In 2025, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Fitzroy introduced the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for bariatric patients - a coordinated, evidence-based approach designed to optimise outcomes and enhance recovery after gastric sleeve and bypass procedures.

The program is led by A/Prof Michael Hii, Bariatric Surgeon, who has been instrumental in bringing this internationally recognised model of care to Fitzroy. Drawing inspiration from successful ERAS implementations in upper gastrointestinal surgery, A/Prof Hii and a dedicated multidisciplinary team have championed this program, ensuring it is tailored to meet the needs of bariatric patients and the unique environment of our hospital.

A streamlined, multidisciplinary approach

The success of the ERAS program lies in close collaboration across departments and specialties. From pre-admission to discharge, every step is guided by shared decision-making, clear communication, and a strong focus on patient comfort and safety.

Key elements of the Fitzroy Bariatric ERAS program include:

• Continuity of care: Close coordination between hospital teams and local endocrine and metabolic outpatient clinics ensures seamless support throughout the perioperative journey.
• Patient education and empowerment: Patients receive standardised information before surgery, helping set expectations and encourage active participation in their recovery.
• Pain management innovation: The team uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, local anaesthesia, and Transversus Abdominis Plane (TAP) blocks to manage pain effectively while minimising narcotic use, enabling early mobilisation and reducing post-operative nausea.
• Early recovery focus: Patients are encouraged to begin light movement within hours after surgery, start fluids early, and transition to oral hydration within the first day, supporting faster recovery and discharge.
• Collaborative discharge planning: Multidisciplinary coordination ensures smooth transitions from hospital to home, with early referrals for medications and follow-up support.

Evidence-led innovation

The introduction of ERAS at Fitzroy builds on years of research demonstrating its benefits for surgical recovery, including shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and improved patient satisfaction. The Fitzroy team continually reviews outcomes and patient feedback to refine and strengthen the program.

“It changes people’s lives, it improves quality of life, but it also really dramatically improve health and believe it or not, longevity,” says A/Prof Hii. “

With the launch of the ERAS program, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Fitzroy continues to lead the way in patient-centred surgical care — bringing world-class techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration together to help patients recover faster and return to the lives they love.