Lose the Weight and
Gain Back Your Life!
At Advanced Surgicare, the majority of Dr. V. Kuzinkovas’ patients are excited to engage in a more active lifestyle following weight loss surgery. One of the most popular activities our patients like to engage in is hiking. From calming walks to more extensive workouts, Sydney is home to several hiking trails. In this blog post, we take a look at some of Sydney’s best hiking trails to explore.
On average, it takes two to five weeks to recover from gastric bypass surgery and return to normal daily activities. With this in mind, the Advanced Surgicare team wants to share the following tips to help you heal from your surgery as quickly and properly as possible.Read More
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
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
One of the weight loss procedures that Dr. V. Kuzinkovas receives a lot of questions about is Lap-Band surgery. He thought it would be wise to address the four most common questions about Lap-Band in a blog post. If you have additional questions about Lap-Band that aren’t covered in this post, please feel free to schedule an informational consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas at Advanced Surgicare to discuss.
The Lap-Band is a gastric banding device designed to limit food intake. During Lap-Band surgery, an adjustable silicone band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. The band creates a small pouch to hold food, with a narrow passageway from the pouch to the lower, larger portion of the stomach.
Lap-Band surgery can be performed laparoscopically (through several small incisions) for a shorter recovery and greater patient comfort.
After surgery, the stomach holds less food, and the food passes from the pouch to the lower stomach and intestines much slower than normal. Because of these two factors, the patient feels fuller after eating less food. The result is rapid, steady weight loss.
The Lap-Band is removable, should a complication arise after surgery. Sometimes it can be removed laparoscopically. If the band is removed, the stomach returns to its original shape. The band can also be tightened or loosened as needed, by adding or removing saline solution to the band through an injection port.
Every patient is different, so it is difficult to say. Your weight loss will vary, depending on how committed to healthy diet and exercise habits you are. Also, whether the band is placed correctly can affect how much weight you lose. If it is too tight, you will lose too much weight quickly; if it is not tight enough, you may not lose enough weight.
Typically, Lap-Band patients lose 0.5 – 1 kg per week. The majority of weight loss occurs within the first year of surgery.
Lap-Band candidacy is determined after a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. During your consultation, he will perform a physical examination, try to learn more about your lifestyle and health history and ask about your weight loss goals. If he does not feel Lap-Band is suitable for your case, he will recommend an alternative treatment option.
Generally, Lap-Band candidates are individuals who:
To learn more about the Lap-Band surgery and what it entails, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. Please call 1-300 551 533 today.
There is no question that obesity makes it more difficult to become pregnant, stay healthy during pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. The link between maternal obesity and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented. And, with one of three Australian women of reproductive age being overweight or obese, this is a widespread concern.
Fortunately, studies also show that weight loss surgery lowers these risks. Losing even a little bit of weight is good for the health of mother and child.
Here, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas of Advanced Surgicare explains what you need to know about obesity and pregnancy.
Being substantially overweight can compromise fertility, making it difficult to become pregnant. Studies show that obese women are more likely to have infrequent or irregular ovulation and menstruation than women of a healthy weight. And, men that are obese are more likely to have low testosterone levels; they can struggle with erectile dysfunction, too. Also, obesity can hinder the outcome of assisted reproductive technology such as in-vitro fertilization.
Women that are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing serious health problems during pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia.
The risk of miscarrying or delivering a stillborn baby is greater among expectant mothers that are obese. Obese pregnant women also have a higher risk of the following delivery-related complications:
Maternal obesity is linked to increased risks for the baby. For example, a baby born to an obese mother is more likely to have birth defects like spina bifida or heart problems. The baby may have a higher birth weight and be prone to childhood obesity, cardiovascular disease and psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety. Obesity can also affect a mother’s ability to breastfeed.
This information is not meant to scare you. If you are obese and thinking of becoming pregnant in the future, you have hope. Losing even a few kilograms before pregnancy can help reduce the aforementioned risks and increase your chances of a complication-free pregnancy and healthy baby.
The key is to lose the weight before starting a family. By losing excess weight, you are putting yourself in a better position to become pregnant, stay healthy during pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby.
If you have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise, Advanced Surgicare has a more effective method. We offer surgical weight loss options, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, so you attain your goal weight and can enjoy a healthier and happier pregnancy.
To learn more about the available weight loss surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. Please call 1-300 551 533 today.
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.
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:
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:
To learn more about your massive weight loss surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Kuzinkovas. Please call 1 300 551 533 today.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Other symptoms include:
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.