NEWLS

Is Being Overweight Putting You at Risk of Sleep Apnoea?

brandsol — Thu, 06 May 2021 01:30:31 +0000

If you’re struggling to stay awake during the day, or keeping your partner awake at night with loud snoring, then sleep apnoea could be the culprit. While sleep apnoea can occur in people with a normal BMI, the disorder is more common in those who are overweight.

If you’re not sure what sleep apnoea is or what its symptoms or health effects are, then keep reading to find out more.

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder where normal breathing is interrupted during sleep. The walls of the throat relax, allowing the tongue and/or fatty tissue to fall back and compromise the airway, resulting in a partial or, in some cases, complete obstruction. When your body senses it needs air it briefly wakes you up to reopen the airway, often with a snort, a gasp or deep breath.

For people with sleep apnoea, there is a pattern of sleeping, then waking up, that goes on throughout the night. In very severe cases people can wake every one to two minutes, without being aware of it. The disorder is more likely in males and in those over 40; though factors like body fat distribution, genetics, and smoking or drinking can increase the likelihood of sleep apnoea in anyone, at any age.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

One of the most common, and noticeable, symptoms of sleep apnoea is loud snoring; due to air being forced out through a narrowed airway. Often a partner or family member will comment on this, especially if it’s keeping them awake at night. Noisy breathing, short periods where breathing stops or waking abruptly with snorting or gasping can also be signs of sleep apnoea.

Other symptoms can include:

Feeling tired throughout the day
Irritability or depression
Feeling the need to eat sugary or carb-laden snacks
A dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
Headache in the morning
Night sweats
More frequent need to urinate during the night
Lack of libido

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea is simply the most common form of the disorder, and what most people are referring to when they talk about ‘sleep apnoea’. There are two other forms of sleep apnoea: central sleep apnoea (a communication issue with the brain) and complex sleep apnoea (a mix of both obstructive and central forms).

People with sleep apnoea generally fall into three categories:

Mild: 5 – 14 breathing interruptions in an hour;
Moderate: 15 – 30 breathing interruptions in an hour; or
Severe: 30 or more breathing interruptions in an hour.

Even a mild form of sleep apnoea will affect your health and well-being in some capacity. Since quality of sleep is being disturbed, people with sleep apnoea never wake feeling fully refreshed, and often complain of feeling tired and sleepy during the day.

What Are the Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

While loud snoring is an annoyance to a sleep-deprived partner, this is just one of the effects of obstructive sleep apnoea. For the sufferer, it can cause a number of issues, ranging from sleepiness and memory loss, at the mild end of the spectrum, to more serious problems, such as chronic asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung problems.

Basically, any health concern you have is compounded by obstructive sleep apnoea because it puts extra stress and strain on your body to get the oxygen it needs.

How Does Being Overweight Cause Sleep Apnoea?

People who are overweight are more likely to develop the disorder because they have fat deposits that restrict breathing in the upper airways and neck area. Men who are overweight, have a large neck and abdominal area and sleep on their back, especially have a higher risk of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Being overweight not only causes sleep apnoea, but it can also start a vicious cycle that can be hard to break. Lack of sleep means you’ll feel tired and lethargic throughout the day. This leads to an increase in hunger, eating more food, putting on more weight, and exacerbating the condition.

Can Weight Loss Surgery Help Sleep Apnoea?

Losing weight is one of the best ways to improve sleep apnoea. For mild cases of sleep apnoea, an improved diet and increased exercise can encourage a better night’s sleep and reduce the risk of developing more serious conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

However, if you have a BMI of over 35 and suffer from severe sleep apnoea, then diet and exercise may not be enough to give you the long-term results you desire. In this case, you may need to consider weight loss surgery. Weight loss surgery can have a positive influence on obese patients who undergo gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures and is now seen to have a role in treating or curing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

At North Eastern Weight Loss Surgery we specialise in all forms of weight loss and obesity surgery. Start your weight loss journey by contacting us today to discuss your options.

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Pregnancy and Bariatric Surgery | What you NEED to Know

brandsol — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 01:25:44 +0000

Skye is one of our success stories! This photo was taken 2 years post-sleeve surgery and shows not only her incredible weight loss but the addition of this gorgeous little man to her family. Weight loss definitely improved Skye’s fertility and can definitely help you too if you are hoping to start a family and are obese or significantly overweight.

Infertility secondary to obesity is a common reason why women of child-rearing age may choose to have bariatric surgery. The weight loss experienced post-surgery can improve fertility. Having a BMI (body mass index) of greater than 40 carries with it many increased risks for the health of both the mother and also the unborn child. These risks include; pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy), gestational diabetes, blood clots & giving birth to large babies. Women over this BMI are considered ‘high risk’ pregnancies.

Overwhelmingly, the research data on pregnancy outcomes post-bariatric surgery show that pregnancy is not only safe but in fact, improves outcomes for both mother & baby. Having a BMI of less than 40 also allows the mother to have more options around where she would like to deliver her baby as well as more choice around her birth plan. Breastfeeding is also possible and desirable post-bariatric surgery pregnancies.

So, as well as being better for your overall health, having bariatric surgery can also and give you a better chance of falling pregnant.

What are the Types of Bariatric Surgery?

There are three common types of bariatric surgery in Australia:
– Gastric Sleeve
– Gastric Bypass
– Gastric Lap Band

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

Medically referred to as the Sleeve Gastrectomy, this surgery has become more popular than gastric lap band in recent years, and is more commonly performed on those who suffer from morbid obesity. The procedure involves reducing the size of your stomach by 75%, thus restricting the amount of food you can eat to help you achieve good long-term weight loss and unlike the lap band, you don’t have to avoid certain foods.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the world with around 100,000 procedures being performed each year. An effective surgery where a small stomach pouch is created by stapling which restricts the amount of food able to be consumed. The pouch is joined directly to the small intestine bypassing the unused lower part of the stomach which delays the food from mixing with digestive juices to avoid complete absorption.

Laparoscopic Gastric Band

This procedure was the first bariatric surgery available and has successfully helped many people lose weight. Gastric Lap Band surgery involves taking an adjustable band and placing it around the upper part of the stomach, creating a small pouch and conversely the lower stomach into a larger pouch. A balloon in the band can then be increased or decreased according to the restriction required. The restriction allows food to enter the upper pouch but delays the release into the lower pouch, giving the feeling of being fuller for longer. The stomach then releases the food into the lower stomach which then allows the natural feeling of hunger to return. This prevents the patient from feeling hungry between meal times and allows normal digestion and absorption to take their natural course.

Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery

If you have had bariatric surgery it is advisable to wait 12 to 18 months to lose weight before trying for a baby. This allows your body to heal and recover from the surgery as well as lose additional weight, giving you a better chance of conceiving. You may even have a goal weight in mind that you have discussed with your doctor before trying to become pregnant.

Pregnancy after bariatric surgery does require some adjustment to your diet to ensure the provision of the correct nutrients for your growing baby. It’s a good idea to take supplementary vitamins and minerals and follow a nutritional plan which will be provided by your weight loss team.

Contact our helpful team if you would like to discuss bariatric surgery. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!

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Obesity and Exercise – Where to start?

gagan — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:56:27 +0000

The number one rule is not to give up, any movement is good movement, you just have to find a way to start, no matter how small. It is incredibly important that if you are in this category to consult your physician. Discuss your plans with them so they can advise you what level of exercise would be in the healthy range for you and ask for suggestions.

It costs nothing to move

Look around you, inside your house and just past the driveway. There are movement opportunities everywhere. Often when someone hasn’t exercised for a while they may be inspired by a clever marketing campaign for a gym or exercise class. Before you invest any money is gyms or group exercise classes, start a regular routine of movement at home. If you find you can consistently commit to a regular movement habit at home and you want to sign up to a more formal setting then go ahead. These clever marketers are in the business of selling motivation. You can’t buy it, you have to create it and this happens by following through on your promise to yourself. Start small so it doesn’t feel like you are turning yourself inside out to begin this new regime.

10 minutes a day

We sometimes hear people talking about exercising 10 minutes a day and we think “why bother”. Remember, it’s not about the result of the movement, it’s about building the commitment to yourself. There will be some days when you struggle to find the ten minutes. They are the days when you say to yourself, surely I must be able to find 10. You are building habits, not trying to achieve flat abs in a week. Start off with fun, easy movement that anyone can do that won’t put too much stress on the body. My favourite is the peg basket challenge.

Peg basket challenge

Bet you’ve never heard of this one before. It is highly+ technical and incredibly complicated so you really need to concentrate on the instructions. Get your peg basket and empty all the pegs onto the floor or the ground outside. Then pick them all up and put them back in the basket. I know, sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? But if you are a person who has struggled to be able to bend or kneel down, this may be challenging for you. Set your timer for 10 minutes, if you have picked all the pegs up in 5 then throw them out and start all over again. If the weather is good, be sure to do it outside, your skin will enjoy being kissed by the sun and the vitamin D boost won’t hurt either.

Walking the pavement

We all have one outside our home. It may be a bit of a boring walk so perhaps drive to a nearby parkland and enjoy the view while you increase your steps. A great way to fill in the time is to listen to a podcast or some music with a good beat that will have you moving at a consistent pace.

Have a dance

Turn the music on and start to groove. No one cares if your moves are out of date. But beware, dancing is contagious, you might have the whole household involved before you know it.

Seated movement

If you would prefer to stay indoors, grab a chair, sit down and find a 10 minute regime to suit your level. You could start with circling your arms, knee lifts, leg raises, calf raises, leg kicks, etc. You won’t be limited for choice if you are starting in a chair, you can add a resistance band to add in a range of different exercises or light weights if you prefer.

Internet

Sometimes it is difficult to physically go out and meet like minded people. The internet is a great way to join groups with similar goals to you without having to move too far out of your comfort zone. This is a great way to get started because it is always easier when we are doing something new with people who understand us.

These suggestions are a great way to start moving again if you are wanting to create some more movement in your life. They cost nothing, are family friendly and the aim is to create a regular habit of movement. Set the alarm on your phone so you don’t have to constantly look at your watch. Once you have established this, it will be human nature to try to achieve a little more, then a bit more again. You can achieve “a bit more” either time wise or challenge wise. Walks become runs, dancing in your lounge room becomes joining dance classes, etc. You might find your walk extends to 15 mins, then 20. The weather starts to get better so you are now enjoying a 30 minute walk. Hopefully it will be a natural progression but if you find yourself making excuses not to take the 30 minute walk, pair it back to the 10 minute walk. Always get back to basics if you have lost your way.

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What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery

gagan — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 01:14:11 +0000

Weight loss surgery may have been one of the biggest decisions you have ever made in your life and is sure to have come after many years of trying numerous weight loss attempts with limited success but you have finally taken the first step to achieving long term weight management. Congratulations, now it’s time to look at what happens now – post operation.

Your doctor and the clinic support team will have gone through all the details with you however with your main focus being on preparing for the surgery, your expectations for post-surgery may not have been high on the priority list. So let’s look at some of the frequently asked questions patients have after the surgery.

What are the side effects you may experience after weight loss surgery?

It is important to be aware of the possible side effects associated with surgery but choosing a surgeon who has many years’ experience and an excellent success rate will dramatically reduce any potential post-surgery risks. These risks include:

Short-Term

Acid reflux
Anaesthetic related effects
Infection
Bleeding
Leak

Long-Term

Acid reflux
Food intolerances
Anastomotic ulcers which cause nausea and vomiting (bypass only)
Dumping syndrome which cause nausea and vomiting (bypass only)
Oesophagus dilation
Stomach obstruction
Stricture
Inadequate weight loss / weight regain
Hernia
Gallbladder disease/gallstones

Although these all sound scary, in reality, most people experience few issues and can eat a wide range of foods in small portions and are very happy with their success.

Severe surgical complications are thankfully rare but they can happen. If you are experiencing a surgical complication or suspect you may have one, you need to contact Dr Moore ASAP. This would include severe pain, bleeding or vomiting or reflux.

Most, less serious, side effects will resolve as you progress through your journey and can usually be managed with time and education.

How will my hunger be controlled after weight loss surgery?

It may come as a shock at first that the small meal you have just eaten has left you feeling full. If this is the case, the surgery has been a success. The aim of the surgery is to make you feel satiated (comfortably full) on far less food. All types of weight loss surgery achieve this by decreasing the size of your stomach which results in signals being sent to your brain much earlier to notify you that your stomach is full. Bypass and sleeve surgery also reduce the hormonal hunger signals normally produced by the body in response to an empty stomach.

How will I maintain a healthy weight range after weight loss surgery?

Prior to surgery you will be given detailed education by your dietician. The aim of this education is ensure you have the skills to be able to nourish yourself on a smaller amount of food, choose foods that provide the best nutrition for your body, manage non-hungry (emotional eating) and eat out successfully. All these skills are required in order to lose weight and keep it off in the long term.

Will there be foods I will never be able to eat?

In the initial phases post-surgery there is often food that people find difficult to eat, but over time and by slowing down your eating, chewing well and stopping as soon as you feel comfortably full, our aim is for a wide range of foods to be tolerated. We do not expect you to have to make special foods for yourself but enjoy whatever the family is eating.

Unwanted excess skin after weight loss surgery?

Excess skin is often a by-product of bariatric surgery. One of the best ways to help deal with unwanted excess skin is toning & firming by undertaking a strength building exercise regime.

Strength building is ideal because as previously noted, our skin expands when mass under the surface has increased so instead of stretching the surface of your skin with fat you will build muscle as a replacement to help fill out the area.

If you are a bit older or have lost a large amount of weight, toning and firming exercise may not be enough and you may choose to see a Reconstructive Surgeon.

What supports will be in place for me after weight loss surgery?

At North Eastern Weight Loss Surgery several pre-surgery and post-surgery supports are put in place to give each patient the best chance at a successful procedure along with a continued healthy lifestyle.

The support staff include access/referral to dieticians, psychologists, the administrative team and of course your surgeon, Dr. Patrick Moore. You will have several follow up appointments with various members of the team to track your progress and discuss any ongoing concerns you have.

The staff at NEWLS see your weight loss journey not only as a job but instead as a lifelong partnership. They are there to guide and support you on this journey and look forward to sharing your successes along the way.

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General Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery – FAQs

gagan — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 03:25:09 +0000

Weight loss surgery

Bariatric surgery is now a common tool in the fight against obesity. Over 65% of all Australian adults and 25% of all Australian children are in the overweight to obese category. These numbers point to a chronic epidemic that needs long term solutions, not quick fixes. Weight loss surgery has been proven to be a viable, long term alternative for those struggling with their weight. Studies also proves its long term success.

However, weight loss surgery is not as simple as booking in a time, and there are several steps that need to be looked at and considered. People researching this type of surgery have many questions. We have answered some of the more frequently asked questions in order to give you a good understanding of what is involved in your decision making for Bariatric surgery.

How do I know if I qualify for weight loss surgery?

Strict guidelines for obesity surgery have been set out by obesity surgical societies and the National Institutes of Health. This is to ensure the safety of any bariatric procedure.

Your BMI is above 40 kg/m2
Your BMI is above 35 and you have a medical condition associated with obesity (comorbidity)
You must be over 18 and under 70 years old

Comorbidities include:

Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Depression
Fertility issues
Several forms of cancer
Hypertension
Sleep Apnea
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Gout

Patients must also have:

Acceptable level of operative risk
Understanding of the procedure and the risks associated
Absence of drug or alcohol problem
A willingness for a life-style change and follow up consultations

Calculate your BMI

Body Mass Calculation uses a person’s height and weight.

The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person’s weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared.

A BMI of 25.0 or more is overweight, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9

Example:
Weight 140 kgs
Height 1.70 metres
Square metre of height (1.70 x 1.70) 2.89
BMI = 48

Calculate your BMI

What does weight loss surgery cost?

Patient cost	$
With medical insurance	$8,000
Without medical insurance	$23,000
Possibility of Superannuation access	Yes*

*Private health insurance still required for gastric sleeves and bypass surgeries

The costs of having weight loss surgery are made up from a number of sources including:

Hospital bed stay charges
Hospital operating theatre session charges
Equipment used in the operating theatre session. Depending on the procedure you are undergoing, these may include the gastric band itself, stapling devices
Professional fees charged by the medical staff involved in the procedure including the surgeon, anaesthetist and relevant assistants
Radiology
Pharmacy
Dietician
Robot (Bypass only)

Patients with Private Health Insurance

With a higher level of insurance cover, most hospital and equipment charges will be covered with no out of pocket (depending on your insurance arrangements, there may be an excess to pay). The out of pocket expenses for insured patients relate mostly to professional/clinic fees charged by the surgeon, anaesthetist and the Allied Health & Service assistant.

You should make enquiries with your insurance company to make sure you are covered for bariatric procedures:

Item numbers
Gastric Sleeve: Item No. 31575
Gastric Bypass: Item No. 31572
Gastric Banding: Item No. 31569

How much weight will I lose?

An example of an average patient’s success would be:

A person who is 172cm tall and weighs 125kg (BMI 42) has an excess weight of 51kg (based on using a BMI of 25 being an ideal weight of 74kg) would expect to lose:

Approximately 50% of their excess weight achieving around 95 – 99kg with a gastric band
Approximately 70% of their excess weight thus achieving around 85 – 89kg post a sleeve or bypass

What are the dangers of weight loss surgery?

Any surgery comes with a degree of risk. These should be discussed with your bariatric surgeon in the initial consultation. Complications are minimised when the advice from your doctor and support staff are adhered to.

Risks and complications associated with bariatric surgery include:

Dumping syndrome
Gallstones
Hernia
Internal bleeding or profuse bleeding of the surgical wound
Leakage
Perforation of stomach or intestines
Pouch/anastomotic obstruction or bowel obstruction
Spleen or other organ injury
Stomach or intestine ulceration
Stricture
Nutritional deficiencies

Can I use my Superannuation?*

On the basis of compassionate medical grounds, you can apply for early release of superannuation funds to pay for weight loss surgery for yourself, your partner or your child (must be under the same roof). There are several forms to fill in and submit to the ATO so the first thing to do is make an appointment with your Bariatric Surgeon as they will be the ones to sign off on your application.

We prefer to use a third party entitled supercare to expedite the process. This will incur a fee.

*Private health insurance is still required for gastric sleeves and bypass surgeries

Will I regain the weight after surgery?

50% of patients can put a small amount of weight back on. Do not be alarmed. This is as little as 5%. This may happen after a stabilisation period of 18 months to 2 year period. The long terms studies (10 years+) show most weight loss surgery patients are able to achieve and maintain significant weight loss.

Have more questions about weight loss surgery? Get in touch with our team and we will be happy to answer any questions that you have.

References:
www.melbourneobesitysurgery.com.au
https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions
https://anzmoss.com.au/
https://mysupercare.com.au/our-services/bariatric-2/
https://www.ifso.com/

The post General Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery – FAQs appeared first on NEWLS.

Weight Loss Revision Surgery FAQs

gagan — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 01:05:04 +0000

What is bariatric revision surgery?

Bariatric revision surgery is a surgical procedure that is undertaken by patients who have previously had weight loss surgery and have either encountered complications or have not achieved the expected weight reduction with their initial bariatric surgery. This would normally be a different surgical procedure than the initial surgery with the aim of improving the overall health and weight loss outcome for the patient.

Is bariatric revision surgery covered by insurance?

Yes, your surgeon will discuss the merits of this with you at your consult. Insurance should also cover the cost of the procedure if there were any medical complications associated with the original weight loss surgery.

Does medicare pay for bariatric revision surgery?

If the procedure is medically necessary, Medicare will cover part of the cost of the revisional surgery. To have been covered by Medicare for the initial weight loss surgery you must have already met several requirements including:

To have any operation in the Private Health System it must be covered by both Medicare and Private Health Insurance. Please contact your Health Care provider to confirm if you are covered.

A letter from your doctor recommending weight loss surgery
The letter must also certify the patient has a BMI of 35 or more
Is suffering from at least one comorbid illness
That the patient has been obese for at least 5 years
That the patient has undertaken and passed a psychological evaluation
Any other medical conditions that may have contributed to weight gain have been ruled out
Adrenal, pituitary and thyroid screening tests have been undertaking and returned normal results
May also qualify if there is non-weight related complications post the initial procedure (eg severe reflux post-sleeve)

What is the cost of revision surgery?

At NEWLS we have specific item number you are able to give your funds to check out of pocket expenses associated with revisional surgery.

Gastric Band to Sleeve	Item No. 31584 and 31575
Gastric Band to Bypass	Item No. 31584 and 31572

Existing NEWLS patients	Band to sleeve or Band to Bypass
Surgeon and assistant surgeon out of pocket	$2,700
Anesthetist (rebate after surgery)	$2,500
Total cost to patient	$5,200

Patients from other surgeons	Band to sleeve or Band to Bypass
Surgeon and assistant surgeon out of pocket	$5,700
Anesthetist (rebate after surgery)	$2,500
Total cost to patient	$8,200

Consultation fees: Initial consult	$180
Review consult: Rebate included*	$100

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Do I need weight loss surgery?

gagan — Wed, 03 Jul 2019 01:14:42 +0000

Has your weight become unmanageable?

Have you had several failed attempts at dieting or weight loss?

Is weight loss surgery the right option for you?

Bariatric surgery is an option when other weight loss avenues have been explored and failed and is considered a lifesaving surgery.

How can weight loss surgery help you?

People who consider this type of bariatric surgery fall into the category of being overweight or obese. This surgery not only reduces the amount of weight the patient is carrying but also helps to manage several comorbidities that accompany a diagnosis of obesity. Comorbidity is a medical term which relates to conditions that arise as a by product of the original condition. These can include Type 2 diabetes, depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, stroke, related cancers and several other conditions.

What are the risks involved with weight loss surgery?

Before undertaking any type of surgery, it is important that you understand all of the risks associated.

Band slippage
Gastric reflux
Leakage
Bleeding at the suture line
Bowel obstruction
Dumping

Please speak to our staff for more information regarding these possible complications.

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“So you have taken the easy way out”

brandsol — Fri, 14 Jun 2019 03:50:43 +0000

“So you have taken the easy way out”

This is a familiar saying that our patients tell us they have been subjected to hearing from family and friends. In reality nothing could be further from the truth. The decision to have bariatric surgery never comes lightly. It is never the first decision but comes after years of failed dieting, conversations with health care professionals and a lot of education and preparation by the patient. Although bariatric surgery is the best tool we currently have to combat obesity it is not an easy way out. The surgery tool is only as good as the patient’s management of it. The surgery will assist with valuable hunger management and portion control but to be successful long term, correct dietary choices, regular exercise and addressing strategies for non-hungry eating are still require lifelong commitment.

So next time anybody suggests you are taking the ‘easy way out’ then please educate them so that others do not suffer this ignorance and bias.

Is committing to Bariatric surgery the easy way out or the beginning of your weight loss journey?

Choosing life saving surgery

If you have arrived at the decision to commit to weight loss surgery, you didn’t arrive there overnight. The increase on the scales would have crept up over the years. The physical pain, comorbidity issues and unhappiness associated with increased weight gain would also have affected your life over a long period of time. By the time someone commits to weight loss surgery it is not cosmetic decision, it becomes a life saving operation.

An Australian national study in 2018 revealed 67% of Australians are overweight or obese. This includes a staggering 74.5% of men and 60% of women. It is clear that if you rate in these statistics, you are not alone. However, that is probably exactly how you feel.

What is comorbidity

This is a medical term which refers to the presence of one or more additional conditions co-occurring with a primary condition. The comorbidities associated with obesity are not only very serious but life threatening. They can include

Type 2 diabetes
Depression
Fertility issues
Heart disease
Stroke
Sleep apnea
Gallbladder disease
Osteoarthritis
Certain cancers
The list is long..

Obesity is not a lifestyle choice, it is a chronic disease and comorbidities that accompany it require constant treatment and monitoring.

Support is available

Talk to family

If you struggle with your weight and you are part of a family, chances are other members of the home are struggling too. A healthy lifestyle needs to be a change everybody commits to. If you have tried a range of treatments with your family it is also ok to have a conversation with them about weight loss surgery. It will have ramifications on the family so it may be a good idea to do the research together to see how it will affect everyone.

Plan your weekly meals together. This is a great way of connecting with each other and giving everyone a chance to choose their own healthy favourite meals. Cooking together is also a great family pass time.

Talk to a friend

A good friend will always be there when you need them. Why not get them to start an exercise routine with you? Maybe start off with walking one day a week together or perhaps try a Zumba class? Whatever form of exercise you decide on, make sure it’s fun and enjoyable. This will help you maintain the continuity.

Consult your GP

Our GP’s are not just there for us when we are struck down with illness. They are a reliable source when it comes to prevention and advice. Make an appointment and ask your doctor’s advice on weight loss strategies and available support.

Your doctor will also have information on the costs of procedures and alternatives to up front expenses associated with this type of surgery. There are options through medicare and private health insurance. Discuss this with your healthcare professional because if it is the cost of surgery has been making the decision for you, there may be other options.

Join a support network

One of the hardest things to do when tackling a problem is joining a group to help you. No one likes being the new person in the room or attending a group for the first time. If you choose to join an online support group you can build relationships without having to meet anyone face to face.There are numerous ways to get support when you are tackling a problem. Facebook has many groups that can provide support, as well as exercise groups, emotional support and healthy recipes groups.

It can be hard to join a group but remember, there’s strength in numbers so the more people you connect with, the chances are you will have a wider support base.

Contact NEWLS

At North Eastern Weight Loss Surgery, we specialise in helping people who are unable to maintain a quality of life that makes them happy and healthy due to obesity. We have a specialised program that incorporates psychologists, nutritionists, doctors and a range of support to help you achieve your dreams of a healthier life.

If you would like to see if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery, or for more information on what to do next, get in touch with us today

References:

https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/4b395076-f554-4818-9150-64ffe2fc3039/aihw-aus-221-chapter-4-10.pdf.aspx

https://coach.nine.com.au/latest/overweight-obese-australians/449ccb6f-3d59-46f4-b9af-5b841fe8ebbc

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What are the benefits of Bariatric surgery

brandsol — Fri, 31 May 2019 03:48:06 +0000

Bariatric surgery can be lifesaving

For many people, bariatric surgery is a life-saving operation. When all other weight reduction avenues have failed, surgery gives the patient a genuine alternative to produce the results needed to achieve long term weight loss goals. Extensive worldwide research has shown less than 5% of people who undertake a diet and exercise regime keep the weight off up to and beyond 5 years.

Bariatric surgery has come a long way since its inception in the 1970s. Current procedures include a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric lap band and revisional surgery.

Gastric sleeve surgery works by reducing the stomach size by 75%. The results for patients over a 12 month period produce a reduction in excess body weight of 70%.

Gastric bypass surgery involves the Roux-en-Y is the most commonly performed bariatric surgery in the world. It combines two forms of surgery, one of restriction and the other of malabsorption. Stapling is used to create a smaller upper stomach pouch. This restricts the volume of food able to be consumed. In addition, a small part of the bowel is bypassed. This stops food from mixing with digestive juices to avoid complete absorption.

Gastric lap band surgery was introduced in the 1970s and was once one of the most popular forms of bariatric surgery. Research and development have now superseded this procedure and it is now known as gastric sleeve surgery.

Watch the SBS streaming of Weight Loss Surgery aired Tuesday 21st May 2019.

Dietary changes

People who undergo bariatric surgery are able to feel full after only eating a small amount of food. This enables long term, sustained and significant weight loss. Once patients have had a procedure and go through the recovery process, they often report being unable to eat certain things such as white bread and solid meats initially but with time and practice most foods will be tolerated. Due to the stomach size being reduced people also see a healthier diet as more beneficial considering they can only eat small amounts choosing the best nutrition is essential. Entree sized meals are the examples given of amounts able to be consumed.

A detailed meal plan is provided for post-surgery. The plans go through stages. Immediately after surgery, the patient will only be able to ingest liquids and soft mushy foods or pureed meals. After the healing has occurred, normal solid food choices can be slowly introduced with protein foods being the most important source of nutrition.

Illness prevention

The health benefits of undergoing sleeve gastrectomy surgery are numerous. Someone with a body mass index of >35 will have a number of comorbidities. These are preventable illnesses that are minimised if not completely eradicated after successful weight loss surgery. Patients often report as the kilograms come off, so do the life-threatening illnesses.

Heart disease is the biggest killer in Australia and the leading cause of cardiovascular disease is obesity. This risk is significantly diminished when there is a reduction in weight.

Type 2 diabetes is another comorbidity that is often associated with a high body mass index (BMI). The blood sugar levels can be controlled with medication but often after successful bariatric surgery patients report being in diabetes remission.

Because of the increased load on the body to function and perform, blood pressure is often at an elevated level. High blood pressure is the leading cause of strokes. After surgery patients often find their blood pressure within a normal range.

Cholesterol levels are also generally heightened in people who are overweight and this again requires medication. Poor dietary choices are the leading factor in high levels of cholesterol. Saturated fats, trans fats and sugars. Cholesterol levels may reduce after weight reduction.

Many overweight patients take medication for joint pain brought on by the extra demands on the joints. It is usually not required after a sustained period of weight loss.

Better quality sleep

People in the obese category sometimes suffer from a serious sleeping disorder called sleep apnea. This means they can stop breathing up to hundreds of times a night whilst sleeping. It can result in a lack of oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body. A device called a CPAP machine is required to assist the patient whilst sleeping. Sufferers of this condition may find with weightloss that their sleep apnea may improve.

Depression relief

The rate of depression in obese patients with a body mass index of >35 is significantly increased. Quality of life is compromised in virtually every area of living. They often have a poor body image and suffer the consequences and judgement of social stigmas. Because the weight reduction is gradual and consistent, people’s confidence continues to grow as they are able to maintain weight loss.

Socially activity

The social benefits that come with a healthier lifestyle are virtually never-ending. You feel better about yourself and that radiates to the world. You may feel more confident to go out socially whereas larger people often stay isolated. You interact with more people through physical activity. This often leads to long term relationships forming.

People with weight issues often avoid going out for dinner as they feel judged in an eating situation. After surgery, only a small calorie intake is required to feel full. Often post surgery, people tend only to order entree-size meals as this leads them to feel full. People find themselves experiencing activities that they have not to be able to participate in a long time. This includes plane travel, live theatre, sporting events, travel, interactivity with children. The newfound freedoms will be different for each person but the rewards will definitely be numerous.

Fertility

Obesity in both men and women can play a part in trying to get pregnant.

For women not in a healthy weight range, it can affect her hormones and menstrual cycle. It may also compromise the quality of eggs she produces. For men not in a healthy weight range, they may suffer erection problems and compromise the quality of the sperm produced.

A 2018 study finds evidence that women who eat more fast food and less fresh fruit than the normal average, will have difficulty getting pregnant. A survey of 5,628 women was taken at their first postnatal appointment. They were asked about their leafy green vegetables, fruit, fish and fast food intake prior to the month of conception. The women that ate more fast food took longer to conceive.

The benefits of a healthier lifestyle in a normal weight range are evident. Even if you achieve only some of the positive changes listed you will still be living a happier, longer life.

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-bariatric-surgery-benefits-besides-helping-you-lose-weight/

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=is+sleep+apnea+a+disease%3F&rlz=1C1CHB https://bmcendocrdisord.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12902-018-0317-4

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/study-suggests-a-bad-diet-may-harm-a-womans-fertility/

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=is+sleep+apnea+a+disease%

https://bariatric.stopobesityforlife.com/patient-resources/bariatric-program/post-bariatric-lifestyle-change/

https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/images/uploads/publications/RES-114_Aust_HeartStats_Obesity_supplement.pdf

The post What are the benefits of Bariatric surgery appeared first on NEWLS.

Maladaptive Eating

gagan — Fri, 24 May 2019 00:15:51 +0000

What is maladaptive eating?

If the Surgeon or the Dietitian has told you that you have maladaptive eating, it means that you have changed what you eat or how you eat, in such a way that it is affecting how the band works. This means that how successful you are at losing the weight, and even more importantly keeping it off in the long term, is at risk. Maladaptive eating is very common after having Bariatric surgery and that is why we monitor for it and provide education and advice on how to avoid/cure it.

Examples of maladaptive eating:

Eating for an extended period of time i.e. getting through all the food on your plate simply by taking a longer time period to do this. Rather than stopping when getting full or when 10 minutes has elapsed (whichever comes first).
Choosing foods that pass easily through the band – foods such as soups, sloppy dishes, crackers, biscuits, ice-cream, Boost™ juices, smoothies etc. that can still be eaten in large quantities and do not allow the band to give you the restriction more solid food choices provide. Eating lots of snacks or ‘grazing’ rather than having three small meals.
Drinking lots of high calorie sweetened drinks including alcohol which is not restricted by the band.
Drinking too close to eating which tends to move the food through the small pouch more quickly and allows you to eat more, or makes you need to eat sooner than expected because you get hungry more quickly.
Unfortunately, a lot of people feel that they are coping well because they are able to eat more ‘normally’ by eating in a maladaptive way. In actual fact they are not using the band to its full potential and therefore not getting the best out of it.

Comments we have heard that describe maladaptive eating include:

“I can only eat ½ slice of bread so I choose crackers instead because then I can eat 4 Cruskits™”

“I get full after the first 4 -5 mouthfuls but if I wait a few minutes and have a few sips of water, I can then finish my meal”

“I’ve stopped eating apples because I could only eat ¼ – ½ apple and what do I do with the rest of it?”

“I don’t have rice with my meal anymore because it fills me up too much”

“I don’t really have meals anymore because I get too full so I just have lots of snacks throughout the day”

“I worry that I will not have any energy because I eat so little so I make sure I have a big smoothie for breakfast and after dinner”

What can be done about maladaptive eating?

The good news is the band is still in place and ready to be worked with properly.

What is needed is education and commitment to get back to working with the band by making changes to both what, and how you eat.

Remember that the body needs very little food to survive and the object of the band is to allow you to greatly reduce the size of your meals but still give you a feeling of being satisfied and no longer hungry.

To use the band to its best ability:

Choose solid food choices that mean you can only eat small quantities e.g. pasta, bread, rice, meat, chicken.
View eating smaller serves of food as a GOOD thing, not something to worry about.
Stop eating when you no longer feel hungry, not when you feel over full.
Stop eating after 10 minutes regardless of what is left on your plate. This food is as much a waste inside the body as it is in the bin!
Have three small meals including breakfast. You only need a snack in-between meals if you are hungry but remember snacks need to be solid and filling too e.g. fruit
Drink only low calorie drinks and limit alcohol.
Yoghurt is a snack not a meal and great to help you get your calcium intake but 200g low fat per day is sufficient. Limit cheese to one slice per day.

Remember you will have more energy than ever because you are losing weight and this takes enormous pressure off the heart, lungs and joints. Energy levels will not be affected by a smaller intake.

The post Maladaptive Eating appeared first on NEWLS.

NEWLS

Is Being Overweight Putting You at Risk of Sleep Apnoea?

What is Sleep Apnoea?

Symptoms of Sleep Apnoea

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

What Are the Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

How Does Being Overweight Cause Sleep Apnoea?

Can Weight Loss Surgery Help Sleep Apnoea?

Pregnancy and Bariatric Surgery | What you NEED to Know

What are the Types of Bariatric Surgery?

Laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Laparoscopic Gastric Band

Pregnancy after Bariatric Surgery

Obesity and Exercise – Where to start?

It costs nothing to move

10 minutes a day

Peg basket challenge

Walking the pavement

Have a dance

Seated movement

Internet

What to Expect After Weight Loss Surgery

What are the side effects you may experience after weight loss surgery?

How will my hunger be controlled after weight loss surgery?

How will I maintain a healthy weight range after weight loss surgery?

Will there be foods I will never be able to eat?

Unwanted excess skin after weight loss surgery?

What supports will be in place for me after weight loss surgery?

General Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery – FAQs

Weight loss surgery

How do I know if I qualify for weight loss surgery?

Calculate your BMI

What does weight loss surgery cost?

Patients with Private Health Insurance

How much weight will I lose?

What are the dangers of weight loss surgery?

Can I use my Superannuation?*

Will I regain the weight after surgery?

Weight Loss Revision Surgery FAQs

What is bariatric revision surgery?

Is bariatric revision surgery covered by insurance?

Does medicare pay for bariatric revision surgery?

What is the cost of revision surgery?

Do I need weight loss surgery?

Bariatric surgery is an option when other weight loss avenues have been explored and failed and is considered a lifesaving surgery.

How can weight loss surgery help you?

What are the risks involved with weight loss surgery?

How can this questionnaire help?

“So you have taken the easy way out”

“So you have taken the easy way out”

Is committing to Bariatric surgery the easy way out or the beginning of your weight loss journey?

Choosing life saving surgery

What is comorbidity

Support is available

Talk to family

Talk to a friend

Consult your GP

Join a support network

Contact NEWLS

What are the benefits of Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery can be lifesaving

Dietary changes

Illness prevention

Better quality sleep

Depression relief

Socially activity

Fertility

Maladaptive Eating

What is maladaptive eating?

Examples of maladaptive eating:

Comments we have heard that describe maladaptive eating include:

What can be done about maladaptive eating?

To use the band to its best ability: