At Perth Obesity Surgery, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals to regain control over their weight and overall health. We firmly believe in a holistic approach, offering a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical solutions, as we understand that each person’s journey to lasting weight loss is unique.
Our multidisciplinary team of experts is committed to tailoring a personalised plan that suits your specific needs. We recognise that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution and that long-term success often requires a combination of treatments.
Obesity is a complex disease that usually needs multiple treatments and changes in lifestyle to improve. In our non-surgical approach, we have a diverse toolkit at our disposal and we often employ many of them in combination for success. From weight loss medications to gastric balloons and nutritional guidance, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure enduring results.
Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications, when used in conjunction with our guidance, can be a valuable addition to your weight loss journey. While they may not deliver the same dramatic results as surgery on their own, they play a crucial role in a comprehensive weight loss plan. Our experts consider your BMI, overall health, and medical history to select the most suitable medication and incorporate it into a tailored medical plan.
Types of Weight Loss Medications include:
Multiple drugs have been used for weight loss, mostly with appetite control and metabolic changes observed as a side effect to their main use and effect. All have specific benefits and effects that need to be considered for your unique situation and so a discussion with medical expert in necessary before starting. There are five medications commonly used in Australia:
Phentermine: Offers appetite suppression and demonstrated weight loss benefits. However, it’s not suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions.
Orlistat: Reduces dietary fat absorption and has a long-term safety record, though it may cause digestive side effects.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) and Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy): Control hyperglycemia and promote weight loss. They come with certain gastrointestinal side effects and contraindications.
Topiramate (Off-label for weight loss): Originally an anticonvulsant, it can lead to weight loss, but it may have cognitive side effects.
Contrave 8/90 is a combination medication of Naltrexone and Bupropion that comes in a table. Naltrexone stomps opioid receptors from being activated (antagonist) while Buproprion is classed as an antidepressant suppressing hunger. Trials reported loss of 8.1% total body weight over 1 year when used twice a day in combination with healthy lifestyle.
Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is an alternative to weight loss surgery that needs no operation, anesthetic nor endoscopy. The Polurethane balloon resides temporarily in the stomach, fostering a sensation of fullness helping you establish healthy habits.
Gastric balloons offer an attractive alternative to weight loss surgery, particularly for individuals with a BMI in the range of 27 to 35. Evidence is available for expected loss of approximately 10 to 15 kilograms of weight and for this to be maintained up to 12 months. Losing just 10 kilograms can have a profound impact on medical conditions such as diabetes. Whilst the demand and outcome from our experience have not allowed us to offer this service personally we are well positioned to facilitate it through collaboration. Our team at Perth Obesity Surgery will remain dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss
The Role of Diet and Exercise
At Perth Obesity Surgery (POS), we firmly believe that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight involves more than just medical interventions. Sustainable, healthful eating habits and regular exercise are the cornerstones of overall well-being, and we prioritise them as fundamental components of our comprehensive approach to weight management. Our commitment to your success begins with education. We understand that knowledge is power, and we aim to empower you with a deep understanding of healthy behaviors. Whether you need guidance, motivation, or adjustments to your plan, our team of experts is here to assist you every step of the way. We believe that the key to sustained success lies in continuous support and accountability.
Accredited dietitians work with you to develop meal plans that you can put into place and maintain since consistency is so important. Most people believe that they know what they should be eating but with so many contradicting messages being thrown around we seek to provide clarity. Nutrition is more than just counting calories and eating as many vegetables as you can. Our accredited dietitians will work with you on understanding your macros, maintaining your micro vitamins, and uncovering the subtle nutrition problems that are common in our community (eg Omega Acid imbalance, Vitamin D deficiency, and insulinogenic carbohydrate effects).
Psychology and Mental Health
Supporting your physical transformation often necessitates expert mental health support. We all have our own challenges and thought patterns that compromise our chance at success in achieving a healthy weight. Our experienced team recognises the profound significance of psychology in achieving successful and lasting weight loss outcomes and a qualified psychologist is a permanent part of the team. We understand that weight management is not just about shedding pounds but also about addressing the root causes and emotional complexities that may have hindered your progress in the past.
The psychology of obesity is usually complex. Many patients thought processes are affected by mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or personality disorders. Reviews report 30% of patients reported current depression at the time of seeking treatment for obesity while over half had the problem at some stage in their life. Even more people with obesity suffer emotional impact from body image and negative thought processes. This can impact on the success of other treatments. Even more complex are people with eating behaviours that can be regarded as disordered. Recognising these challenges needs specific engagement questions and honest replies built on rapport with the psychologist so that plans can be put in place to prevent harm. Substance abuse challenges also impact on success for control of weight that needs other methods to assist.
Psychology support often involves simple counselling and recognition of thought processes. It may include introduction of coping strategies, Cognitive Based Therapy or Hypnotism.
Take Control of Your Health
At Perth Obesity Surgery, we’re on a mission to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Our friendly team of experts, experienced in both surgical and non-surgical approaches, is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.
Don’t let fears or challenges hold you back. Start your journey towards a healthier and happier you with our trusted team of experts. We’re committed to your success, and we’re with you every step of the way.
