Dr Matt, New Me Surgeon, an introduction.

Hello, I’m Matt. I’m glad you’re here, and I want to share with you a bit of my journey—the path that led to New Me Surgery and how it’s become a part of my life, my purpose, and, ultimately, my vision for a better bariatric experience.

Back in 2019, things were a little different. My wife and I had just moved into our fifth house in as many years. Three kids, a new neighbourhood, and finally, a home on Tuckfield Street that felt like a place we could settle. After years of renting, flipping, and moving, we found a house meant to be lived in, where our family could grow and ground itself. That same year, I took a trip back to South Africa, reconnecting with family and revisiting places that shaped my life. It was an emotional journey that reminded me of my roots, why I became a surgeon in the first place, and what I wanted to achieve.

By then, I’d been in private practice for four years, a transition that taught me a lot about the inner workings of healthcare and the intricacies of running a practice. I had to build my way up, facing new challenges that no amount of medical training had prepared me for. My interest in business had always been there—something I’ll share more about another time—but as I worked, I started seeing more clearly how I could meaningfully combine my passion for healthcare and entrepreneurship.

Around this time, I observed the bariatric surgery landscape with a growing curiosity and a bit of concern. I noticed certain trends, and they left an impression on me. I realized that surgeons respected by their peers weren’t always connecting with patients on the emotional front—the very side of this journey that matters so deeply when you’re dealing with something as complex as obesity. Conversely, surgeons who patients celebrated weren’t always held in the highest regard by colleagues. There was a divide between technical expertise and emotional understanding, and it was a gap I felt strongly about bridging.

Then, there was the misconception that surgery was a “quick fix.” Many patients—and even some healthcare providers—believed that surgery was all you needed. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, surgery isn’t the answer. It’s more like flipping a switch, a circuit changer, and what follows are crucial changes in habits, self-care, and the support systems people build around them. Success after surgery is much more than a number on a scale—it’s a lifestyle transformation. I wanted to be part of a process that would truly empower people to embrace that change, to see surgery as the start of something, not the end.

That’s how the “line in the sand” came about. I wanted my patients to feel like this was a turning point they could see, feel, and remember. Surgery is an internal experience, but I wanted to make it tangible. So, I created a gift pack for my patients—a simple gesture that conveyed my hopes for them as they began this new chapter. To my knowledge, I was one of the first surgeons to offer something like this, and I was proud to create something meaningful that set a different tone for recovery. It has since been replicated, which, while sometimes frustrating, reminds me that this idea resonated with others, too. After all, healthcare is about the ideas that move us all forward.

New Me Surgery became my opportunity to shape a bariatric service that could offer more—a place where patients could find compassion, real support, and the tools they needed for true transformation. It’s not just about weight loss. It’s about life transformation, a commitment to becoming the person you know you can be. As Harriet Lerner aptly put it, “Personal growth and change is a self-loving task, and it doesn’t flourish in an atmosphere of self-depreciation and self-blame.” That message has stayed with me because I’ve seen how often people carry shame or frustration into this journey. But shame isn’t a path to healing. Self-compassion is. I hope New Me Surgery embodies that approach.

Now, we’re closing in on the end of 2024, and it’s been five years since this dream took shape. I can’t say the journey has been easy. Bringing this website, this blog, and this business to life has been a labour of love. It’s taken time, energy, and plenty of financial investment. I would love to say it’s everything I dreamed of, but it’s been an evolving process like most things in life. Along the way, I’ve learned that our patients have needs beyond what I initially anticipated. For many people dealing with weight issues, the challenges go far beyond just diet and exercise. They’re dealing with complex problems that affect every part of their lives, and that means that bariatric care has to be as flexible, accessible, and compassionate as possible.

One of the biggest lessons? Keep it simple. Most of us, myself included, are busy, and no one wants to spend precious time wading through complicated websites or waiting for videos to load. I designed New Me Surgery to be straightforward to navigate because I know that’s what patients need. And as I continue to learn, I adapt. This business isn’t exactly what I envisioned initially, but it’s responsive and designed to grow with each patient’s journey.

My gratitude for those who have been with me is a massive part of this journey. I owe much to my patients, whose trust and insights have pushed me to refine our service. To my wife and kids, who have supported me through the long hours, late nights, and moments of doubt. To the talented folks at OKMG who’ve been behind the scenes making all of this come to life. This is our journey, not just mine, and I couldn’t have done it without each of you.

And yet, I still feel there’s more to be done. Bariatric surgery is about community; we fail alone. I want to keep building a space where patients find support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Whether through a private patients-only page, community-building activities, podcasts, or even virtual challenges, my goal is to foster that spirit of connection and support that makes a difference.

And that’s why I’ve also started this blog—a space where I can share what I’m learning, the resources that move me, and thoughts on the journey we’re all on. It’s where I’ll reflect on the insights I gain from medicine and the wider world. Shows like ER, Grey’s Anatomy, and House speak to people because they highlight the courage, challenges, and humanity within healthcare. As one of a growing number of bariatric surgeons in Perth, I know I’m part of a larger community, and I want to share my unique perspective, one built on a commitment to compassion and lasting change.

This blog is my way of opening a window into that journey. I invite you to walk with me—not because our goals are the same, but because we’re all working toward something that matters. Whatever your journey or brave steps, I hope this space gives you insight, support, and inspiration.

I plan to post as often as I can. It’s a journey, and only time will tell how often I can share, but I welcome you to read, reflect, and comment—whether here or privately. Brené Brown reminds us that feedback is an invitation to expand, and I hope this blog becomes a space for respectful, insightful conversation. Your comments, insights, and questions are welcome; together, we can build a community that supports each other.

Thank you for being here, reading, and walking this journey with me.