Francette Dietitian

15/09/2026

Are you considering bariatric surgery but you have questions?
Join us on Thursday to find out more about the steps in the bariatric surgery process. Register for this free webinar on our website

www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za

Thinking about bariatric surgery and wondering what the journey involves?
Join Dr Thinus Smit and the Obesity Health Centre’s multidisciplinary team for an informative webinar on:
The Steps in the Bariatric Surgery Process

We will guide you through the different stages—from your initial consultation and multidisciplinary assessments to preparation for surgery, recovery and long-term follow-up care.

This webinar is ideal for anyone considering bariatric surgery, as well as family members who would like to understand the journey and how they can provide support.
17 September 2026
19:00
Free online webinar

Visit our website to register for the webinar: www.obesityhealthcentre.co.za

Take the first step by learning what to expect and how our multidisciplinary team will support you throughout your journey.

24/08/2026

THINK BARIATRIC SURGERY IS FINANCIALLY OUT OF REACH?
JOIN THE OCF ONLINE — 25 AUGUST 2026 | 19:00

The Obesity Community Fund (OCF) is a non-profit organisation started by patients, for patients, to make bariatric surgery more accessible to people who cannot afford the full cost of private surgery.

Our community co-funding model provides eligible members with access to additional funding towards surgery.

We set out to enable 10 surgeries in our first official year in 2026. We have already enabled 21 — and have just received sponsorship for another 7 candidates in 2026.

Want to know how the OCF works and whether you could qualify to become a member?

Join our online information webinar to find out:

25 August 2026
19:00
Online

Learn how the co-funding model works, who can apply, what membership involves and how the journey from waiting list to surgery works.

Register on our website to receive the webinar link. www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

13/08/2026

Who is the Obesity Community Fund for?

OCF is designed for responsible, committed and community-minded patients who are ready to take the next step in their health journey.

The ideal OCF member understands that obesity is a disease — not a personal failure — but also recognises that long-term care requires commitment, participation and responsibility.

OCF works best for patients who are willing to:

• Attend medical appointments and follow clinical guidance
• Build and maintain healthy habits
• Participate in the fund’s community model
• Contribute financially where required
• Advocate, volunteer or help raise awareness
• Support the broader mission of creating access for others

This fund is not an individual shortcut. It is a shared access model built on responsibility, dignity, fairness and community support.

Together, we make life-changing surgery possible.

Visit: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

This information is educational and does not replace professional medical advice. A medical assessment is required for personalised care.

24/07/2026

🙌🏻 What a privilege to be part of such a remarkable journey! He is healthy and full of energy and his quality of life has taken a 180 degree turn!

Obesity is a chronic disease and NOT personal failure. For many lifestyle changes are not enough.

We are here to help.
Reach out to book an appointment to discuss your options.

📍 Dr Thinus Smit - Zuid Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa
📧 [email protected]

One year after his SADI bariatric surgery, Graig Smith returned for his annual follow-up appointment with our specialist bariatric surgeon and bariatric dietitian, to celebrate an incredible milestone.

Before surgery: 237 kg
One year later: 125 kg

While the numbers are remarkable, Graig's story is about so much more than weight loss. It's about improving health, mobility, confidence, and quality of life.

Obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure. For some people, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Bariatric surgery, together with the support of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, is an evidence-based treatment option that can help improve long-term health outcomes.

Graig hopes that by sharing his journey, others living with obesity will know that they are not alone—and that help is available.

If you've been wondering whether bariatric surgery could be an option for you, start by having a conversation. Understanding your options is the first step towards better health. Visit our website www.thinussmit.co.za



Disclaimer: Graig has given permission for his story and images to be shared. This post is for educational and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for an individual assessment and treatment recommendations.

22/07/2026

🙌🏻 Life-saving bariatric surgeries today in collaboration with Dr Thinus Smit Obesity Community Fund Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital hospital and Vertice MedTech
We are working to create better access to obesity care in South Africa. To become part of this growing movement for change visit
www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

22/06/2026

20/06/2026

Meet Dr Rouxzanne Roos 🤓
General Surgeon on our with Dr Thinus Smit
📍 Zuid Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria

We are excited to welcome Dr Rouxzanne Roos to Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital.

Dr Rouxzanne Roos is a General Surgeon with a special interest in bariatric, robotic, and minimally invasive surgery.

She obtained her MBChB degree from the University of Pretoria in 2014 and has since worked across several leading South African hospitals. Dr Roos completed her Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of South Africa (FCS) with Cum Laude distinction and was awarded the prestigious Douglas Medal. She also completed her MMed through Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

Dr Roos currently works alongside experienced Bariatric and Upper GI Surgeon Dr Thinus Smit at Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital. She has completed numerous advanced life support and trauma certifications, including ACLS, ATLS, PALS, and BSS.

Her dedication to surgical excellence is complemented by research experience, including a publication in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports.

In addition, Dr Roos has a keen interest in endoscopy and offers in-room gastroscopy and colonoscopy services, as well as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, hernia surgery, and other day procedures which she performs at ZAH Day Hospital.

📍 Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, Suite 305, 293 Bourke Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria

📞 012 346 5639

✉️ [email protected]

🌐www.zah.co.za

20/06/2026

Meet Lindi, OCF patient nr 15!
🏥 We met Lindi in 2024 and the plan was to have bariatric surgery in Jan 2025, but her medical aid does not fund bariatric procedures. Despite several attempts to motivate for surgery, the request was still denied.

She joined the stokvel initiative of the Obesity Community Fund and today she was able to get life changing bariatric surgery with Dr Thinus Smit and Dr Rouxzanne Roos 🙌🏻

It was a very emotional start to our day - big emotions and lots to be thankful for.
Dr Esther Mowat
Nicola Drabble - Bariatric Dietitian South Africa

10/04/2026

🌻 Remember Lindani? It is almost 5 months after her gastric sleeve surgery and she is loving life 🎉 In November 2025 she was able to have surgery with Dr Thinus Smit at Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital due to the BEST “stokvel” initiative ever - the Obesity Community Fund.
Watch this space to follow the rest of her health journey.

Lindani learned about the OBESITY COMMUNITY FUND from a friend.

⁉️ Who will you tell about this amazing initiative?

For more info visit www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Unsure if you will qualify for surgery? Then reach out for an appointment:
📞 012 346 5639
📧 [email protected]

04/03/2026

📻 🔈 Luister hier 🤓
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0I24lNl6vcBaihy62jCeaF?si=aVMJZlTBTt6OisWC1u3AHA&t=8