gallstones

Weight loss surgery works better than dieting?

Tue, 04 May 2021 06:25:11 GMT

Weight loss surgery is more effective than dieting?

“I'd like to have surgery, but is it really worth it?”

What kinds of people generally consider weight loss surgery?

Many people who have tried dieting and failed many times find that weight loss surgery can be the answer.

Surgery is often the answer an obese person needs to kick-start the weight loss journey and move towards a healthier life.

Often those who undergo surgery are facing real health issues because of their

obesity.

What kinds of surgery are there?

Weight Loss surgery comes under three main types, in order of complexity:

Gastric Sleeve (or Sleeve Gastrectomy) – removal of a portion of the stomach to reduce hunger and drive portion control
Gastric Bypass – sectioning of the stomach and bypassing of food flow, which prevents absorption of the calories consumed.
Gastric Band - restricts overeating and is easily removable

Note: Generally, each surgery has the additional benefit of resolving diabetes for many patients.

How does it work?

Whatever surgical options are chosen can depend on the individual’s needs and habits.

Weight loss surgery aims to reduce body fat. The main way to do this is to:

a) reduce food intake ability,

b) promote earlier appetite satiation, and

c) In the case of gastric bypass minimise the absorption of fat from the diet.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

Here's a quick overview of the amount of excess weight you can honestly expect to lose in the 12-18 months following surgery.

Below are average weight loss outcomes of our patients

Gastric Sleeve – 60-70%

Gastric Bypass – 80%

Gastric Banding – 50-60%

Your Important Questions

The first thing you need to ask yourself is - “How badly do I want to lose weight?”

You might also want to question - “Is my obesity affecting my health?

And finally - “Do I want to live a healthier, happier and more active life?”

Your Next Step

If your answers are: “Badly”, “Yes” and “Yes” then you're ready for the next step, which is to consult with an experienced obesity surgeon.

Weight loss surgery is appropriate for people with a BMI of more than 35, particularly when weight-related health problems have also started to emerge.

Arrange a consultation with Dr Maani

Or Call 1300 849 118

Reduce Risks of Heart Attack

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 20:00:02 GMT

Weight Loss Surgery Cuts Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

Bariatric surgery can lead to significant weight loss and most patients can keep their weight off for a long period of time these changes that can happen after these type of procedures including Change in the uh hormones in the bile acids in the microbiome these may explain the improvement in metabolic profile of these patients after surgery that can exceed those expected from weight loss alone.

Obese people who decide to undergo stomach surgery to speed weight loss may lower their risk of having – and dying from – a heart attack or stroke, according to new research.

Swedish researchers followed 4,047 very obese men and women for an average of 15 years. Roughly half of the participants opted to have weight-loss surgery (also known as bariatric surgery) at the beginning of the study, and those who did were 33% less likely than those who skipped surgery to have a heart attack or stroke. They were also 53% less likely to die from one.

After 15 years, the people who underwent surgery had lost 16% of their initial body weight, on average, while those who didn’t have surgery maintained roughly the same weight.

Surprisingly, though, the amount of weight loss among the surgery patients was not associated with the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

“The benefit is similar at [both] smaller and larger subsequent weight losses,” says lead author Lars Sjöström, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of internal medicine at the University of Gothenburg.

Health.com: 5 ways to cut your heart attack risk

The findings were published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study, though relatively large, may not have been quite big enough to detect subtle relationships between weight loss and heart risk. (Only 199 participants in the surgery group, or 10%, had a heart attack or stroke, and just 28 died from one.) But it also could be that the health benefits associated with post-surgery weight loss vary from person to person.

“Not everybody who has obesity has the same health risk,” says Edward H. Livingston, M.D., the chairman of gastrointestinal surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, who wrote an editorial accompanying the study. “A lot of people are obese, but that obesity doesn’t affect them that much.”

For instance, although none of the study participants had diabetes, people with higher pre-surgery levels of the hormone insulin had a lower long-term risk of heart attacks and strokes than people with lower insulin levels who also had surgery. High insulin levels may therefore be important to consider when identifying candidates for bariatric surgery, Sjöström says.

Health.com: Could you have Type 2 diabetes? 10 symptoms

Livingston says surgery may be especially beneficial for people who have diabetes. On the other hand, he says, obese patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) may see a relatively small reduction in long-term heart risk because hypertension is largely hereditary and is less likely to be affected by weight-loss surgery.

Mitchell Roslin, M.D., chief of bariatric surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City, says the new study is notable because it tracked heart attacks and strokes over a long period of time, not just reductions in heart-disease risk factors such as cholesterol or blood pressure.

Bariatric surgery is still a relatively new procedure, however, and little is known about how well or how poorly people do over decades, Livingston says.

“We really don’t know [the] long-term benefits or risks.”

Health.com: Surgery is no quick fix for obese teens

Of the 2,010 study participants who had surgery, 68% chose vertical banded gastroplasty, 19% underwent banding, and 13% had gastric bypass. The first two procedures involve banding or stapling the stomach to reduce stomach capacity (and appetite). Bypass surgery, meanwhile, creates a detour of sorts in the digestive tract that affects how food is absorbed.

A major shortcoming of the study is that the researchers didn’t randomly assign the participants to have surgery. Even though the authors took into account factors such as smoking and cholesterol levels, the patients who decided to go ahead with surgery may be different in key ways from those who decided against it, Livingston says.

“People who understand bariatric surgery are individuals who are more motivated to address their health issues,” he says. “The people who didn’t pursue bariatric surgery are probably less likely to take care of themselves, or willing to take care of themselves, so the two groups of people are fundamentally different. I think it’s that difference that accounts for the better outcome.”

What is the Best Weight Loss Surgery

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 23:00:05 GMT

What is the Best Weight Loss Surgery?

How Does Obesity Affect You?

Obesity substantially contributes to

preventable, non-communicable diseases,
shortened life-expectancy and
impaired quality of life.

Obesity is now challenging smoking as the major cause of potentially preventable death in Australia.

Related Conditions to Obesity

At least 80% of people with obesity will develop at least one of these conditions, and 60% will develop at least three. The list of medical problems related to obesity is long and continues to grow as more research in this field of medicine develops.

Obesity is linked to:

Early Death

Obese people have a 50% to 100% increased risk of premature death and shorter life expectancy.

Chronic Illness

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic conditions such as

Type 2 Diabetes,
Heart disease,
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure,
High Cholesterol.
Stroke,
Musculoskeletal disorders and
Impaired psychosocial functioning.

Avoidable Diseases

Fatty Liver Disease,
Breathing difficulties (e.g., sleep apnoea, asthma),
Arthritis, and Back Pain, Pregnancy Complications,
Gallbladder Problems,
Urinary Incontinence,
Anxiety, Depression, and
Digestive disorders (eg., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Risk of Cancer

Breast Cancer,
Uterine Cancer, and
Colon Cancer.

Obesity is avoidable and treatable. Many of the conditions and illnesses related to obesity can be resolved with weight loss.

What are the Causes of Obesity?

Weight gain and long-term obesity can be caused by a number of factors:

Genetical background – positive family history
Insulin Resistance
Lack of Exercise
Obesogenic environment i.e. driving vs walking, processed or fast foods, irregular diets, stress etc.

Symptoms of Obesity

Clinical obesity and weight gain can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Some symptoms of obesity include:

Low back pain or Backaches.
Feeling tired all the time.
Heavy sweating.
Joint pain (especially weight-bearing knee and hip joints).
Low confidence or self-esteem.
Shortness of breath.
Snoring or Sleep Apnoea.

Obesity Diagnosis

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used method for determining a patient’s weight category. The BMI is calculated by dividing measured weight (kg) by the square of measured height (cm).

The diagnosis of Obesity requires

Complete present and past history
Complaints
Review of family history
Physical examination including, weight, height and waist measurement
Blood tests

A GP may ask additional questions about your lifestyle and any potential underlying health issues.

Classification of Obesity

Morbid obesity also referred to as “clinically severe obesity” or “extreme obesity,” was defined as the criteria for bariatric surgery by the 1991 NIH Consensus Conference Statement on Gastrointestinal Surgery for Severe Obesity as a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m^2^ or a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m^2^ in the presence of high-risk comorbid conditions.

Obesity was further classified in the 1998 NIH Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults into Class I, Class II, and Class III.

Why Treat Obesity?

If left untreated, obesity can lead to a number of serious health issues including:

Arthritis
Certain cancers
Coronary heart disease
High blood pressure
Psychological conditions
Respiratory disorders
Sleep apnea
Stroke
Type two diabetes

Obesity Treatments

There are a number of options available for those who want to treat their obesity:

Healthy Nutrition
Exercise
Medication
Behavioural modification

Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly.

I'm Not Hungry Since My Sleeve Gastroscopy

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 23:00:03 GMT

I'm Not Hungry Since My Sleeve Gastroscopy

Discover what gastric sleeve surgery involves, whether you are eligible, and how it can help you to reduce your food intake.

How Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?

There isn't just one operation. There are several kinds of these metabolic and bariatric surgeries, as doctors call them. They work in one of the following ways:

Limit how much food your stomach can hold, so you eat less and lose weight.
Stop your digestive system from absorbing some of the calories and nutrients in the foods you eat.
Use both of the above methods.

Who is eligible for gastric sleeve surgery?

It’s important to note that, along with every other type of bariatric surgery, a gastric sleeve should only be considered after serious efforts to improve your diet and exercise habits have been unsuccessful.

You need to have a lot of extra pounds to be a candidate for weight loss surgery:

Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more (more than100 pounds overweight).
BMI of 35-40 (about 80 pounds overweight) and you have diabetes or a metabolic syndrome, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or obstructive sleep apnea. (Your doctor will have the full list.)
BMI of 30-35 and you have a certain kind of diabetes or a combination of other serious health conditions called the metabolic syndrome.

When Diet and Exercise is Not Enough

Unfortunately, sometimes frequent exercise and healthy eating alone cannot effectively treat obesity. In such a situation, your doctor may recommend gastric sleeve surgery.

Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this bariatric procedure is designed to help you lose weight by removing a large section of your stomach. The remaining portions are stapled together to form a sleeve-shaped stomach that is approximately 10% of the size it used to be.

The result? You’ll feel full after eating smaller portions and less hungry, to begin with, thanks to lower levels of ghrelin (a hormone that boosts your appetite). Combined with a healthy lifestyle, these outcomes will support you to lose weight and keep it off.

But before you book a consultation, it’s important to understand exactly what this surgery involves, as well as its implications and requirements. In this introductory guide to gastric sleeve surgery, we’ll explain its eligibility criteria, procedural steps, expected outcomes and potential risks.

How is the stomach removed in gastric sleeve surgery?

A bariatric surgeon will perform your sleeve gastrectomy via keyhole surgery.

The surgeon will make a few small incisions in your stomach before inserting a laparoscope, which is a device with a tiny light and camera that sends images to a monitor. The surgeon will then remove up to 90% of your stomach by stapling and dividing along a specific line on the stomach, to form a smaller tube spanning between the oesophagus and small intestine. The part of the stomach to be removed is pulled out of one of the holes, all of which are less than 2cm wide.

You will remain under a general anaesthetic throughout this procedure, which will take approximately one hour.

Understanding the risks

Although regarded as a relatively safe procedure, gastric sleeve surgery poses risks just like any other major operation. Potential complications include:

Gastric leaks: stomach fluid may leak from the staple line on your stomach.
Stenosis: a section of your gastric sleeve may close, producing an obstruction within your stomach.
Heartburn: stomach reshaping may cause or intensify heartburn.
Vitamin deficiencies: as the removed portion of your stomach is partly responsible for vitamin absorption, you may experience deficiencies if you do not take supplements.
Bleeding

Rest assured that your bariatric surgeon will explain all possible complications at your initial consultation, ensuring you are fully aware of each risk before you proceed.

Is a gastric sleeve reversible or permanent?

As the majority of your stomach is completely removed, gastric sleeve surgery cannot be reversed. A better way to look at it is to consider that the procedure removes the surplus stomach that is required to live.

While you may be attracted to the idea of a permanent weight management solution, remember that your stomach cannot be returned to its original size if you are unhappy with the outcome.

What to expect right after gastric sleeve surgery.

In the first few hours, nausea is very common, however, it settles down quickly, and most patients do not experience much pain.

After surgery, you may be advised to stay in the hospital for about one to two days. During this time, our team will explain which dietary supplements to take and help you to develop a post-gastric sleeve surgery diet.

Over the following weeks, you’ll start with liquid foods before gradually transitioning to pureed food and finally solids. Meal portions will be much smaller, and you may be instructed to stop drinking during mealtime. You will also need to increase your amount of physical exercise, resuming more vigorous activity after four to six weeks.

It’s important to note that gastric sleeve surgery is more than a medical procedure – it’s a pledge to lead a healthier life. At Newcastle Obesity Surgery Centre, our dedicated team is here to help you fulfil this commitment and achieve your weight loss goals safely and sustainably.

Does a gastric sleeve work?

Gastric sleeve surgery can be a highly effective weight-loss tool. In general, patients tend to lose about 70% of their extra weight over a period of 6 to 12 months.

This is due to a combination of two mechanisms that encourage a lower caloric intake:

You will feel fuller, quicker, as your smaller stomach will only be able to accommodate about ½ cup of food.
You won’t feel as hungry as before because your surgeon will remove the portion of your stomach that produces ghrelin, a hormone responsible for inducing hunger.

That said, gastric sleeve surgery should only ever be a support mechanism to help you manage your weight. Significant weight loss depends on a variety of additional factors, including your starting weight, age, comorbid physical or psychiatric illnesses, exercise regime, diet, and commitment.

Start your weight loss journey today

Discover whether you’re a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery here or visit our website to find out more about alternative options.

To begin your weight loss journey with Dr Maani, please request an appointment via our website or call us on 1800 304 972. Our specialists will help you to determine the most appropriate and effective bariatric procedure for your body.

10 Reasons to Consider Weight Loss Surgery

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 23:30:02 GMT

10 Great Reasons to Consider Weight Loss Surgery

1. Improved Quality of life

Weight loss improves quality of life by reducing co-morbidities, disease prevalence, medication use, increasing activity and improving self-esteem.

2. Lower High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure is a major cause of heart attack, stroke and other life threatening disorders. Substantial weight loss can assist to lower your blood pressure and your need for medication with potential to cease use.

3. Reduced Diabetes Impact

Diabetes is an extremely destructive disease and can increase risk of diseases including; heart attack, stroke, vision problems, kidney failure and vascular disease. Weight loss can improve your diabetic management and reduce insulin dependence.

4. Better Sleep

Obstructive sleep apnoea is improved with significant weight loss. With better sleep you have higher energy levels and reduce snoring. People who rely on CPAP may be able to reduce or cease use with medical guidance.

5. More Freedom and Movement

As you lose weight your ability to move and increase regular exercise will be apparent. With exercise and an increase in muscle you should see further weight loss and an increased likelihood of a healthier lifestyle.

6. Less Medication and Lower Cholesterol Levels

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for vascular disease. With weight loss your cholesterol can be reduced to a safer level and your need for medication may also reduce.

7. Improved Heart Function

Heart disease and heart function are both improved with weight loss. Less weight reduces strain and work load on the heart. It decreases risk of adverse events, such as a heart attack.

8. Reduced Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis is often exacerbated by obesity. With weight loss your bodies joints are under less strain, reducing discomfort and pain associated with osteoarthritis. This allows people to be more active, enjoy exercise and engage in healthy living.

9. Greater Self-esteem

Almost all our patients mention this. They find losing weight increases their self-esteem. Patients feel more self confident and comfortable engaging in social activities.

10. The Million Small Things

Lists like these can never account for the daily things that patients report after they have achieved their weight goals.

If life is about enjoying every day’s small joys, the cumulation of these small pleasures and insights and the reminder of how it was before is the greatest benefit. Learning that you can and have changed your life is a gift that keeps on giving.

Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly.

From Fat to Fabulous

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 04:10:27 GMT

From Fat to Fabulous

Watch how weight loss surgery and Dr Maani helped Bill win back his life.

What to Expect

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 05:32:41 GMT

What to Expect From Weight Loss Surgery?

It Depends

A weight loss journey can be different for everyone? Some differences start with you and can include:

Your health, age and starting weight,
Any related or other health problems,
Your goals and expectations
Is reversibility an issue, and
Other factors

While these are covered in consultation with your surgeon there are many common attributes with most patients and the more common weight loss surgeries.

Your Surgery Choice

What procedure will you choose?

There are different kinds. Some, like the gastric "sleeve" and gastric banding, shrink your stomach's size. They are restrictive surgeries. Other operations, such as the duodenal switch, only bypass part of the intestine, so you absorb less food. Doctors call these malabsorptive surgeries.

Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

Dr Maani will screen you carefully to check that you are physically and mentally ready for the surgery, as well as prepared to commit to the big changes needed to keep the kilos off.

You'll discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure you're considering. Your doctor may ask you to do some things before the surgery, such as quit smoking, lose some weight, and make sure your blood sugar is under control.

Before Your Surgery

Dr Maani will tell you exactly what you need to do. You'll avoid aspirin or any products that have it, and herbal supplements, 1 week before your operation.

You'll need to have Optifast (VLCD) as 2-3 meals replacement starting 2 weeks before surgery. You'll get general anesthesia during the surgery.

During Weight Loss Surgery

Dr Maani commonly uses a laparoscopic surgical method. Laparoscopy employs tiny incisions and has few complications, with quick recovery time.

For this keyhole procedure a thin, lighted tool, called a laparoscope, shows what's going on inside via a monitor in the operating room.

Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery

This involves the use of surgical staples to create a small pouch to serve as your new stomach. This pouch will hold about 1 cup of food. The rest of your stomach will still be there, but food won't go to it.

Your surgeon will cut your small intestine beyond the stomach and attach one end of it to the small stomach pouch and the other end lower down on the small intestine, making a "Y" shape.

The rest of your stomach is still there. It delivers chemicals from the pancreas to help digest food that comes from the small pouch.

Weight Loss With a Gastric "Sleeve"

Dr Maani removes some of your stomach and creates a tube-shaped stomach, or a gastric sleeve, that is still attached to your small intestine.

After the surgery, your stomach will only be able to hold about 150-200 ml. You'll feel fuller sooner because your stomach is smaller. You also won't be as hungry because most of the tissue that makes the "hunger hormone," called ghrelin, will be gone.

While is non-reversible it is the most common weight loss procedure performed.

Other Weight Loss Procedures

Other Bariatric Surgeries commonly performed include:

Adjustable Gastric Banding - using an inflatable ring around the top of your stomach that inflates to reduce the amount of food allowed to enter the stomach

Mini Gastric Bypass

Biliopancreatic Diversion - a malabsorptive procedure, which means it cuts way down on the calories and nutrients you absorb from food. This operation is for people with the most weight to lose, because you miss out on a lot of nutrients.

After Your Weight Loss Procedure

No matter the type of operation you have, your surgeon will close any cuts with surgical stitches or staples.

You'll stay in the hospital for a short time to make sure you're OK. You'll take pain medications for a day or so and Dr Maani will closely watch you for any problems, like low blood sugar, dehydration, or blood clots.

Eating After Weight Loss Surgery

You'll be on a liquid diet at first. After a while you can eat solid foods (5-6 weeks).

You'll work closely with a dietitian who's familiar with weight loss surgery to make an eating plan. You may not be able to eat what you did before. You must eat smaller portions and fewer calories. You'll need to make sure you get enough nutrients, which may mean taking supplements.

How Much Weight Will You Lose?

Weight loss may be dramatic in some cases - as much as a kilo or two per week in the first 3 months. The average bariatric surgery patient loses 30-40kg.

Other Health Benefits

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other weight-related health problems, they may get better or go away after your surgery.

Work with your doctor to adjust any medications you take for those conditions. Weight loss also can help arthritis, joint pain, or sleep apnea. You may also find it easier to be physically active.

Lifestyle Changes After Surgery

It takes a long-term commitment to make the results last and keep the kilos off. So you must make lifestyle changes you can live with forever.

You'll need to eat many small meals throughout the day, and make good nutrition and exercise into daily habits.

Risks of Surgery

All operations carry some risk. For weight loss surgery, there is a small risk for serious complications.

People most at risk are those who are older, have a history of deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots), and are very obese.

The best way to avoid complications is to go to all your follow-up visits and stick to your prescribed diet and lifestyle plan.

Complications After Surgery can include: Infection, Blood clots, Stomach ulcers, Gallstones from weight loss, reflux, constipation.

Patients who lose many kilos weight can have skin sag. You may want to consider plastic surgery to take up that extra skin.

Dumping Syndrome

Gastric bypass surgery also may cause food and drinks to move too quickly through your small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and, sometimes, diarrhoea after you eat.

You may also not be able to eat sweets without feeling very weak. To avoid these problems, follow your nutritionist's advice. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Adjusting to Your New Life

You may feel many different emotions after weight loss surgery.

You may be happy or excited as you begin to lose weight. You may also feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the changes that you have to make in your diet, activity, and lifestyle.

These ups and downs are normal. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or questions as you get used to your new body.

Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly

Risks With Weight Loss Surgery

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 01:18:32 GMT

Weight loss surgery – What are the risks?

Are you ready to have weight loss surgery, but you are scared about the risks involved

Risks vs Benefits

As with all surgical procedures there is always a small element of risk involved. It all depends on the type of surgery, your overall health and how well you follow the after-care programme.

However, if all checks out on the medical side and you really are focused you'll be a new person in no time!

Weighing up the Pro's and Con's

The type of weight loss surgery you choose depends on many factors, including your lifestyle. For example if you do a lot of travelling you may find the gastric band a little restrictive. Check out this quick review to understand obesity surgery options.

Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)

Common Risks: reflux

Rare Risks: leakage at the staple line, blood clots, bleeding

Benefits: Reduced feeling of hunger - No foreign bodies around the stomach – Major impact/eradication of conditions linked to obesity, excellent eating quality

Gastric Bypass

Common Risks: dumping syndrome*, risk of vitamin deficiencies if not supplemented

Rare Risks: Risk of internal hernia and bowel obstruction, leakage from the internal joins, bleeding

Benefits: Considered the most beneficial, long term weight loss obesity surgery option – Reversible – Quick and often greater weight loss results – most likely to improve or even cure diabetes.

Gastric Banding (sometimes called a Lap Band)

Common Risks: Food intolerance

Rare Risks: Risk of reoperation - Erosion of the band into the stomach, pouch enlargement

Benefits: Normal digestion process is unaltered – Less risk of postoperative complications – Reversible, no risk of vitamin or nutritional deficiency.

What guarantees are there it will work?

There are no guarantees, however, when you look at the statistics you'll see that there is a very high chance you will benefit from weight loss surgery.

Start A Conversation

Connect with a professional who can provide proof of their success rates.

Speak to other patients about their experience.

Whether you choose to undergo weight loss surgery is entirely up to you.

Your Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly.

Man Loses +40kg

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:20:14 GMT

Lost 40kg in 8 Months

Before

Unable to exercise for years, let alone go for a decent walk due to a chronic health condition affecting the nerves in my feet (as well as other parts of my body) my weight had ballooned out to 140kgs.

As a result of what was going on in my life including resigning from work my mental health was not in a good state, sometimes in a very “dark” place.

After

Look at me now, after 8 months 98kg

I am so happy especially within myself,
I got back my self-esteem,
My overall health has improved and most of all
I have a new lease of life.

Vincent is on track to get down to 90kg by 12 months post op.

The decision to go ahead with the bariatric surgery was the best decision I have made in a very long time.

Thank you Dr Maani you have made me the person I am today.

View Weight Loss Surgery Success Story

Surgery Costs

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 05:58:19 GMT

How Much Does Weight Loss Surgery Cost?

“I've heard that weight loss surgery is really expensive, I don't think I can afford it”

Weight Loss Surgery Is as cheap as chips...

Metaphorically speaking obesity surgery, be it a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, is as cheap as chips.

That is, if you were to calculate how much money you'll save from not buying the foods that are attributed to your obesity, you'll probably find that it's much, much cheaper.

Calculate that same figure over just 3 years years and you'll actually turn a profit!

Obesity is a Recognised Clinical Disorder

Because obesity is considered to be a clinical disease, any treatment for it, including weight loss surgery, is covered by all reputable private medical insurance companies.

Unfortunately this kind of treatment is not yet readily available through Medicare. If you don't have a private health care plan don't worry, there are many affordable options available to you.

How Much Should You Pay for Weight Loss Surgery?

A reputable clinic will have a fixed tariff for the range of surgical options, consultations, follow-up plans etc.

Price flexibility and payment options make it easy. These can include:

Fast – Simple online application
Custom Fit – To suit your budget
No Hurry – Payment can be financed over a number of years
Easy – Over the phone transfer

What does the fee cover?

Once you have agreed on surgery this price shouldn't change. For example, Dr Maani

The cost of weight loss surgery includes:

Consultation,
Surgery,
Assistant Specialists and Surgeons,
Hospital Fees
Anesthetists Cost,
All After-Care
Follow-Ups Consultations,
Dietary Plans and
Much More

Reaching your goal weight, don't wait, let's work out your cost and payment options now.

Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly.

Blood Pressure & Weight Loss Surgery

mark.ryan@quantumdigital.com.au (Mark Ryan) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 14:55:30 GMT

High Blood Pressure & Weight Loss Surgery

Is High Blood Pressure Related to Obesity?

A famous study for 44 years, estimated that excess body weight (including overweight and obesity), accounted for approximately 26% of cases of hypertension in men and 28% in women.

Individuals with obesity have an increase in fatty tissue that increases their vascular resistance and in turn, increases the work the heart has to do to pump blood throughout the body.

Obesity is associated with hypertension, and hypertension is associated with numerous other diseases that can affect overall health and life expectancy.

Antihypertensive medications should be started if hypertension is diagnosed. But, with weight-loss, a significant fall in blood pressure may permit a decrease in the number of medications taken or decrease the amount of medication taken. Prevention would be better than any drug.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery Helps Lower Pressure

Research has proven that Bariatric surgery can effectively lower blood pressure in many patients with obesity and hypertension.

Studies show many obese patients (body mass indexes of 30-40 kg/m2) who are taking antihypertensive medications (most without diabetes) and who undergo Gastric Sleeve Weight Loss Surgery show a significant decrease in hypertension.

Who is affected by High Blood Pressure?

32% of Australians over the age of 18 have a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher.

High blood pressure, also known as Hypertension, is a condition measured when the ‘pumping’ force of the blood against the artery walls is high.

This is reflected by the range of the two numbers typically between 140/90 (high) - 180/120 (very high)

Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats.

Normal blood pressure is typically less than 120 systolic (pumping) / 80 diastolic (resting) mm Hg for an adult age 20 or over. It is during the diastolic phase that the heart infuses the blood with oxygen.

Your blood pressure can vary dependant on:

Posture
Exercise
Stress
Sleep

How does High Blood Pressure Affect You?

High blood pressure makes it harder for your heart to pump blood through your body. Where high blood pressure goes untreated it can cause damage to your body's blood vessels. This can start with your fine arteries but then lead to damage to all arteries and veins. The damaged blood vessels can become malformed, harden and leak.

Loss of vascular efficiency and the formation of blood clots can give rise to:

Mental Impairment
Aneurysm
Stroke
Heart Failure
Kidney Disease

Causes of High Blood Pressure?

There are many causes of blood pressure problems some are:

Genetics or family history
Lack of physical activity
Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Diet, especially high salt and alcohol consumption
Stress and lack of sleep
Older age

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure typically has no symptoms.

Occasionally, people with chronic high blood pressure might have symptoms such as:

Dull headaches
Dizzy spells
Frequent nosebleeds

Diagnosis of High Blood Pressure

When you visit our doctors they routinely measure your blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer.

Regular monitoring your blood pressure, especially if you have above "normal" range or family history, is recommended for hypertension.

Home or self-tests will also help educate you on how it may change through the day.

Treatment Choices for High Blood Pressure

There are several treatment pathways to either reduce or manage high blood pressure. Our doctors are able to advise you on what they recommend suits you best.

Self-care

Physical exercise - Aerobic activity for 20–30 minutes, 5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity that avoids the injured muscle group or joint can help maintain physical function while recovering.
Stress management - Pursuing an enjoyable activity or verbalising frustration to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Quitting smoking - Quitting smoking tobacco.
Home blood pressure monitors - Regular monitoring of blood pressure can help diagnose high blood pressure.
Low sodium diet - A diet that restricts salt (sodium chloride) and other forms of sodium to no more than 1,500 to 2,400 mg per day.

Weight Loss Surgery

Where a patient is obese taking medication for the management of high blood pressure can often cause side effects and unless you want to take these medications for the rest of your life weight loss surgery can be an option.

Material weight loss can often be an effective treatment for high blood pressure.

Medications

ACE inhibitor - Relaxes blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and prevents diabetes-related kidney damage.
Diuretic - Increases urine production to get rid of excess salt and water.
Beta-blocker - Slows heart rate and decreases blood pressure. When taken in eye-drop form, it reduces eye pressure.
Antihypertensive drug - Lowers blood pressure.
Calcium channel blocker - Relaxes blood vessels.
Vasodilator - Widens blood vessels.

Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly .

Health Risks of Obesity, Gastric Sleeve Sydney

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 14:53:24 GMT

Health Risks of Obesity

How Does Obesity Affect You?

Obesity substantially contributes to

preventable, non-communicable diseases,
shortened life-expectancy and
impaired quality of life.

Obesity is now challenging smoking as the major cause of potentially preventable death in Australia.

Related Conditions to Obesity

Obesity is linked to:

Early Death

Obese people have a 50% to 100% increased risk of premature death and shorter life expectancy.

Chronic Illness

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic conditions such as

Type 2 Diabetes,
Heart disease,
Hypertension or High Blood Pressure,
High Cholesterol.
Stroke,
Musculoskeletal disorders and
Impaired psychosocial functioning.

Avoidable Diseases

Fatty Liver Disease,
Breathing difficulties (e.g., sleep apnoea, asthma),
Arthritis, and Back Pain, Pregnancy Complications,
Gallbladder Problems,
Urinary Incontinence,
Anxiety, Depression, and
Digestive disorders (eg., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

Risk of Cancer

Breast Cancer,
Uterine Cancer, and
Colon Cancer.

Obesity is avoidable and treatable. Many of the conditions and illnesses related to obesity can be resolved with weight loss.

What are the Causes of Obesity?

Weight gain and long-term obesity can be caused by a number of factors:

Genetical background – positive family history
Insulin Resistance
Lack of Exercise
Obesogenic environment i.e. driving vs walking, processed or fast foods, irregular diets, stress etc

Symptoms of Obesity

Clinical obesity and weight gain can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health. Some symptoms of obesity include:

Low back pain or Backaches.
Feeling tired all the time.
Heavy sweating.
Joint pain (especially weight-bearing knee and hip joints).
Low confidence or self-esteem.
Shortness of breath.
Snoring or Sleep Apnoea.

Obesity Diagnosis

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used method for determining a patient’s weight category. The BMI is calculated by dividing measured weight (kg) by the square of measured height (cm).

The diagnosis of Obesity requires

Complete present and past history
Complaints
.Review of family history
Physical examination including, weight, height and waist measurement
Blood tests

A GP may ask additional questions about your lifestyle and any potential underlying health issues.

Classification of Obesity

Obesity was further classified in the 1998 NIH Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults into Class I, Class II, and Class III.

Why Treat Obesity?

If left untreated, obesity can lead to a number of serious health issues including:

Arthritis
Certain cancers
Coronary heart disease
High blood pressure
Psychological conditions
Respiratory disorders
Sleep apnea
Stroke
Type two diabetes

Obesity Treatments

There are a number of options available for those who want to treat their obesity:

Healthy Nutrition
Exercise
Medication
Behavioural modification

Next Step

If you want to learn more or are experiencing health issues related to your weight contact Dr Maani who will offer advice.

For patients who want to take the next step contact your general practitioner and arrange a referral to Dr Maani, or call our rooms directly .

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How does it work?

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Your Important Questions

Your Next Step

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What is the Best Weight Loss Surgery?

How Does Obesity Affect You?

Related Conditions to Obesity

Early Death

Chronic Illness

Avoidable Diseases

Risk of Cancer

What are the Causes of Obesity?

Symptoms of Obesity

Obesity Diagnosis

Classification of Obesity

Why Treat Obesity?

Obesity Treatments

Next Step

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I'm Not Hungry Since My Sleeve Gastroscopy

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When Diet and Exercise is Not Enough

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Is a gastric sleeve reversible or permanent?

Does a gastric sleeve work?

Start your weight loss journey today

10 Reasons to Consider Weight Loss Surgery

10 Great Reasons to Consider Weight Loss Surgery

1. Improved Quality of life

2. Lower High Blood Pressure

3. Reduced Diabetes Impact

4. Better Sleep

5. More Freedom and Movement

6. Less Medication and Lower Cholesterol Levels

7. Improved Heart Function

8. Reduced Joint Pain

9. Greater Self-esteem

10. The Million Small Things

Next Step

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From Fat to Fabulous

What to Expect

What to Expect From Weight Loss Surgery?

It Depends

Your Surgery Choice

Pros and Cons of Weight Loss Surgery

Before Your Surgery

During Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric Bypass Weight Loss Surgery

Weight Loss With a Gastric "Sleeve"

Other Weight Loss Procedures

After Your Weight Loss Procedure

Eating After Weight Loss Surgery

How Much Weight Will You Lose?

Other Health Benefits

Lifestyle Changes After Surgery

Risks of Surgery

Dumping Syndrome

Adjusting to Your New Life

Next Step

Risks With Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery – What are the risks?

Risks vs Benefits

Weighing up the Pro's and Con's

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