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.

🎙️ SPECIAL EPISODE | Loose Skin After Weight Loss – The Answers You NeedLoose skin is one of the most common (and least ...
13/12/2025

🎙️ SPECIAL EPISODE | Loose Skin After Weight Loss – The Answers You Need

Loose skin is one of the most common (and least talked about) concerns after significant weight loss — and it’s something many patients worry about long before surgery even happens.

In this special episode of The Aurora Blueprint, I’m joined by dermatologist Dr Sarah Page to unpack the reality of loose skin after weight loss — what’s normal, what influences it, and what options actually exist.

We cover:
• Why loose skin happens and what determines how much you may experience
• The role of age, genetics, hormones, nutrition and rate of weight loss
• What improves over time — and what won’t
• Evidence-based non-surgical treatments (including skincare, devices & injectables)
• When surgery is considered, and how to think about timing
• How to set realistic, kind expectations for your body as it changes

This is an honest, practical and reassuring conversation — designed to replace fear with understanding and help you make informed decisions.

🎧 Listen / Watch here:

▶️ YouTube:
https://youtu.be/EHHgR0caIzw

🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6GZ5VS093A1xnKXQ6QZY1o?si=vWlUXRbXTgi7QJpJWiDpPA

🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-aurora-blueprint/id1808245607?i=1000736560818

If loose skin has been sitting in the back of your mind, this episode is for you đź’›

If you’ve been thinking about weight-loss medication but feel overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried about the c...
09/12/2025

If you’ve been thinking about weight-loss medication but feel overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or worried about the cost — you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why we created Aurora Medical.

Aurora Medical is our dedicated medical service within Aurora Bariatrics, designed to support women who want a safe, affordable, and medically guided option for weight-loss medication and metabolic health — without long wait times or expensive pricing structures.

Here’s what Aurora Medical offers:

✔️ Affordable, accessible appointments
We’ve made medical support easier to access, with significantly lower consult fees compared to traditional specialist care.

✔️ Expert guidance from clinicians who understand women’s health
Our team includes Specialist Bariatric GP Dr Aimee Pikoos and Surgeon/Metabolic Specialist Dr Ruth Blackham. Together, they provide a whole-body, evidence-based approach to metabolic and hormonal health.

✔️ Safe support for weight-loss medication
If medication is right for you, we guide you through:
– Choosing the safest and most effective option
– Dosing, monitoring and managing side effects
– Transitioning between medications
– Long-term plans if you want to stop
– Combining medication with surgery when needed

✔️ Care tailored to your stage of life
PCOS, post-pregnancy changes, perimenopause, menopause — your hormones drive your metabolism, and we treat the whole picture.

✔️ Options beyond medication
Aurora Medical is part of the broader Aurora Bariatrics team, meaning you can access metabolic testing, surgical consultations, nutrition support and long-term aftercare — all under one roof.

The goal?
To give women safe, affordable access to medical care that supports real metabolic change — not just short-term fixes.

If you’ve been wondering whether medication is right for you, or you want guidance from a team that truly understands women’s health, this is your place.

đź’ś Learn more or book online: aurorabariatrics.com.au/aurora-medical

Introducing Dr Aimee Pikoos — Specialist Bariatric GP, Dietitian, mum of two, and an essential part of both Aurora Medic...
04/12/2025

Introducing Dr Aimee Pikoos — Specialist Bariatric GP, Dietitian, mum of two, and an essential part of both Aurora Medical and the Aurora Surgical team.

With dual qualifications in medicine and dietetics, Dr Aimee brings a whole-person approach to metabolic, nutritional, and bariatric care. She understands the cultural, emotional, and practical challenges women face — and combines compassion with evidence-based guidance to support patients through every stage of their journey, including medication support, metabolic health, and pre- and post-surgical care.

We’re incredibly grateful to have her as part of the Aurora community.

To book with Dr Aimee or learn more about our integrated care, visit aurorabariatrics.com.au

🎧 Special Episode: Anaesthesia, Pain, Nausea & a Smooth Recovery — with Dr Gene PalmerBariatric surgery isn’t just about...
02/12/2025

🎧 Special Episode: Anaesthesia, Pain, Nausea & a Smooth Recovery — with Dr Gene Palmer

Bariatric surgery isn’t just about what happens in the operating theatre — it’s also about how safely, comfortably, and smoothly you recover. In this special episode, Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Gene Palmer takes us behind the scenes of the anaesthetic plan that supports every patient through surgery.
We cover:

💉 Multimodal pain relief — how combining different techniques reduces the need for opioids and helps you wake up clearer and more comfortable.

🌬️ Advanced anti-nausea strategies — because nausea is one of the biggest fears for many patients, and prevention is key.

🧭 Ultrasound-guided abdominal nerve blocks — the evidence-based approach that improves mobility and reduces discomfort in the crucial first hours.

🕓 What to expect in the first 24 hours — from the recovery bay to your first sips of water.

🔒 Practical questions patients always ask — piercings, nail polish, medication instructions, and what actually matters for your safety.

✨ Simple pre- and post-op tips — small steps you can take to make your recovery smoother, calmer, and more predictable.

If you’ve ever wondered “What will the anaesthetic feel like?”, “Will I wake up in pain?”, or “What can I do to make recovery easier?” — this episode gives you clarity, confidence, and answers straight from the expert who sees it all.

🎧 Listen here:
🔵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4i4s8HVJ6mSrhrLkxuz9Bz?si=6a1f1983d6f345d8
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-episode-2-anaesthetist-how-we-manage-pain-nausea/id1808245607?i=1000736564751
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYVmP7p11QI&list=PLk_k3K409iZJlvvfAwQm8l-eLcOwgBnJI&index=4eLcOwgBnJI&index=4

Incredible afternoon with two powerhouse women in surgery ✨So grateful for time with Dr Nikki Stamp, cardiothoracic surg...
30/11/2025

Incredible afternoon with two powerhouse women in surgery ✨

So grateful for time with Dr Nikki Stamp, cardiothoracic surgeon and fierce advocate for women in medicine, and Dr Anh Nguyen, brilliant plastic surgeon and all-round inspiration.

Moments like this are a reminder of the power of connection. When women in surgery come together, we share wisdom, reality, and strength — and walk away sharper, clearer, and more energised.

Here’s to lifting one another higher, always. 💛💫

✨ NEW BLOG: How Metabolic Surgery Improves Women’s Heart & Hormone HealthYour weight, hormones, and heart health are all...
28/11/2025

✨ NEW BLOG: How Metabolic Surgery Improves Women’s Heart & Hormone Health

Your weight, hormones, and heart health are all connected — especially through your 30s, 40s, and 50s.
And while weight-loss medications can help in the short term, many women find the benefits fade once the medication stops.

That’s where metabolic surgery is different.
It doesn’t just manage symptoms — it helps reset how your body processes energy, regulates hunger, stores fat, and balances hormones.

In this new blog, we break down (in simple, easy-to-understand terms):

đź’ś Why metabolism plays a major role in heart health
đź’ś How perimenopause & menopause increase insulin resistance
💜 Where weight-loss medications help — and where they fall short
đź’ś How metabolic surgery reduces visceral fat, improves insulin sensitivity & calms inflammation
đź’ś Why so many women in midlife see their biggest improvements after surgery
đź’ś The long-term heart, hormone & metabolic benefits we see every day in clinic

If you’ve ever wondered why your body feels different now, or why weight loss has become harder with age — this article will help everything click into place.

👉 Read the full blog: How Metabolic Surgery Supports Heart & Hormone Health
https://www.aurorabariatrics.com.au/blog

✨ Such a great day in our Subiaco rooms today! ✨Kendall (our amazing Nurse Practitioner) and I had a full, energising cl...
28/11/2025

✨ Such a great day in our Subiaco rooms today! ✨

Kendall (our amazing Nurse Practitioner) and I had a full, energising clinic and loved seeing everyone kicking goals with their health.

As we head into the weekend, I hope you all get a chance to rest, recharge, and do something just for you. đź’›

A quick update for next week: Claire will be on personal leave, so the wonderful Caroline will be stepping in to support our team and patients until she’s back the following week.

Have a beautiful weekend, everyone — thank you for being part of our Aurora community. 🌿💫

Dr Ruth x

Following from Part 1, we know that heart disease is the number one cause of death in women — but most risk factors are ...
26/11/2025

Following from Part 1, we know that heart disease is the number one cause of death in women — but most risk factors are preventable.

Here in Part 2 we look at practical guide of how to protect your heart.

As oestrogen declines through menopause, your metabolism and heart health can shift.

The good news?

The same healthy habits that support your metabolism also protect your heart.

Swipe through to find out more.

Your heart keeps you going — give it the care it deserves.

🎙️Episode #3 of our six-part special series is now live — and this one is a game-changer for women thinking about paren...
22/11/2025

🎙️Episode #3 of our six-part special series is now live — and this one is a game-changer for women thinking about parenthood after weight-loss surgery.

✨ “Pregnancy After Bariatric Surgery – Timing, Risks & Rewards”

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

In this episode I’m joined by Consultant Obstetrician Dr Eman Al-Naggar to unpack one of the most important questions for female patients post-surgery: “When is the right time to conceive? What risks should I know about? And how can I optimise both my health and our baby’s health?”

We cover:
• The optimal timing of pregnancy after procedures like sleeve or bypass
• Key risks for mother and baby (nutritional, surgical, obstetric) after bariatric surgery
• How metabolic health, hormones and nutritional status interplay with fertility and pregnancy outcomes
• Practical strategies for pre-conception: nutrient optimisation, weight stabilisation, medical follow-up
• What to expect during the pregnancy journey and how to work closely with your surgical/metabolic team
• Real-world considerations for women aged 25-50 navigating surgery, hormones, fertility and identity

🎧 If you’re a woman who’s had (or considering) bariatric surgery and thinking about becoming pregnant — or supporting someone who's in that position — this episode will give clarity, reassurance and direction.

đź”— Listen/Watch now:
• Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hQg1uMkcy8600GR5XreEc?si=5781a76b7d5b4df3
• Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-episode-6-pregnancy-after-bariatric-surgery/id1808245607?i=1000736564781
• YouTube → https://youtu.be/hmyTMtGRk_w

🎙️ It’s finally here!The second of our six special episodes of The Aurora Blueprint is LIVE — and this one goes straight...
19/11/2025

🎙️ It’s finally here!

The second of our six special episodes of The Aurora Blueprint is LIVE — and this one goes straight to the operating theatre.

✨ “What an Anaesthetist Really Does During Bariatric Surgery”
Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

If you’ve ever wondered:
“What actually happens while I’m asleep in surgery?”
“Who’s watching my breathing, blood pressure and heart?”
“How safe is bariatric anaesthesia, really?”
…this episode is for you.

In this special episode, I sit down with our bariatric anaesthetist Dr Gene Palmer to unpack what really happens behind the scenes on your surgery day, including:
• How your anaesthetist keeps you safe from the moment you walk into theatre
• What they monitor constantly while you’re asleep (breathing, heart, blood pressure, oxygen levels and more)
• Specific risks in bariatric surgery and how the team reduces them
• How we manage pain, nausea, clots and breathing after surgery
• What to expect when you wake up in recovery
• Questions patients should ask their anaesthetist — but often don’t

🎧 If you’re considering bariatric surgery or supporting someone who is, this episode will give you a clear, calm and honest look at what really goes on while you’re under anaesthetic.

đź”— Listen/Watch now:
• Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/episode/7hlrPt77hwRUWmdsG9ZvJ7?si=26b8c84d5f2a49e2
• Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-episode-1-what-an-anaesthetist-really-does/id1808245607?i=1000736564881
• YouTube → https://youtu.be/MVTYtwAUBBA

After bariatric surgery, hydration is one of the most important parts of your recovery.Because your stomach is smaller, ...
18/11/2025

After bariatric surgery, hydration is one of the most important parts of your recovery.

Because your stomach is smaller, it can’t hold as much fluid — so drinking little and often is key.
Water helps your body heal, keeps digestion running smoothly, and supports energy and focus.

đź’§ Top tips:
– Sip water or herbal tea throughout the day
– Avoid fizzy drinks and straws — they can cause bloating and discomfort
– Keep a bottle handy and aim for small, steady sips rather than big gulps

Your new stomach may be smaller — but your hydration still matters just as much.

🎙️ 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

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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