Gastric bypass surgery involves the reduction or removal of part of the stomach to aid weight loss.

Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to limit food intake. The surgeon also reroutes part of the small intestine so that food bypasses most of the stomach and intestines. After surgery, patients eat less and lose weight more quickly than with other methods.

Gastric bypass surgery may be an option for you if you are obese or morbidly obese (having a BMI over 40) and have tried dieting but have not seen lasting results; or if your obesity has caused serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnoea, stroke, or arthritis pain in your knees or hips from carrying around extra weight on your joints. There are many factors to consider when deciding if this type of weight loss procedure is right for you — read on to find out how it works and why you might consider it.

What does the procedure involve?

During gastric bypass surgery, the size of the stomach is reduced, and the small bowel’s ability to absorb nutrients is altered.

There are a number of types of bypass procedures. These include Roux-En-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), which is the traditional method in which the stomach is made smaller but not removed; loop gastric bypass, which involves a reduction in the size of the stomach and a loop of the small intestine is joined to the stomach pouch; and SIPS SADI, which involves a sleeve gastrectomy, as well as a bypass operation. The SIPS SADI procedure differs from the loop bypass in that a portion of the stomach is removed and a bypass is created from the duodenum to the small bowel, rather than the stomach to the small bowel.

Gastric bypass surgery is generally performed laparoscopically, which means that it is minimally invasive. The type of procedure that is best for you will depend on a few factors, and your surgeon will guide you through the process and address any questions that you have.

What can you expect after surgery?

After gastric bypass surgery, you will need to change your dietary habits quite considerably. For the first day following surgery, you will need to drink clear liquids only, after which you can eat pureed foods for around four weeks.

After around a month, you will be able to slowly incorporate soft foods into your diet, and in time, you will be able to eat a wider variety of foods.

Portion control is very important after gastric bypass surgery as you won’t be able to eat as much as you once did.

How can we help?</h4

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• Dr Stephen Watson offers a range of weight loss procedures, including gastric bypass surgery. If you are significantly obese and are struggling with health issues related to your weight, you might consider bariatric surgery.

It is important to understand that although gastric bypass surgery has many benefits, it is not without its risks. If you are interested in the procedure, we encourage you to come in and see Dr Watson for a consultation. This will give you the opportunity to learn more about the surgery and to raise any questions or concerns that you might have.

If you would like to find out more about gastric bypass surgery and what the process involves, please have a look here.

Dr Stephen Watson also offer a range of other bariatric procedures, including Elipse balloon; gastric sleeve surgery; gastric banding; and revisional weight loss surgery. If you would like to find out more about the procedures that are available, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call on (08) 6311 7578. Dr Watson and his team look forward to welcoming you and guiding you through your treatment of choice, as well as your weight loss journey in the months and years after surgery.

Being overweight or obese can affect one’s fertility.

If you are overweight or obese, you may be aware that you are at an increased risk of various health problems. But did you know that there is also a link between body weight and fertility? Being at a healthy body weight can help to improve both one’s chances of getting pregnant, as well as one’s health during a pregnancy. Being overweight can have a detrimental effect on a woman’s fertility, and obesity can also lower fertility in men. Read on to find out more about the link between weight loss and fertility, and what you can do if you are struggling with health-related concerns caused by obesity.

How are weight and fertility linked?

Although it is best to be at a healthy weight before trying to conceive, it is important to understand that the ideal weight varies from person to person. A good starting point is to work out your body mass index (BMI) — a healthy range is generally between 18.5 and 24.9, while a BMI of between 25 and 29 is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is obese. If you are not sure what your ideal healthy weight should be, it is advisable that you speak to your doctor for more information and guidance.

Women who are overweight or obese are often at greater risk of various fertility-related problems. These include hormonal imbalances; issues related to ovulation; and certain menstrual disorders. Obesity has also been linked to a higher risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is commonly associated with infertility.

In men, obesity can also affect fertility. The condition often leads to hormonal issues, as well as problems with erection and other health concerns.

How does weight affect pregnancy?

Being at a healthy weight before and during pregnancy can go a long way in promoting a healthy pregnancy and birth experience. Women who are overweight or obese whilst pregnant tend to be at higher risk of certain complications — these include high blood pressure; gestational diabetes; pre-eclampsia; and stillbirth.

Babies who are born to overweight or obese mothers may also be at risk of certain health problems, as well as issues like obesity later in life. If you are planning a pregnancy, it is well worth getting your health on track before you begin the journey. This will improve your own overall health, as well as the health of your baby.

How can we help?

If you are concerned about your overall health because of your weight, and would like to address the issue, you might consider weight loss surgery. If you have concerns related specifically to fertility and pregnancy, Dr Watson can assist with information and advice, or refer you to another suitable specialist. He will let you know if weight loss surgery is a viable option for you, and if so, which course of action is best suited to your needs.

Dr Stephen Watson offers a range of bariatric procedures, including SASI-S; SADI-S; gastric sleeve surgery; gastric bypass surgery; revisional weight loss surgery; and gastric banding. He also offers the Allurion Balloon weight loss programme.  Each of these procedures has its own set of benefits, so if you would like to find out more about what they involve, we encourage you to come in for a consultation. Dr Watson will discuss your particular concerns with you, and let you know which surgery is most appropriate for you.

To see the full list of weight loss procedures that Dr Watson offers, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call on (08) 6311 7578. We look forward to helping to improve your overall wellness and enjoy a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

Obesity has been linked to a number of other health risks, including hypertension.

Obesity refers to a condition in which one has a BMI of 30 or over. If left untreated, obesity can increase one’s risk of developing a range of other health conditions. These include heart disease; stroke; diabetes; breathing-related problems; and osteoarthritis. Another issue that has been linked with obesity is high blood pressure. Also known as hypertension, this issue can cause damage to the blood vessels, as well as a number of organs. Read on to find out more about hypertension, how it is connected to obesity, and what you can do about it.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is a condition that occurs when one’s blood pressure is excessively high. When blood pressure is high, the arteries are narrow, which causes increased pressure and puts you at risk of issues like heart disease.

Hypertension doesn’t always cause symptoms, but if left untreated, it can cause the body serious harm. Possible signs of high blood pressure include headaches; shortness of breath; chest pain; and dizziness.

What is the connection between obesity and hypertension?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure. Obesity is one factor that can increase one’s risk of hypertension. If you are obese, it takes more effort for you heart to function as it should to pump blood throughout the body. This, in turn, puts excess strain on the arteries, and can lead to high blood pressure. Both high blood pressure and obesity increase one’s risk of other health issues, such as heart disease.

Other conditions that can lead to hypertension include obstructive sleep apnoea; thyroid-related problems; kidney disease; and certain congenital defects. Certain medications, as well as some illegal drugs can also increase one’s risk of developing high blood pressure.

How is hypertension treated?

When it comes to treating hypertension, your doctor may prescribe medications specially formulated to manage the condition. In fact, many people take medications to keep hypertension under control.

If you have both obesity and hypertension, it is advisable that you seek professional help regarding safe and effective weight loss. Weight loss surgery may be a viable option for you — a bariatric procedure can help you lose up to 70 percent of excess body weight, and can go a long way in improving your overall health.

There are a number of weight loss surgeries available, and the type that is best for you will depend on a number of factors, including your personal goals, your unique lifestyle, and any health conditions with you are struggling. The best starting point is to arrange a consultation with your surgeon so that you can discuss your particular needs and/or concerns and seek professional guidance towards a treatment plan that is most appropriate for you.

How can we help?

If you are considering weight loss surgery as a way to resolve health issues and improve your overall wellbeing, we encourage you to come in and see Dr Stephen Watson for a consultation. Dr Watson is an experienced and fully qualified surgeon and has been performing weight loss surgery since 1999.

Dr Watson offers a number of weight loss procedures. These include SASI-S; SADI-S; gastric sleeve surgery; gastric bypass surgery; gastric banding; and revisional weight loss surgery.

If you would like to find out more about any of these treatments and what they involve, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call on (08) 6311 7578.  Dr Watson and his team are committed to working with each of their patients through the entire treatment process — from the consultation and surgery preparation, to the surgery itself, and the ongoing weight loss journey. Together the team will work hard to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals.

Genetics can contribute to obesity and affect the way your body stores fat.

Obesity is a condition that can have some serious health implications. Individuals with a BMI of 30 or more are often at higher risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Unfortunately, obesity is a common concern for many people and can be caused by a number of factors. Read on to find out what role genetics plays in the development of the condition, and what the other possible causes are.

What causes obesity?

One of the most common contributing factors of obesity is eating more calories than you use up in your daily activity. When you eat more than your body needs in the long term, you are likely to experience weight gain, which can in turn lead to obesity.

There are also a number of factors that can lead to obesity, some of which are out of one’s control. Genetic factors, for example, can have an impact on the way in which the body processes food into energy, as well as how fat is stored in the body.

Other possible causes of obesity include ageing, which can slow one’s metabolic rate and make it easier to put on weight; sleep problems that can lead to hormonal changes and an increased appetite; and pregnancy, which can lead to excess weight that can be difficult to lose.

What health conditions contribute to obesity?

As well as the aforementioned factors, there are also a number of health conditions that can put one at an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.

These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects the balance of female reproductive hormones; Cushing syndrome, which is caused by excessive cortisol levels; hypothyroidism, which leads to an underproduction of certain hormones; and osteoarthritis, which causes severe pain and often leads to reduced activity and a sedentary lifestyle.

Are there other risk factors?

There are a wide range of factors that can put one at risk of developing obesity. Some people simply find it harder to lose weight than others because of their genetics, while mental health and psychological issues can also play an important role in one’s relationship to food and the body.

Environmental and social factors are also important considerations — limited food options, as well as a lack of information regarding healthy eating also play a role in one’s risk for obesity.

Can obesity be treated?

If you are struggling with obesity and have been unsuccessful in previous attempts at weight loss, it is advisable that you discuss your situation with a medical professional. Although lifestyle and behavioural changes can go a long way towards achieving a healthy body weight, many people benefit considerably from weight loss surgery.

Weight loss surgery works by restricting the amount of food that can be eaten and/or absorbed by the body. It is important to note, however, that bariatric surgery is just a starting point — you will need to adjust your eating habits after your procedure to ensure that you achieve optimal results.

How can we help?

Dr Stephen Watson is an experienced laparoscopic and general surgeon. He offers a number of bariatric procedures for patients who are struggling with obesity and would like to achieve healthier body weight.

The weight-loss surgeries that Dr Watson offers include SASI-S; gastric sleeve surgery; gastric bypass surgery; revisional weight loss surgery; and gastric banding. If you are considering weight loss surgery and would like to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for one of these procedures, we encourage you to arrange a consultation. Dr Watson will discuss your health concerns and expectations before recommending a procedure that is appropriate for you.

If you would like to find out more about weight loss surgery and what each procedure involves, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Watson, please get in touch here or give us a call on (08) 6311 7578.

This lump could potentially be a hernia, and the only way to find out is to visit a doctor, such as Dr Stephen Watson.

Types of hernias

A hernia is caused by a tear in your muscle or tissue, which results in an organ pushing through.

Hernias are usually more common in people whose abdomens are under more pressure than normal. This may include being overweight, pregnant, have chronic coughing, have chronic constipation, or do a lot of heavy lifting.

Inguinal hernias

This is a groin hernia and is the most common and affects more males than females. Occurs when the bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall into the groin area.

Femoral hernias

The bowel or other abdominal tissues push through the abdominal wall into the upper part of your inner thigh, the femoral canal. This is a groin hernia and is more common in females.

Incisional hernias

The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall where a surgery has taken place. The abdominal wall is weakened by surgery or trauma, which is the cause for this type of hernia.

Hiatal hernia

A part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm. The diaphragm separates the chest from the abdomen.

Umbilical hernia

The bowel or other abdominal tissue pushes through the abdominal wall near the belly button. This is common in newborns, however women who had multiple pregnancies can also develop this hernia.

These are the most common types of hernias, however not every hernia that you can suffer from is listed here.

What are symptoms of a hernia?

Firstly, not all hernias have symptoms!

Common symptoms include:

• Bulge in affected area
• Cough
• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pressure
• Pulsing sensation around bulge

Hernias can have more severe symptoms such as:

• Vomiting
• Shooting pain
• Constipation

If you have a hernia, which is a lump which becomes soft or cannot be pushed back in, go to the emergency department as hernias can cause blockages, infections and organ strangulation.

What causes a hernia?

Some common causes for hernias include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ageing
• Straining to go to the toilet
• Persistent cough
• Enlarged prostate
• Abdominal fluids
• Overweight
• Lifting heavy loads
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking
• Physical exertion
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Weak muscles
• Pregnancy
• Weakened tissue due to surgery

Diagnosis and treatment of hernias

If you think you may have a hernia, Dr Stephen Watson and his team can help you. Please book in for a general surgical appointment.

Dr Stephen Watson will perform a physical exam which will usually tell if you have a hernia, however further tests may be ordered to assess the condition. This can include an ultrasound, x-ray, CT scan, or an endoscopy.

Treatment options for a hernia will depend on the location and state of your health.

Simple changes such as diet, activity and habits may be suggested to try and help reduce your hernia, however if your condition worsens, surgery may be required.

Dr Stephen Watson offers laparoscopic surgical options, such as
:

Laparoscopic Abdominal Hernia Repair

This surgery is used to fix tears in the abdominal wall, using a small incision, telescopes and a patch. The patch is a mesh that is used to strengthen muscles and tissue over time. The mesh can be temporary and made from dissolving materials or a permanent option for long term support.

Laparoscopic Incisional Hernia Repair

This surgery also uses a small incision, telescopes and a patch. The same mesh which can either be temporary or permanent.

Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

This includes both inguinal and femoral hernia repair, which are also referred to as groin hernias. These hernias require surgery as they can have harsh consequences and do not fix themselves.

Inguinal hernias are commonly repaired by the surgeon pushing the bulging tissues back into the abdomen and stitching and reinforcing the damaged abdominal wall back up.

Hernias can be treated by Dr Stephen Watson, however this does not mean it will be a permanent fix, as hernias can come back; however, the mesh reduces the chances.

If you suspect you suffer from a hernia, please contact Dr Stephen Watson and the team in Perth to book in for an appointment. We will be able to suggest the most appropriate action to treat you. Please ask us any questions about hernias or other surgeries we offer by contacting us here.

The bypass procedures are generally minimally invasive as it involves laparoscopic surgery, also commonly known as keyhole surgery.

The procedure is used to reduce the size of the stomach by removing or stapling part of the organ and changes in the ability for the small bowel to absorb nutrients.

The bypass treatments restrict the amount of food that can be eaten, causing patients to lose weight.

Types of gastric bypass

Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB):
The traditional gastric bypass, although it is less common now due to risks such as dumping syndrome, low blood pressure and internal hernias. RYGB reduces the stomach size but does not remove any stomach.

The surgeon staples off part of the upper section of the stomach which reduces the amount of food which can be eaten. The remaining pouch is then connected to part of the small intestine, known as the Roux limb, forming a Y shape.

This reduces the number of calories absorbed; however, it also reduces the number of vitamins and minerals you absorb, meaning you may need supplements to compensate.

Loop Gastric Bypass:

Also known as Omega Loop, Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass, One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass and Mini Gastric Bypass.

Involves making the stomach smaller, but not removing any stomach. There is one join from the stomach to the bowel. Risks of internal hernias are lower than the RYGB procedure, however there are still risks of an ulcer and reflux.

During this procedure, the surgeon divides the stomach to make a small pouch which only allows for small amounts of food to be taken at a time. This small pouch is joined up to a loop of bowel (called anastomosis). This means food passes from the small pouch directly into the small bowel. This surgery allows for food to bypass about 2m of bowel before absorption begins, meaning fewer calories can be absorbed.

SIPS SADI:

This treatment is basically a sleeve gastrectomy, and at the same time or later, a bypass operation. This operation is different to the loop bypass, as SIPS SADI involves removing a portion of the stomach. The bypass in this operation is from the duodenum to small bowel, instead of the stomach to the small bowel.

This is a new operation thought to reduce ulcers and reflux risks, however, long-term risks are uncertain.

Which bypass is best for me?

Dr Stephen Watson is a Laparoscopic and General Surgeon who specialises in weight loss surgery. Dr Watson discusses the various options with patients to determine which one is best suited to each individual patient. Every patient is different, as everyone’s bodies are different, and it depends if you have had other surgeries in the past or other issues such as diabetes.

How to prepare

Dr Watson will go through how to prepare for bypass surgery and what not to do. For example, you should not take anti-inflammatory medications coming up to the operation from one week before. You must also not smoke one week before the surgery.

Postoperative

After treatment, you may feel fatigued and weak for 36-48 hours, and you must remain in hospital for between one to four days.

Your intake of food and drink will have to change, and you will have to take nutritional supplements ongoing.

During the first 14-21 days post treatment, you will only be able to consume soft foods and afterwards more solid foods can be introduced again. This is important as solid foods can cause stretches to the small pouch which has been created.

Don’t worry as Dr Watson will guide you through exactly how to take care after your surgery.

Risks of bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is generally safe; however, any surgical procedure carries some sort of risk. All surgeries can carry anaesthetic, bleeding and wound infection issues.

Gastric bypass surgery risks are uncommon, but can include:

• Staple line leak
• Inflammation or blocking of the opening to the stomach
• Thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot)
• Gallstone formation
• Nutritional deficiency
• Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)

Please note the following: Be aware that poor eating habits or certain exercise habits can cause changes in your stomach allowing you to eat more. If this becomes the case, gastric bypass surgery is not usually redone to compensate for poor habits.

Dr Watson has been a weight loss surgeon since 1999 and has performed thousands of surgeries on patients to help them lose weight. Most of the surgeries are laparoscopic. The weight loss team, along with Dr Watson, are driven to provide patients with excellent results and assistance within their weight loss journey.

Or if you would like to book an appointment with Dr Watson, please click here.

One element of diet a lot of patients ask about is caffeine, and whether they can keep drinking their favourite tea, coffee or soft drink.

There is no hard and fast rule to answer this question with. Factors such as your body’s tolerance to caffeine and the type of weight loss surgery you had can play a factor in the answer.

However, all things in moderation. And this is especially true of your diet post-weight loss surgery. There are four good reasons why drinking (or eating) caffeine in moderation is better for you post-bariatric surgery.

4 reasons to moderate your caffeine after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery alters your digestive system by changing how it can process and absorb food and drink. Your stomach is reduced and some of the digestive tract is either bypassed or removed.

Excessive consumption of caffeine is believed to reduce both iron and calcium absorption. This is problematic since post-weight loss surgery your nutrient absorption is already reduced.

Four reasons you should moderate your caffeine after bariatric surgery include:

1. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause digestive issues

That caffeine can cause negative digestive issues are true for everyone. However, the effects can be more pronounced in bariatric patients for two reasons:

1. Smaller stomach.
2. Body’s reduced ability to absorb nutrients.

Excessive consumption of caffeine can result in gastric reflux and diarrhea. In this case, for bariatric patients, excessive consumption of caffeine is more than a cup of coffee (or tea, soft drink, etc).

2. Caffeine’s known to cause dehydration

Caffeine causes dehydration because it’s a diuretic. This means it makes you urinate more. Which means your body flushes out more water. And so, excessive consumption of caffeine leads to dehydration.

Part of successful weight loss surgery recovery involves staying hydrated. This is because water:

• helps joints and muscles work better.
• Keeps your skin supple.
• Promotes cardiovascular health.
• Keeps your body cool.
• It helps to clean your body (inside and outside).

3. Some caffeinated drinks and food are high in sugar

Caffeinated drinks and food like soft drinks and chocolate are often high in sugar. Which is a problem because excessive consumption of these types of food and drink can cause weight gain.

4. Caffeine drinks are usually more acidic

Highly acidic drinks like soft drinks and coffee can cause stomach irritation even for people who haven’t had their stomach surgically altered. For bariatric patients, the effects of the high acidity of caffeinated drinks can be exacerbated.

Even some decaf drinks have caffeine in them

Did you know there’s a difference between decaf and caffeine-free coffee? Most decaf coffee contains, at best, 3% caffeine. Whereas there are caffeine-free teas available. And as long as you get the naturally caffeine-free ones you’re fine.

Non-naturally caffeine-free teas have undergone some form of chemical stripping of the leaves. So, it’s questionable if these options are actually healthy at all.

Consuming caffeine after weight loss surgery

Once you’ve recovered from weight loss surgery, caffeine will be one part of your diet you will need to moderate. In some cases, you may need to eliminate it altogether. However, the best way to find that out will be in a consultation with Dr Stephen Watson.

For more information, or to request a consultation, contact us today.

Your weight loss surgery options in Perth

Trying to find the right surgeon to help you achieve your goals can be a daunting task. After all, a quick google search of weight loss surgery in Perth gives around 4 million searches. Clearly, there aren’t that many bariatric surgeons in—or around—Perth.

Weighing up all considerations

So, what do you look for? If you’re only just starting to do your research on weight loss surgery, then you’ll just want any site that can answer your questions. Questions such as; what options are there? Do health funds cover the cost? What’s the downtime? The success rate? Is it permanent? Will it prevent me regressing to my pre-surgery weight?

Do health funds cover the cost?

Medicare only really covers weight loss surgery for extreme cases. And even then, you’ve got to go through a long process, ticking a lot of boxes with no real guarantee you’ll be accepted.

There are private health funds who do cover some of the cost. But you will be out of pocket. And the health fund and your level of cover will also determine if your health fund covers weight loss surgery.

What options are there?

There are three main options for weight loss surgery:

1. Laparoscopic gastric banding
2. Laparoscopic gastric bypass
3. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Each of these procedures have their pros and cons. The biggest benefit of weight loss surgery is how it helps to provide you with a way to take control of your weight. Which can help to improve your overall health.

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most commonly performed surgery for treating obesity in Australia. This procedure is not reversible as it involves surgically reducing the stomach.

Gastric Bypass is beneficial for patients who are significantly obese. A gastric bypass literally bypasses part of the stomach through either stapling or removal of part of your stomach.

Gastric Banding involves placing a band around the stomach. This band creates a pouch to hold food limiting how much food you can eat. This is achieved because the small pouch will make you feel full after eating only a little food.

Is weight loss surgery permanent?

For procedures like gastric bypass and gastrectomy, the change to your stomach is permanent. However, it’s important to keep in mind that if you don’t follow the post-surgery instructions it is possible to put weight back on. So yes, the surgery is permanent, the results however can rely on your compliance.

Why you should visit Dr Stephen Watson

Dr Watson has been performing bariatric surgery since 1999. In that time, he has successfully performed over 8,500 weight loss surgeries. Weight loss surgery has been known to help you lose as much as 70% of your excess body weight. This can help to give you your energy and health back.

While bariatric surgery is usually always the same process: your goals, lifestyle and body are unique. At a consultation, Dr Watson will listen to your concerns and your desired outcome. From this and an assessment of your weight and overall health, he will recommend the weight loss surgery best suited to your needs.

If you would like more information, or to request a consultation, please contact us today.

Weight loss surgery in Perth

Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, is a great tool to encourage lifestyle changes such as improved nutrition, more motivation to exercise, increased energy, and mobility.

Losing weight does not always have to be about achieving the idealistic body to satisfy societal standards. Weight loss is such a personal endeavour and should be about striving to improve the quality of your own life. After all, there are several health issues that follow obesity aside from societal pressures; these include:

• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• type 2 diabetes
• sleep apnoea
• liver diseases
• breathing disorders
• and many more.

In 2018, two out of three adults in Australia were either overweight or obese with continuously increasing numbers to date. Unfortunately, for many people weight loss can be daunting. It can be so easy to get trapped in a cycle of gaining weight when your exercise routines and diets don’t seem to be working for your body. It becomes disheartening and can make weight loss seem a nearly impossible feat. This is why people seek surgical help as a solution for losing weight.

Dr Stephen Watson is a specialised bariatric surgeon working primarily out of Perth but often does surgery consultations in multiple cities over the west coast including Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie, and Geraldton, making the process a lot more accessible to surrounding areas. Dr Watson has completed more than 8,500 bariatric operations and works closely with his patients to ensure they are making the right medical decisions to fit their body and lifestyle.

How does bariatric surgery work?

Dr Stephen Watson specialises in three types of bariatric surgery including: laparoscopic gastric banding, laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Laparoscopic gastric banding in which a band is internally placed around the stomach. The band reduces the size of the stomach and therefore reduces the allowance of food portion sizes within the stomach. This results in a smaller intake of food, altering your overall eating habits. Of course, Dr Stephen Watson will work with you to create a realistic and nutritious diet following each surgery.

Laparoscopic gastric bypass is an operation that separates the top of the stomach from the bottom creating a small stomach pouch at the top of the stomach. Then the small intestine is connected to the pouch bypassing the lower region of the stomach. This surgery results in a smaller allowance for food portions and reduces the amount of nutrients and calories absorbed by the body.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is when the outer margin of the stomach is removed completely. Lap sleeve gastrectomy is a much simpler surgery than gastric bypass however it is not reversible. This operation removes the area of the stomach that contains the hormone that makes you hungry and leaves behind a sleeve of the stomach. This results in a smaller food portion allowance as well.

Following the surgeries, Dr Stephen Watson works with his patients to create a personalised diet tailored to your body’s dietary requirements and restrictions. He also helps create an exercise plan to help maintain weight loss as well as provide psychological support to encourage continued weight loss and lifestyle changes.

Schedule a consultation

Schedule a consultation with Dr Watson to discover what type of bariatric surgery would be most beneficial to your body and lifestyle.