Why “Free Consultations” Can Be Risky in Weight-Loss Surgery
Why a “Free Consultation” Isn’t Always a Good Sign in Weight-Loss Surgery Thinking about weight-loss (bariatric) surgery? It’s natural to want the best care at the best price. You may even see clinics advertising “free consultations.” While that can sound appealing, in bariatric surgery it isn’t always a positive signal. This isn’t to say every free consult is bad. It’s to help you understand what might be behind the offer—and what to look for so your safety and long-term results come first. What a proper bariatric consultation should include A first appointment shouldn’t be a quick sales chat. It’s a structured medical assessment that typically covers: Your medical history, medications, previous surgeries and BMI Lifestyle, eating patterns and weight-loss attempts to date Screening for conditions that affect safety (e.g., reflux, sleep apnoea, diabetes) Your readiness for surgery, including mental health considerations A clear explanation [...]
What is a lipoma?
What is a lipoma? Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors. But what is a lipoma exactly? A lipoma is a fatty tumor: a round lump of fatty tissue that grows beneath the skin. Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body, but you are most likely to develop a lipoma on your back, chest, arms, shoulders or neck. Lipomas can be either circular or oval in shape. Because they are made from fat cells, lipomas are essentially fatty lumps: they move easily when you touch them, they feel soft to the touch and are seldom painful. A ct scan or other diagnostic tool might be required to diagnose a lipoma and rule out other possibilities such as cysts. What causes lipomas? Lipomas are incredibly common. It is estimated than one in every thousand people will develop a lipoma. They occur in all genders and at [...]
What Does a Bariatric Surgeon Do?
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 removed, leaving a narrow “sleeve” that limits food intake. Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)The stomach is divided to create a small pouch and [...]
Weight-Loss Medications in Australia: What’s Available Now, and the Pros & Cons of Each
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 options are incretin-based therapies. They copy or boost gut hormones that signal fullness and slow stomach emptying. You feel satisfied sooner, [...]
Weight Loss Surgery
Throughout our lives, our weight is one of the most impactful on our lifestyles, and no matter who we are or what we do, sometimes weight gain can catch up to us and negatively impact our lives and cause diseases such as type 2 diabetes and affect our mental health, while for some people a simple diet and exercise can keep them on track for years, others may see the weight continue to accrue over the years and find themselves unable to lose weight in a traditional method. Once thought only for the rich, obesity surgery has become a common practice over the globe and has had many new innovations and techniques added to the procedures to help people successfully lose weight and keep it off, however, it’s not without its risk factors, committing to a weight loss surgery will impact your life [...]
The Role of Bariatric Surgery in Reducing the Global Obesity Epidemic
According to the World Health Organisation, worldwide obesity nearly tripled between 1975 and 2016, and these days it seems as though the epidemic is continually escalating. With more than 1 billion people worldwide – including adolescents and children – currently classified as obese, at least 167 million are expected to face declining health by the year 2025. It affects populations across income brackets and age groups, posing considerable challenges to global health systems. An issue like this can’t be solved overnight, but for anyone who is currently battling obesity, it may come as a relief to know there are effective treatment options available. Bariatric surgery is one way to address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of obesity. By improving your health outcomes, it can help you to save on the costs of future medical bills and enhance your overall quality of life – [...]