Dr Thinus Smit

Dr Thinus Smit Bariatric and metabolic-, upper gastrointestinal-, laparoscopic surgeon in Pretoria, South Africa

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.

After bariatric surgery, protein becomes your anchor.It heals, strengthens, and keeps you fuller for longer.When you rea...
25/10/2025

After bariatric surgery, protein becomes your anchor.

It heals, strengthens, and keeps you fuller for longer.
When you read labels, aim for 10g or more per serving. It’s a simple habit that builds long-term success.

Congratulations to Dr Sepeng and his team on obtaining your SAMMSS accreditation! May you continue to grow as a surgeon ...
24/10/2025

Congratulations to Dr Sepeng and his team on obtaining your SAMMSS accreditation! May you continue to grow as a surgeon and change the lives of many happy patients!

Family is often the biggest motivator for the obese person to seek treatment.  And sometimes a community that is either ...
21/10/2025

Family is often the biggest motivator for the obese person to seek treatment. And sometimes a community that is either positive or negative about your choice. The moment you want to play with your kids or grandkids, or simply be there for milestones in a healthy body — that’s when change becomes urgent and necessary.

The process also allows for family counselling, ensuring your loved ones understand your journey and decision, and the process, risks and adaptations.

Not every success shows on the scale.We call these non-scale victories — NSVs. It’s the joy of walking without pain. The...
17/10/2025

Not every success shows on the scale.
We call these non-scale victories — NSVs.

It’s the joy of walking without pain. The relief of reducing medication. The quiet pride of tying your shoes with ease.
These are the milestones that matter most.

Bariatric surgery has its own language you will learn fast if you or a family member have the privilege of surgery. Here...
14/10/2025

Bariatric surgery has its own language you will learn fast if you or a family member have the privilege of surgery.

Here’s what some of the acronyms mean:
• HW = Highest Weight
• SW = Surgery Weight
• CW = Current Weight
• GW = Goal Weight

These markers tell a story of change, one step at a time. Every number has meaning, but they are only part of the bigger picture.

Better sleep.So many patients tell us they had no idea how little rest they were getting until after surgery.With weight...
03/10/2025

Better sleep.
So many patients tell us they had no idea how little rest they were getting until after surgery.

With weight loss, sleep apnoea often improves or disappears. That means deeper rest, more energy, and mornings that feel brighter than they have in years.

Every patient sits down with a full team: surgeon, dietician, and psychologist.This isn’t just about the operation — it’...
01/10/2025

Every patient sits down with a full team: surgeon, dietician, and psychologist.

This isn’t just about the operation — it’s about preparing for a new life. Each surgery also trains surgeons in South Africa, so tomorrow’s patients don’t wait as long for care. There are also many social communities on WhatsApp groups and social media platforms that share information and lived experiences. You are not alone.

For some, the wake-up call is a doctor’s warning or a serious health crisis: diabetes, heart disease, mobility loss. Sud...
29/09/2025

For some, the wake-up call is a doctor’s warning or a serious health crisis: diabetes, heart disease, mobility loss. Suddenly, the future feels fragile. That’s when bariatric surgery becomes more than an option — it becomes a way to reclaim health and protect what matters most.

Breathing easier.Something you don’t even realise is under pressure when you are obese, until it’s gone. After losing th...
27/09/2025

Breathing easier.
Something you don’t even realise is under pressure when you are obese, until it’s gone. After losing the weight, you discover how much easier it is to do this simple, life-giving thing – breathing.

After surgery, many patients notice improved lung function and energy. Climbing stairs or walking short distances becomes possible again. This is what true change looks like — not just a number on the scale.

The first step is meeting your bariatric team. Medical checks, psychological support, and a consultation with the surgeo...
25/09/2025

The first step is meeting your bariatric team. Medical checks, psychological support, and a consultation with the surgeon all prepare you for success.

And every surgery also adds to the experience of our already well trained South African surgeons — building skills so more people can access this life-saving treatment in future.

There comes a moment when you realise diets and lifestyle changes are no longer enough. For most people living with obes...
23/09/2025

There comes a moment when you realise diets and lifestyle changes are no longer enough. For most people living with obesity, that’s the turning point.

Research shows that only 2% of patients achieve long-term weight loss without medical help. That’s why bariatric surgery becomes a choice for life, not just for weight.

It’s not giving up — it’s choosing a way forward.

What does bariatric surgery really feel like from the patient’s perspective? Join us for a powerful online discussion as...
12/09/2025

What does bariatric surgery really feel like from the patient’s perspective?

Join us for a powerful online discussion as real patients share their personal journeys through bariatric surgery – the highs, the challenges, the breakthroughs.

🗓️Tuesday, 16 September 2025
🕑19:00 – 20:00
💻Online
📲RSVP now: www.obesitycommunityfund.co.za

Whether you’re considering surgery, simply want to understand more, or you want to share your journey with others, this is a safe space to listen, learn, share and connect.

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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