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Weight-Loss Medications in Australia: What’s Available Now, How They Work, and the Pros & Cons Weight-loss medication has changed fast in Australia. These medicines can help reduce hunger, improve fullness, and support steady weight loss when used with a structured lifestyle plan. This guide explains what’s available now, who it may suit, how each option works, side-effects to know about, and practical next steps. Quick summary Most modern options act on gut hormones that control appetite. They work best with diet, activity, sleep, and ongoing clinical support. Not everyone will respond the same. Safety checks and follow-up are vital. If medicines don’t suit—or weight returns—bariatric surgery offers the most durable results for many people with obesity. How do weight-loss medicines work? The leading [...]

Introduction A gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is a leading weight-loss procedure that reduces your stomach to about 20–25% of its original size. By removing the greater curvature and creating a narrow “sleeve,” patients feel full faster, eat fewer calories, and experience hormonal benefits that support sustained weight loss. 1. Who’s a Good Candidate? Body Mass Index ≥ 35, or ≥ 30 with obesity-related conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea) Previous diet and exercise attempts without lasting success Commitment to lifelong lifestyle changes, follow-up visits, and supplementation 2. How It Works: Step by Step Anesthesia & Access Performed laparoscopically under general anesthesia via 5–6 small incisions. Stomach Division Surgeons use a stapling device to remove ~75–80% of the stomach along the greater curvature. Stapling & [...]

Introduction A gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is a popular weight-loss surgery that reduces the stomach to about 20–25% of its original size. By removing a large portion of the stomach and shaping the remainder into a “sleeve,” patients feel full faster, consume fewer calories, and experience hormonal changes that aid weight loss. 1. Who’s a Good Candidate? BMI ≥ 35, or BMI ≥ 30 with related health issues (e.g., type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea) Tried and struggled with diet/exercise alone Committed to lifestyle changes, follow-up, and vitamin supplementation 2. How It Works: Step by Step Anesthesia & Access Performed laparoscopically (5–6 tiny incisions) under general anesthesia. Stomach Division Surgeons use a stapling device to divide and remove ~75–80% of the stomach along its greater curvature. [...]

Gastric Sleeve Surgery on the Gold Coast A gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) is a leading weight-loss procedure that reduces your stomach to about 20–25% of its original size. By removing the greater curvature and creating a narrow “sleeve,” patients feel full faster, eat fewer calories, and experience hormonal benefits that support sustained weight loss. How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost on the Gold Coast? Typical fees range from $12,000–$18,000 AUD depending on your BMI, comorbidities, and anaesthetic requirements. We offer HICAPS on-the-day claiming and flexible payment plans. Choosing the Right Gastric Sleeve Surgeon & Clinic Lead surgeon Dr Mastakov has performed over 500 laparoscopic sleeve procedures. Accredited private hospitals in Southport & Ashmore. Modern theatres with minimal-invasion equipment for faster recovery. Gastric [...]

Liposuction vs Weight Loss Surgery: What’s the Difference? When people talk about changing their body shape or losing excess fat, the terms liposuction and weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) sometimes get used interchangeably — but they are fundamentally different tools with different purposes, candidates, outcomes, and commitments. This article breaks down what each procedure is, who it’s for, how they work, when they can complement each other, and how to decide which (if either) is right for you. 1. What is Liposuction? Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that physically removes localised fat deposits to improve body contour. It is not intended as a weight-loss solution for obesity; instead, it’s used when someone is already near their ideal weight but has stubborn [...]

Advantages of Bariatric Surgery Over Popular Weight‑Loss Medications in Australia Embarking on a weight‑loss journey can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the myriad of options available today. From prescription medications like Ozempic® and Wegovy® to surgical interventions such as gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, it’s important to understand how each approach works—and which might deliver the most lasting results. At Mastakov Surgery, we believe in empowering our patients with clear, evidence‑based information. Below, we explore why bariatric surgery often outperforms popular weight‑loss drugs in the Australian context. 1. More Significant and Sustained Weight Loss Medications: Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) typically produce average weight losses of 10–15 per cent of body weight after one year. However, weight often plateaus or rebounds once treatment stops. [...]

What Does a Bariatric Surgeon Do? A bariatric surgeon is a medical specialist who helps people achieve significant weight loss through surgical procedures. In Australia, where about two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, these surgeons play a vital role in managing obesity and its related health conditions. The Role of a Bariatric Surgeon Assessment and Consultation Medical History & Physical ExamThe surgeon reviews your overall health, weight history, existing medical conditions (like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure) and previous weight-loss attempts. Multidisciplinary EvaluationBariatric surgery isn’t a stand-alone intervention. Surgeons work with dietitians, psychologists, endocrinologists and physiotherapists to ensure you’re prepared both physically and mentally. Surgical ProceduresAustralian bariatric surgeons commonly perform: Gastric Sleeve (Sleeve Gastrectomy)About 75–80 percent of the stomach is [...]

The gallbladder is an often overlooked organ. It’s not considered essential as the human body can thrive without it, and for the most part, we don’t tend to give it much thought. However, when this little organ malfunctions or develops diseases, there’s no overlooking the symptoms. A small pear shaped organ, the gallbladder sits underneath our liver. Its primary function is to store bile – a digestive fluid – which it then releases into the small intestine to aid with the digestion and absorption of dietary fats. So how is it that we can remove the gallbladder without crippling our digestive system? And can this procedure actually be beneficial for digestion? It might sound counterintuitive, but read on to learn more about the [...]