Dr Thinus Smit

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Dr Thinus Smit Bariatric & laparoscopic surgeon, PTA. Info shared on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Individual results may vary. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalised medical guidance. Dr Smit is a laparoscopic and internationally accredited bariatric surgeon. The main focus in his practice is upper GIT surgery and metabolic surgery. Proventi accredited bariatric surgeon
Member of SASES (South African Society of Endoscopic Surgeons)
Exco member of Surgicom
Exco member of SAMMSS (South African Metabolic Medicine and Surgery Society)

Currently head of the BSI Unit for metabolic surgery at Zuid Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria, South Africa.

17/10/2026

The bariatric surgery journey is not only a medical journey. It is also an emotional, practical and long-term commitment.

Whether you are still thinking about bariatric surgery, preparing for the process, or already a post-operative patient, being part of a supportive community can make a meaningful difference.

Join us and Merinda Nortje as one of the speakers, as we discuss the value of community, with insights from patients who have been through the process and understand the journey.

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires ongoing support, education, guidance and care. No one should have to walk this road alone.

20 October 19:00
RSVP on our website: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Disclaimer: This webinar is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance and assessment.

Some patients experience steady progress, while others encounter periods of slower weight loss, changing appetite, emoti...
15/10/2026

Some patients experience steady progress, while others encounter periods of slower weight loss, changing appetite, emotional challenges or unexpected adjustments.
Comparing your journey to someone else's can create unrealistic expectations.
Your health history, treatment, metabolism and individual circumstances all influence your progress.

Rather than focusing only on how quickly the number on the scale changes, consider the broader improvements in your health and wellbeing. Progress is personal. Your treatment and support should be too.

Bariatric surgery changes how much you can eat and, depending on the procedure, how your body absorbs certain nutrients....
12/10/2026

Bariatric surgery changes how much you can eat and, depending on the procedure, how your body absorbs certain nutrients.
Working with a registered dietitian experienced in bariatric care helps patients prepare for surgery, understand nutritional requirements and develop appropriate eating habits afterwards.
From meal progression and protein intake to vitamin supplementation and long-term nutritional monitoring, dietetic support remains important throughout the journey.
Bariatric surgery is one part of treatment. Long-term nutritional care helps support its benefits.

Visit our website for more information www.thinussmit.co.za




This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Obesity treatment, including medication and bariatric surgery, requires individual assessment by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals. Treatment suitability, risks and outcomes may vary from patient to patient.

09/10/2026

The bariatric surgery journey is not only a medical journey. It is also an emotional, practical and long-term commitment.

Whether you are still thinking about bariatric surgery, preparing for the process, or already a post-operative patient, being part of a supportive community can make a meaningful difference.

Join us as we discuss the value of community, with insights from patients who have been through the process and understand the journey.

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires ongoing support, education, guidance and care. No one should have to walk this road alone.

20 October | 19:00
RSVP on our website: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Disclaimer: This webinar is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance and assessment.

Sometimes the biggest changes aren't visible on the scale.Being able to tie your shoes comfortably. Walking without stop...
07/10/2026

Sometimes the biggest changes aren't visible on the scale.
Being able to tie your shoes comfortably. Walking without stopping to catch your breath. Sleeping through the night. Getting onto the floor to play with your children. Feeling stronger and more mobile.

Every patient's obesity treatment journey is different, and progress deserves to be viewed in the context of health, function and quality of life, not kilograms alone.

What has been your biggest non-scale win?



Educational information only. Individual treatment requires assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

01/10/2026

Obesity is a complex disease, which is why treatment often requires more than one healthcare professional.

Depending on the patient's needs, different members of the multidisciplinary team can help address nutrition, medical conditions, movement, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, surgical readiness and long-term follow-up.

At the Obesity Health Centre, we believe that coordinated care gives patients the support they need throughout their journey. Francette Dietitian Nicola Drabble - Bariatric Dietitian South Africa Dr Thinus Smit

Visit www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za for more information.

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that can affect many areas of a person’s health. Effective, evidence-based obesi...
30/09/2026

Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that can affect many areas of a person’s health. Effective, evidence-based obesity treatment can therefore have benefits that extend well beyond the number on the scale.

Research has shown that appropriate obesity treatment can improve — and in some cases lead to remission of — obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea.

Treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on the individual, it may include nutritional and lifestyle support, obesity medication, bariatric surgery, or a combination of approaches as part of multidisciplinary care. The goal is not simply weight loss. It is about improving health, reducing disease burden and supporting a better quality of life.



Educational information only. Not intended as medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs and treatment options.

30/09/2026

Obesity treatment is about much more than achieving a smaller number on the scale.
It is also about improving health.

Obesity is associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease and joint problems. Effective treatment can therefore form an important part of managing your broader health.

The goal is not simply weight loss. The goal is better health. Visit our website for more information. www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za



Disclaimer: The information shared on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Individual circumstances and treatment needs vary. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your specific health needs.

28/09/2026

One of the concerns patients may have when considering bariatric surgery is the possibility of a leak.

A leak is a recognised potential complication of bariatric surgery, where digestive contents can escape through an area where the stomach or intestine has been surgically joined or stapled. Although uncommon, it can be serious and requires prompt medical attention.

Have a question for Dr Thinus? Send us a message and we may feature it in an upcoming Ask Dr Thinus video.



Educational information only. This content does not replace individual medical advice. If you have recently undergone surgery and are concerned about new or worsening symptoms, contact your treating healthcare team promptly.

It was a privilege to join Dr Wayne May on the stage at the World Endo 2026 congress in Cape Town. We were asked to deba...
25/09/2026

It was a privilege to join Dr Wayne May on the stage at the World Endo 2026 congress in Cape Town. We were asked to debate the best strategy to manage the obesity epidemic in SA.
One thing is clear: we need to change the focus to strategies that can change the natural course of the disease, in stead of just managing the complications!

Address

293 Bourke Street, Muckleneuk
Pretoria
0002

Opening Hours

Monday 07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 07:30 - 16:30
Thursday 07:30 - 16:30
Friday 07:30 - 12:30

Telephone

+27123465639

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