Your Medicare card or
– Your private health insurance fund card (or via phone app access)
– Cash or card to pay the gap
EPC gap – new appointment $79.65 or review appointment $24.65
Private health gap – varies by policy
Some other useful information to bring:
– a list of your medications
– a list of your multivitamins (brand and type)
– a list of any questions you want answered
– a food diary (one week)
The Surgery Central team have been caring for those choosing bariatric surgery as a treatment option for over a decade. Dietetic care is integral to the service and our administration and clinical staff will guide you through each step.
After your first appointment with Dr Costa Karihaloo or Dr Suzanne Di Sano you will usually be asked to book an appointment with a member of the Shine Dietetic team. They are available Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 pm.
You are encouraged to read some of the Lived Experiences stories to gain a feel about the role of dietitians in this journey.
In 2025, the Shine Dietetics team has availability Monday to Fridays. The diary fills quickly so don’t delay booking if you need a particular time that is likely to be popular.
If you would like to connect before your first appointment feel free to join the Shine Dietetics Facebook group. We welcome you into our community.
Shine Dietetics is dedicated to patient service and we work hard to accomodate each individuals personal needs. We do this by taking time to listen carefully to your concerns, to understand your needs and to identify how we can best offer a service that works for you.
Routine care involves between appointment support with timely responses to emails, courtesy phone calls, reminders about important tasks and the opportunity to join a growing Facebook community.
At Shine Dietetics we have kept our fees lower than most others to facilitate regular attendance.
If money is particularly tight we encourage you to ask your GP for a Medicare referral to see a dietitian (called an EPC).
Cathy, who leads the Shine Dietetics team is a highly skilled clinician. In addition to 30 years of clinical experience she has also completed her PhD. This means she is able to communicate complex health concepts in an easy to understand way. She is now using this talent to develop a range of affordable e-books. So watch this space.
A first appointment requires 60 minutes to undertake a comprehensive nutrition assessment. Time is taken to listen to your health concerns, learn about your ability, lifestyle and the reasons for seeking help. Once Cathy, Nicole or Grace understand your needs they will then work will you to develop a personalised nutrition plan. Information will be shared with lots of practical ideas and tips to help you take the next steps on your nutrition journey.
A follow-up requires 30 minutes, and will be dedicated to checking on your progress, providing reassurance, accountability, support, extra knowledge and ideas to keep tracking in the right direction.
In January 2024, the two storey carpark opened and this is a street behind the specialist centre building in Gatehead. This parking is free all day. Parking underneath tends to get full around 8.30am, but there are plenty more spots up the ramp on the second level.
If you do find yourself running a little late for an appointment please give us a call.
If mobility is limited, you may prefer to arrange to get dropped off. Another option is to discuss attending the Carrington St clinic (114 Young st) as you can usually park right outside the clinic.
Yes. Surgery Central is located in a large specialist medical centre opposite Lake Macquarie Private Hospital. The front door is ramped, and the medical suites are serviced by two elevators. If you need more specific information about access call reception as we are more than happy to answer any questions and provide the assistance you require.
The Carrington clinic (114 Young St) is wheelchair accessible with toilet access too.
