Dr. Lara Freeman
Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon Endoscopist
Our Team
Meet Your Healthcare Team
We are an all-female team who offer a comprehensive service focused on the individual, where treatment is tailored to fit the unique situation of each patient. We pride ourselves on being empathetic, with clear communication, high quality care and extensive follow-up. Click below into individual team members profiles to learn more about them and how to get in contact.
Women's Weight Loss Surgery
Consulting Suite D6, Holmesglen Private Hospital
Research Excellence
We at Women’s Weight Loss are proud contributors to ongoing research in the arena of obesity. We strive to deliver the most evidence based, well studied, excellence-based care to our patient cohort. Our staff members often attend and present at local, national and international scientific meetings to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest in the field.
Dr. Freeman has been a Leading Contributor to the Bariatric Surgery Registry for 4 years and running. This aims to monitor the safety and quality of bariatric surgery in Australia and New Zealand. It achieves this by collecting and analysing data on a population of individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery, allowing for the monitoring of surgical safety, long-term health outcomes, and improvements in patientcare.
Dr. Freeman was invited in mid-2025 to a participate in an international clinical immersion in the latest in bariatric surgery techniques, hosted in California, USA, by Dr.Kelvin Higa. The work done at Fresno Heart & Surgical Hospital by Dr. Higa and his team has paved the way for surgeons around the world to deliver well evidenced, cost-effective, high-quality care to this unique cohort of patients.
Dedicated healthcare professionals specializing in weight loss surgery.
Research Papers
Our Team values the importance of ongoing research and education. We continue to be involved in collaborative investigations and the provision of high quality research papers. Some of our research papers that have been presented at National and International Conferences are listed below:
Commerford, E (2025). Nutrition for the Bari-athlete. Presentation at ANZMOSS National Conference. Canberra. Australia.
Mechanic, T (2025). Chronic Disease – A psychological perspective. Presentation at ANZMOSS National Conference. Canberra. Australia.
Freeman, L (2023 and 2024). The importance of adjuncts and teamwork. Keynote speaker at Expert Nurses Conference. Sydney. Australia.
Freeman, L (2024). Bariatric Surgery: Considerations around pregnancy. Presented at International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO) dinner meeting. Melbourne. Australia.
Freeman, L. (2021) Obesity & Women’s Health – turn the page of weight loss. Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society and Society of Obstetric Medicine Australia and New Zealand Joint Scientific Meeting. Keynote speaker and panel member.
Freeman, L. and Lew, R. (2020) Considering surgery for weight loss with Dr Lara Freeman. Knocked Up Podcast. Season 1, Episode 75.
Freeman, L. (2016). Adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Why don’t all patients receive systemic therapy? Poster presentation at the ANZHPBA Conference.
Freeman, L. (2016). A case of difficult oesophageal reconstruction. Case presentation at the Upper GI Surgeons State Meeting.
Freeman, L. (2016). Reflux and sleeve gastrectomy: A review of current best evidence. Presentation at the Upper GI Surgeons State Meeting.
Freeman, L. (2011) An Approach to the Assessment and Management of the Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Patient in the Emergency Department. Original Research, Emergency Medicine Australia.
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to common questions about your bariatric surgery journey with Women’s Weight Loss Surgery in Melbourne, where Dr. Lara Freeman and our expert team are here to guide you every step of the way.
How much of my stomach do you remove?
Everyone’s stomach is different.
When fasting before surgery the stomach collapses to a shrunken state, a little like letting all the air out of a balloon.
Rather than worrying about how much is removed, we make sure that a standard-sized, safe, narrow tube of stomach is left behind.
When can I resume exercise?
Gentle, frequent movement is highly encouraged as soon as possible, and is one of the best things you can do to help your recovery.
Strength and weights-based training should be commenced once you get the all-clear from your surgeon, this is usually around 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Is surgery painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable they are post-operatively.
Pain and nausea are usually controlled with a combination of medications both in tablet form and through a drip.
They are monitored closely by our specialised nurses and physicians to ensure a supported and safe experience.
How long will it be before i can have my surgery?
The time between initial consultation and surgery varies depending on a patient’s particular health situation and concerns.
We have an average investigation and assessment period of 3 months but this, again, will be tailored to your specific needs.
Is It normal to feel tired after my operation?
Yes, especially after sleeve and bypass surgery, this can last for 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
Losing weight quickly can contribute to fatigue. Taking your recommended nutritional supplements can help.
If you are unsure if your experience is normal, please speak to our nurses.
Do I need to stop smoking?
Smoking increases the risk of a surgical complication by over 10 times and therefore must be avoided.
When you come in for your initial consultation, Dr Freeman will discuss with you the importance of quitting smoking and how you can achieve this in the lead up to your operation.
Unfortunately, if you are still smoking, we are unable to operate as it is a high risk to your health. Additionally, in the long term if gastric bypass patients smoke there is a real risk of causing gastric ulcers.
Where to Find Us
Address
Consulting Suite D6, Holmesglen Private Hospital