Weight loss surgery can help people who have been unable to lose a large amount of weight with diet and exercise. Procedures such as gastric bypass can jumpstart massive weight loss and help reduce the risks of obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes. However, there are also less obvious ways that bariatric surgery can help patients. In this post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare discusses some of the surprising benefits of weight loss surgery.Read More
Category: Bariatric Surgery
Activities to Enjoy in Sydney After Weight Loss Surgery
The results from massive weight loss surgery are life-changing. Patients feel healthier, happier and many say they feel inspired to travel and spend more time outdoors. And in a beautiful city like Sydney, we don’t blame them! In this blog post, the Advanced Surgicare team reveals some of Sydney’s popular attractions and activities to explore following weight loss surgery.Read More
Four Weight Loss Surgery Benefits You May Not Know About
As a leading bariatric surgeon in Sydney, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare meets with countless people who seek to lose massive weight. Many of these patients wonder what other benefits, if any, there are to bariatric surgery. Dr. Kuzinkovas is happy to say that there are plenty of benefits to bariatric surgery other than just weight loss. In this blog post, he shares four additional ways patients can benefit from bariatric surgery.Read More
How Obesity Increases Cancer Risk
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, almost two in three (63 percent) of Australian adults are overweight or obese, while one in every four children (25 percent) are overweight or obese. These statistics are especially alarming because of the effect obesity has on other health conditions, including cancer. In fact, research has shown obesity may increase the risk for certain types of cancers. In this blog post, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas discusses the connection between obesity and cancer in detail.
Obesity and Cancer Risk
It remains unknown exactly how obesity increases the risk for certain cancers, but growing research has pointed to several possible factors.
Fat tissue produces excess amount of the female hormone estrogen. High levels of estrogen have been linked to breast and endometrial cancer. Obese people also tend to have increased levels of insulin, which may promote the development of certain tumors. Fat cells may also have an effect on other tumor growth regulators. Researchers have also found that fat cells produce certain hormones that may promote cell growth. Another possible factor is inflammation; people who are obese tend to have inflammation throughout their body, which has been associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Obesity is associated with increased risks of the following cancer types:
- Esophagus
- Pancreas
- Colon and rectum
- Breast
- Kidney
- Thyroid
- Gallbladder
Weight Loss and Cancer Risk
Several studies have found that avoiding weight gain and losing weight can decrease the risk of developing certain cancers, including colon, breast and endometrial cancer. In fact, if every adult reduced his or her body mass index by 1 percent, 100,000 new cases of cancer could be prevented, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The best way to lose weight is by pairing a healthy diet with a regular exercise routine. Other healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking and getting a good amount of sleep regularly have been found to be helpful in maintaining an ideal weight.
At Advanced Surgicare, we are committed to helping patients live happier, healthier lives. We understand that losing weight can be difficult for several reasons. Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and his medical team at Advanced Surgicare have performed bariatric surgery on countless men and women to help them achieve their weight loss goals. You may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if you:
- Have a BMI of at least 40
- Have a BMI of at least 30 to 35 and at least one serious co-morbid health condition
- Are overweight by about 20 kilograms or more
To learn more about your massive weight loss surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. Please call 1 300 551 533 today.
Obese Women at Higher Risk of Developing Cancer
A recent study has just shed light on one of obesity’s most serious health effects. British researchers found that obese women are at far higher risk for cancer than women of healthy weight. This latest study adds to a growing body of research that links obesity to cancer and other serious diseases and conditions. Here, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare takes a look at the most recent findings.
What the Study Found
Researchers at Cancer Research UK found that obese women have a one in four risk of developing a weight-related cancer in their lifetime. The study also found obese women have a 40 percent higher risk for cancer than thinner women. Obese women are at higher risk for seven types of cancers, including:
- Bowel
- Gallbladder
- Uterus
- Kidney
- Pancreas
- Esophagus
- Breast (post menopausal)
As of now, there is no one clear explanation for this increased risk, but researchers believe one possible reason may be because cancer is linked to a fat cell’s production of hormones, especially estrogen. Having excess fat can change the level of estrogen a woman’s body produces. The more estrogen produced, the higher the risk for certain cancers. Additionally, research has also found that too much fat around the stomach is linked to bowel, kidney, esophagus, pancreatic, breast and womb cancers.
Weight Loss Surgery Options
One way women suffering from obesity can lower their risk of cancer is by losing weight. Healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, exercising regularly and eating healthy can help maintain an ideal weight. However, losing a massive amount of weight can be difficult, especially for women. Hereditary disposition and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause can affect a woman’s ability to lose weight.
If you are overweight and are having a hard time losing weight, Advanced Surgicare can help. Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and the entire medical team at Advanced Surgicare have helped thousands of women reach their weight loss goals through bariatric surgeries including gastric bypass and laparoscopic weight loss surgery. Dr. Kuzinkovas can determine which best surgical procedure and/or weight loss treatment plan will help you live a happier, healthier life.
Learn more about the different bariatric surgery procedures we perform by scheduling a one-on-one consultation. Please call us today at 1 300 551 533.
Study: Bariatric Surgery May Have Long-Term Benefits on Memory
Past research has found people with obesity are at a higher risk for cognitive function impairments, including memory loss. Because of this, a team of researchers in the United States decided to investigate whether bariatric surgery can improve cognitive function in people with obesity. Below, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas discusses the study’s findings in detail.
The Study
For the study, a total of 86 people with obesity were tested on their cognitive abilities. Of those participants, 63 had undergone bariatric surgery and 23 people did not. All participants completed a series of tests three times: before surgery, 12 weeks and 24 months after surgery. The tests examined several cognitive functions, including attention, strategizing, organizing, memory and language.
As predicted, the participants who had undergone bariatric surgery showed improved cognitive function, specifically memory, both 12 weeks and 24 months after surgery. Participants who did not undergo surgery did not show any changes in cognitive function. Because bariatric surgery patients showed improved memory 24 months after surgery, researchers believe surgery has long-term effects in cognitive function and can possibly lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
While it’s unclear why bariatric surgery patients showed improved cognitive function, researchers believe changes in blood pressure may be at least part of the explanation. Obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers hope further studies can look at even longer follow-up periods to see if bariatric surgery patients still show improved cognitive function five or 10 years after surgery.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Advanced Surgicare
Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare is a leading bariatric surgeon who has helped hundreds of patients achieve their weight loss goals and improve their overall health. To learn more about the different bariatric surgery procedures we perform, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas by calling 1 300 551 533.
What is Binge Eating Disorder?
Many of us overeat, from time to time, but some people overeat regularly, even when they want to stop. Frequent overeating and the inability to stop eating can lead to binge eating disorder and serious health risks. Here are some commonly asked questions — and answers — on binge eating disorder.
What Is Binge Eating?
Binge eating means eating a large amount of food in a short period of time; for example, eating two large meals within two hours. Binge eating is common; many people overeat during holidays or when they feel stressed.
What Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Someone with binge eating disorder frequently overeats within short periods of time and feels a lack of control over their eating.
How Common Is Binge Eating Disorder?
Binge eating disorder affects millions of people each year. According to the National Eating Disorders Collaboration, binge eating disorder is more common than both anorexia and bulimia.
What Causes Binge Eating Disorder?
People develop binge eating disorder for a number of reasons, including genetics as well as psychological, emotional and social factors. Binge eating disorder affects both men and women of all ages and backgrounds.
What Are the Symptoms of Binge Eating Disorder?
A person with binge eating disorder may show one or several of the following eating-related symptoms:
- Eating a large amount of food in a short period of time
- Eating uncontrollably, even if not hungry
- Eating until uncomfortably full
- Eating faster than usual
Other symptoms include:
- Guilt after overeating
- Tiredness
- Trouble sleeping
What Are the Health Risks of Binge Eating Disorder?
People with binge eating disorder put themselves at risk for depression and anxiety. Other health risks include chronic kidney problems, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can then lead to stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
How Is Binge Eating Disorder Treated?
Fortunately, binge eating disorder is treatable and a full recovery is possible. Possible treatments include nutritional management, psychotherapy, antidepressants, and counseling. Not every treatment is suitable for every person. If you have been diagnosed with binge eating disorder, consult with your doctor about what treatment may be best for you.
A Higher Risk for People with Obesity
While people of all body shapes and sizes can be diagnosed with binge eating disorder, individuals with obesity have a higher risk for developing the disorder. Advanced Surgicare offers people with obesity several bariatric surgery treatment options to help them achieve healthier lives. To learn more about your weight loss surgery options, schedule an appointment with Dr. V. Kuzinkovas by calling 1300 551 533 today.
What Is Laparoscopic Surgery?
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare uses whenever medically appropriate. Developed over four decades ago, modern laparoscopy has many surgical applications. It is commonly used in bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery. Dr. Kuzinkovas has had great success performing bariatric surgery with laparoscopic techniques.
In this blog post, Dr. Kuzinkovas describes laparoscopic surgery in further detail, and explains why it is preferred (in most cases) to traditional surgery techniques.
Procedures that Can Be Performed Laparoscopically
Our three most popular bariatric procedures can be performed laparoscopically (when appropriate for the patient):
Laparoscopic Surgery Procedural Details
Laparoscopic surgery is performed through several small incisions, in contrast to the single large incision used in traditional “open” surgery. The incisions usually measure up to half an inch. After making the incisions, Dr. Kuzinkovas fills the patient’s abdomen with carbon dioxide to help him see the organs clearly. He uses special surgical instruments, including a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted camera that magnifies and projects images from inside the abdomen onto a monitor in the operating room. The camera functions as Dr. Kuzinkovas’ eyes, allowing him to watch the images on the screen as he works through the smaller incisions. The surgical steps vary, depending on the specific procedure being performed.
In some cases, laparoscopic surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can return home to recover on the same day. Just as with traditional open surgery, anesthesia is used for the patient’s comfort and safety.
Advantages of Laparoscopic Surgery
Although the specific surgical steps will vary by procedure, laparoscopic surgery is generally less traumatic on the body’s tissues. Using smaller incisions minimizes a substantial portion of the surgical risks, shortens the hospital stay, speeds up recovery time and causes less post-operative pain. Patients are able to return to work more quickly and with minimal discomfort after laparoscopic surgery.
Scarring is significantly lessened with the laparoscopic approach. There may also be less internal scarring with laparoscopic surgery, compared to traditional surgery.
Learn More about Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is not appropriate for everyone. To learn more about laparoscopic weight loss surgery and determine whether you qualify for the minimally invasive approach, please contact Advanced Surgicare. Call 1 300 551 533 today to speak to a member of our team or schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas.
What Is the “Paleo Diet”?
It seems as though everyone is talking about the “paleo” diet these days. You might be wondering what it is and if you could benefit from trying it. The answer is that, yes, the paleo diet might be beneficial for individuals who are trying to decrease their percentage of body fat. Let’s take a closer look at what it entails.
Eat Like a Caveman (or Woman)
“Paleo” refers to the Paleolithic era, otherwise known as the Old Stone Age. Thus, the paleo diet is based on the idea of eating as if one were living during the Paleolithic era. Given that our Stone Age ancestors were hunters and gatherers (and not farmers), this means eating only food items that could be hunted or found in nature (versus those that are farmed and / or processed). Basically, if a caveman did not have access to a certain type of food, individuals following the paleo diet will not eat it.
Foods That Are Allowed on the Paleo Diet
Individuals following the paleo diet eat:
- Fish and other seafood
- Grass-fed meats
- Fresh veggies
- Fresh fruits
- Eggs
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Healthy oils, such as olive, coconut, avocado, flaxseed, walnut and macadamia
Foods That Are Not Allowed on the Paleo Diet
Those on the paleo diet do not eat:
- Legumes (including peanuts)
- Cereal grains
- Dairy
- Refined sugar
- Potatoes
- Processed foods
- Foods high in salt content
- Refined vegetable oils
- Candy / junk food
The Philosophy Behind the Paleo Diet
In order to understand the philosophy behind the paleo diet, envision the timeline of humanity as a 12-month calendar. For the first 11.95 months, our human ancestors were hunters and gatherers. It is only in the past .05 months of the year that we have started farming. Farming has caused a dramatic transformation in our diets, which now include processed grains and dairy products, neither of which were part of our early ancestors’ diets. Adherers of the paleo diet posit that although our diet has changed as a result of agriculture, our genetics have not had time to adjust to the new diet; therefore, the human body still responds best to the type of diet our Stone Age ancestors followed.
Learn More About Healthy Living
For individuals recovering from bariatric surgery, following the paleo diet can be beneficial to their weight loss efforts. For more information about available bariatric surgery options, such as the Lap Band System or gastric bypass, contact Dr. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare. He will work with you to devise a weight loss surgical treatment plan, complete with nutritional counseling, to help you lose weight successfully and keep it off over the long run.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzinkovas to learn more about your weight loss surgery treatment options, please contact Advanced Surgicare by calling 1 300 551 533.
Health Conditions Often Alleviated With Bariatric Surgery
For individuals struggling with obesity, their weight is not just a cosmetic concern; it is a health concern as well. This is because people struggling with obesity often have related health conditions, referred to as “co-morbidities.” Thankfully, losing excess weight with the help of bariatric surgery can resolve many or all obesity-related co-morbid health conditions.
Co-Morbidities
The following are common obesity-related co-morbid health conditions:
- Heart disease
- High blood cholesterol levels
- Type-2 diabetes
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Osteoarthritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease or acid reflux
- Urinary incontinence
- Menstrual dysfunction
- Depression
- Increased risk of some types of cancer
How Bariatric Surgery Can Help Resolve Co-Morbidities
Although this information may seem bleak, the positive news is that losing the excess weight with the help of weight loss surgery can help patients resolve their co-morbidities. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which is a branch of the National Institutes of Health, states that, in one study, more than 75 percent of study participants completely resolved their type-2 diabetes after successfully losing weight with the help of bariatric surgery. In a different study, over 70 percent of participants showed a substantial improvement in cholesterol levels two years after successful weight loss with bariatric surgery.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuzinkovas to learn more about your weight loss surgery treatment options, please contact Advanced Surgicare Clinic by calling 1300 551 533.