The Surgical Blog

Why is protein important. Protein is a crucial macronutrient for health, muscle growth, and weight management. Optimising protein intake means not only consuming the right amount but also choosing high-quality sources, distributing intake throughout the day, and pairing it with other essential nutrients for maximum benefit. Whether your goal is building muscle, losing fat, or simply maintaining overall wellness, understanding how to optimise protein can help you get the most out of your diet and stop you feeling hungry on a diet. Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of the body. There are 20 amino acids, nine of which are essential-meaning they must come from food because the body cannot produce them. When consumed, protein is broken [...]

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 [...]

What is the impact of obesity on quality of life? Obesity has become a global epidemic, and its effects are far-reaching. Individuals who are obese often suffer from reduced quality of life. Terms such as morbidly overweight or obesity refer to people who are significantly overweight, with a high level or percentage of body fat. Obesity in adults is typically measured according to a person's body mass index (BMI). Although a person's BMI cannot be used on its own as a diagnostic tool, it is a useful indication of whether or not you are a healthy weight. The impact of obesity on quality of life refers not only to your physical health and comfort, but your emotional well-being, relationships with family and friends, [...]

Dr Mastakov is a qualified and experienced bariatric surgeon. Like all bariatric surgeons, he provides his patients with all the advice and information they need to ensure they know how to prepare for bariatric surgery. If you are considering metabolic and bariatric surgery, please contact us to book the next available consultation with Dr Mastakov. 1. Speak with your doctor about your decision to have surgery. You will need to get a referral from your primary care physician or insurance company in order to see a bariatric surgeon. Dr Mastakov accepts referrals from either physicians or insurance companies. Typically, a potential bariatric surgery patient is someone who has tried to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to help them lose weight, but they have still [...]

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 [...]

Obesity is affecting more and more adults and children. The risks of obesity are widely documented, and are not just limited to physical side effects. If you have tried losing weight but cannot get down to a healthy weight, then you might want to consider weight loss surgery. Constant weight gain will only lead to more risk factors associated with obesity. For the latest health information pertaining to obesity and weight loss surgery, please contact us to book the next available consultation. 1. Obesity as a health risk factor Terms such as morbidly overweight or obesity refer to people who are significantly overweight, with a high level or percentage of body fat. Obesity in adults is typically measured according to a person's body [...]

1. The Obesity Epidemic Obesity is a worldwide health epidemic. Obesity affects at least 10 percent of the Australian population. It is not just about the way you look - there are many health risks associated with obesity. As such, the benefits of bariatric surgery are not limited to significant weight loss. One of the most profound benefits of weight loss surgery is an enhanced quality of life. 2. The Risks of Obesity Unfortunately, there are many serious risks associated with obesity. It puts you at a high risk of developing a range of medical conditions, including: heart disease stroke type 2 diabetes high blood pressure kidney disease gallbladder disease osteoarthritis sleep apnea gout asthma some cancers Worryingly, because of these medical complications, [...]