Dr Ruth Blackham, Aurora Bariatrics

Dr Ruth Blackham, Aurora Bariatrics A/Professor Blackham is a Consultant Surgeon and Director of Aurora Bariatrics.

Our Surgeon ensures compassion and excellence in caring for all her patients, located SOR at SJOG Murdoch Hospital and NOR at The Mount Hospital.

🎙️ It’s finally here!The first of six special episodes of The Aurora Blueprint just dropped — and we’re kicking it off w...
15/11/2025

🎙️ It’s finally here!

The first of six special episodes of The Aurora Blueprint just dropped — and we’re kicking it off with one of the most requested topics from patients in our clinic and community:

✨ HAIR LOSS AFTER LOSING WEIGHT — why it happens, and when it comes back.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.
In this special episode, I sit down with Consultant Dermatologist Dr Sarah Page to unpack one of the biggest anxieties after massive weight loss, hormone shifts, stress, or surgery: “Why is my hair falling out… and is it permanent?”

We cover:
• The physiology of hair shedding (and why it often hits 3–4 months later)
• Stress, hormones, thyroid health & metabolic factors
• How bariatric surgery and rapid weight loss impact the hair cycle
• What blood tests actually matter
• Nutrition, supplements & scalp care that genuinely help
• When to see a dermatologist
• And most importantly — when your hair returns

🎧 Whether you're on a weight-loss journey, postpartum, perimenopausal or recovering from a stressful season — this episode will make you feel seen, supported and informed.

Links here (and in each channel)
Spotify podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/47RMVNF2zjrbB7z8U9rjIq?si=f7d687b89ae04d3c
Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-episode-3-dermatologist-why-your-hair-is-shedding/id1808245607?i=1000736558953
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/UizW6UrhLfs

Weight loss medications can be powerful tools — but they work best while you’re taking them.They help control appetite, ...
10/11/2025

Weight loss medications can be powerful tools — but they work best while you’re taking them.

They help control appetite, but they don’t change how your body processes food or manages energy.

Once stopped, hunger and weight regain often return — because the underlying metabolic system hasn’t been reset.

That’s where surgery can make a difference.
Bariatric surgery works on the metabolic level — improving insulin sensitivity and hunger hormones to support long-term weight stability and overall metabolic health.

It’s not about choosing one or the other.
It’s about finding what works for you — and building a plan that supports long-term results, not short-term fixes.

đź’ś At Aurora Bariatrics, we combine medical, surgical, and metabolic care to help patients achieve sustainable health outcomes.
Learn more at aurorabariatrics.com.au

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Dr Ruth Blackham! 🥳You lead with compassion, care deeply for your patients, and inspire ...
10/11/2025

Happy Birthday to our wonderful Dr Ruth Blackham! 🥳

You lead with compassion, care deeply for your patients, and inspire our team every single day.
Thank you for the energy, kindness, and expertise you bring to everything you do.

💜 We’re so grateful for you, Dr Ruth — wishing you a beautiful year ahead!

Hormones shape metabolism — especially through perimenopause and menopause.Understanding these shifts helps explain why ...
04/11/2025

Hormones shape metabolism — especially through perimenopause and menopause.

Understanding these shifts helps explain why weight loss can feel harder, and how a hybrid medical-surgical approach can help rebalance the system. It's not a one size fits all.

You're not alone in this journey, we're here to support you.

The Quiet Work of Caring. Sometimes life pauses for a moment and reminds you what really matters.I’ve unexpectedly spent...
30/10/2025

The Quiet Work of Caring.

Sometimes life pauses for a moment and reminds you what really matters.
I’ve unexpectedly spent the past day in hospital with my child — he’ll be fine, thankfully — but it’s given me space to reflect on what so many of my patients live through every day.

The caring. The waiting. The quiet strength it takes to hold everything together when someone you love needs help.

So many of you are doing that right now — caring for children, partners, or parents while balancing work, appointments, and your own wellbeing. It’s unseen work, but it’s the heart of what keeps families going.

And to the nurses, doctors, allied health staff, and orderlies who make this all possible — thank you. You’re the calm in the chaos, the kindness in the corridor, and the reason so many families can finally exhale.

To all of you carrying that invisible load: I see you. You’re doing more than enough. And sometimes, caring for yourself is part of caring for them too. 💙

Dr Ruth x

Why can’t I lose weight — even when I’ve tried everything?If you’ve ever felt like you’re eating less, exercising more, ...
30/10/2025

Why can’t I lose weight — even when I’ve tried everything?

If you’ve ever felt like you’re eating less, exercising more, and still not seeing results, you’re not alone.

For many people living with obesity, the body itself can make weight loss difficult. Factors like metabolic resistance, hormones, and chronic health conditions mean that dieting and willpower alone often aren’t enough.

In our latest blog, we break down:
– What metabolic resistance is
– How hormones affect weight
– Why constant dieting can backfire
– What medical and surgical options may help

đź“– Read the full post here: https://www.aurorabariatrics.com.au/blog

đź’™ Appreciation Post for GPs đź’™After a full day of caring for patients, so many GPs still show up in the evening to learn,...
28/10/2025

đź’™ Appreciation Post for GPs đź’™

After a full day of caring for patients, so many GPs still show up in the evening to learn, share ideas, and keep growing — and that never fails to impress me.

It was such a privilege to be invited to speak at a GP dinner in Port Kennedy tonight. The energy in the room was genuine curiosity and care — proof that medicine isn’t just a job, it’s a calling that continues long after clinic doors close.

A huge thank you to Dr Harmeet Singh for chairing the meeting so thoughtfully — and to every GP who keeps showing up for their patients and each other. You’re the heartbeat of healthcare. 💙

Dr Ruth x

Women’s Health Seminar 2025A privilege to speak at the Clinipath Women’s Health Seminar alongside an inspiring panel of ...
26/10/2025

Women’s Health Seminar 2025

A privilege to speak at the Clinipath Women’s Health Seminar alongside an inspiring panel of six clinicians dedicated to advancing women’s health across every stage of life.

My talk, “Beyond the Scales: Women, Wellness, and the Future of Metabolic Health,” explored how we can shift the focus from weight alone to a broader understanding of metabolic wellbeing — integrating hormones, nutrition, muscle health, and longevity science.

It was a pleasure to present alongside endocrinologist Dr Kalani Arachchige, who shared valuable insights on bone health in midlife — a reminder that metabolic and hormonal health are deeply intertwined.

Thank you to Clinipath Pathology and the University of Western Australia for hosting such a thoughtful and evidence-based program.

(📸 With Dr Kalani Arachchige after our sessions at The University Club of WA)

We went exploring new clinic locations to expand Aurora. How beautiful is Perth’s beachfront! (Well, before the rain hit...
25/10/2025

We went exploring new clinic locations to expand Aurora.
How beautiful is Perth’s beachfront! (Well, before the rain hit!)

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Dr Ruth x

If your surgery day is coming up, it’s normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Knowing what to expect can make th...
23/10/2025

If your surgery day is coming up, it’s normal to feel a mix of nerves and excitement. Knowing what to expect can make the day feel less overwhelming — and help you arrive feeling calm and prepared.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how the day usually unfolds at Aurora:

⏰ Morning of surgery
You’ll arrive at your scheduled time (the hospital will confirm this with you). You’ll need to have fasted — which means no food or drink from the time you were instructed. Bring your essentials like your Medicare/private health card, photo ID, and an overnight bag with comfortable clothes, toiletries, and any regular medications.

⚕️ In theatre
Before surgery, you’ll meet your anaesthetist and the surgical team, who will explain what’s happening and answer any last questions. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic, and the time in theatre depends on the type of surgery.

đź’¤ Recovery room
After surgery, you’ll wake up in the recovery area where nurses will monitor you closely. It’s normal to feel drowsy or a little sore — and you’ll be given pain relief as needed.

🌅 Day 1 post-op
As you settle in, the team will guide you to begin gentle movement. Clear fluids may be introduced, and you’ll continue to be supported with pain management, monitoring, and preparation for your next steps in recovery.

✨ Surgery day is the start of your journey toward long-term health. While every person’s recovery is unique, knowing the basics can help you feel reassured and ready.

👉 Swipe through the infographic to see the full timeline, including what to pack and how to prepare.

đź’¬ Have questions?

Drop them in the comments and we’ll cover them in future posts.

Brittany’s health challenges began in her 20s after having four children, when she gained around 60kg and developed insu...
16/10/2025

Brittany’s health challenges began in her 20s after having four children, when she gained around 60kg and developed insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. Despite exercising daily, she wasn’t seeing results and often felt tired, anxious, and unable to fully engage with her kids.

When she noticed her eating habits starting to influence her children, Brittany decided it was time to make her health a priority. “I realised my kids needed a healthy mum, and I needed to prioritise my own health too.”

Reflecting on her journey, Brittany explains: “For me, surgery was about taking a step to reset my health.”

Bariatric surgery is one treatment option that may support improvements in metabolic health — the way the body processes food, uses energy, and regulates hormones. Research shows it can help with blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, energy, and hormone balance.

It’s important to remember that outcomes vary, and results are different for each individual. Improvements may begin within weeks but often develop gradually with lifestyle changes and ongoing support.

At Aurora Bariatrics, we combine bariatric surgery, metabolic medicine, and long-term aftercare to support patients in managing their health into the future.

👉 Book a consultation to learn more about your options.

Address

100 Murdoch Drive
Murdoch, WA
6150

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61864787631

Website

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