BARIATRIC (WEIGHT LOSS) SURGERY
Choosing weight loss surgery is a big decision. When your life is impacted by weight related health problems, Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery may be the only option left to assist in improving quality of life and achieving a better life outcome.
It may also reverse many health conditions such as Type II Diabetes, Hypertension and Cholesterol issues as well as joint pain.
It may be time to consider getting Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery performed by a highly experienced and skilled Bariatric Surgeon using the latest techniques and equipment, backed up by excellent clinical care.
The Ipswich Surgical Specialist Centre has four highly qualified and experienced Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgeons available to assist you on your weight loss journey.
Bariatric Surgeries performed at The Ipswich Surgical Specialist Centre include:
Sleeve
Gastrectomy
Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (Mini)
Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass
There are many factors involved in deciding who is suitable for bariatric surgery, including:
- Previous efforts with diet and exercise that have not provided long term weight loss
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidaemia, ie. high cholesterol
- Obstructive sleep apnoea
- Osteoarthritis affecting the weight bearing joints
- Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
- Weight related psychological problems – Depression, low self esteem
- Weight related difficulty in achieving pregnancy, contributing to infertility
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
HERNIA SURGERY
A Hernia is when an organ or internal tissue pushes through the tissue that contains it, creating a bulge or lump.
Common Hernias include:
- Groin (Inguinal and Femoral)
- Umbilical or Para-Umbilical (belly button and around it)
- Incisional (from previous surgery)
Most of the time they can be surgically repaired by keyhole surgery (also known as Laparoscopic surgery). Large Hernias may involve an open incision. Mesh may or may not be used, depending on the hernia.
Simple Hernias may be done as a day case, with the person being discharged from hospital on the same day as surgery. There are usually no dietary restrictions following Hernia surgery. However, there are restrictions on lifting and other physical activities. These will be discussed at the time of consultation and after your surgery.
ANTI-REFLUX SURGERY
Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GORD) is due to the gastric acid from the stomach rising into the oesophagus. This occurs when the band of muscle (sphincter) at the top of the stomach that normally relaxes to allow food to go down into the stomach, then contracts for the remainder of the time to prevent stomach contents leaking back up, is weakened or has poor function.
If the reflux is not controlled with ant-acid medications, or the oesophagus lining is damaged, then anti-reflux surgery may be indicated. Hiatus Hernias can also be a major cause of reflux. This is when part or all of your stomach moves into the chest cavity.
A Fundoplication is a common form of surgery to treat Gastro-Oesophageal
Reflux Disease (GORD). It involves using part of the Stomach to wrap around the lower part of the Oesophagus (food pipe) to recreate the original anti-reflux mechanism of the body. Most people notice a significant decrease in acid reflux symptoms after the surgery. If a Hiatus Hernia repair is needed it is usually performed Laparoscopically (keyhole surgery). The stomach and other contents of the Hernia need to me pulled back down from the chest into the abdomen. The repair may require the use of a dissolvable Mesh to strengthen the repair. A Fundoplication may also be performed as part of the repair.
GASTROSCOPY & COLONOSCOPY
A Gastroscope is a flexible camera that looks inside your Oesophagus, Stomach and Duodenum. The Gastroscopy is performed for symptoms of heartburn, reflux, swallowing difficulty, food regurgitation, abdominal pain, etc.. The Surgeon is checking for signs of reflux, a Hiatus Hernia, bleeding or ulcers. Biopsies of the Duodenum for Coeliac Disease may be taken if clinically indicated. Dilatation of strictures can also be performed. This is usually done as a day case. A Gastroscopy is a Day Procedure and usually takes around 15 minutes to complete in Theatre.
A Colonoscopy is a flexible camera that looks inside your Rectum and Colon. Prior to undergoing a Colonoscopy, you must have your bowel prepared with a specific Colonoscopy Bowel prep. The staff will provide you with the kit and the information on preparing for the procedure. You will also need to alter your diet 1-3 days leading up to the Colonoscopy in order to allow for the procedure to be performed as effectively and safely as possible. The Colon is examined for growths such as Polyps or Cancers, and Bowel disorders. Polyps may be removed during the Colonoscopy for testing by pathology. This is usually done as a day case and takes approximately 30 minutes to be completed in Theatre.
CHOLECYSTECTOMY (GALLBLADDER SURGERY)
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is ‘keyhole’ surgery to remove gallstones and the Gallbladder. The Surgeon makes a number of small incisions (cuts) through the skin on the Abdomen, allowing access so the Surgeon is able to remove the Gallbladder through one of these incisions.
Sometimes, removal of the Gallbladder my require Open surgery (Laparotomy). You may need open surgery if you have scarring from prior Abdominal operations or have a bleeding disorder.
Nearly 25%-30% of Bariatric patients require their Gallbladder removed during active weight loss.
VISITING ALLIED HEALTH
DIETITIAN
We have a visiting dietitian that comes every Wednesday to our rooms from Healthy Lifestyles Australia.
They will support you with your pre-op and post-op dietary requirements as well as long-term support if needed.
COLOPLAST
We have a visiting Stoma Nurse that attends our practice on a monthly basis on a Wednesday.
She will support you with all the Stoma needs and requirements. Your GP or Surgeon can refer you to this service.