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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.

What is Lap-Band surgery?

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.

Is the Lap-Band removable?

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.

How much weight will I lose after surgery (and how quickly)?

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.

Am I a candidate for Lap-Band 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:

• are 18 years or older
• have a BMI of at least 40, or 30-35 with at least one obesity-related health condition
• are not able to sustain long-term weight loss through diet or exercise
• are prepared to make life-altering changes
• are not pregnant

Learn More about the Lap-Band

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.

Getting Pregnant While Overweight

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.

Health Risks During Pregnancy

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:

• slow cervical dilation
• induction for prolonged pregnancy
• prolonged labor
• possible birth injury
• Caesarean section delivery as a result of failure to progress during labor

Fetal 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.

Take Control of Your Health

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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):

• Gastric bypass
• Adjustable gastric banding
• Sleeve gastrectomy (gastric sleeve)

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.

Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and the team at Advanced Surgicare believe that having weight loss surgery is a personal and private decision. No one else needs to be privy to the details of your weight loss journey (although the results will surely attract some glances!). It is your business alone.

Having said this, we appreciate when people in the public eye admit to and discuss their experiences with weight loss surgery. This helps to raise awareness of a wonderfully effective solution for people struggling with obesity.

Here are a few famous Australians that have talked openly about their experiences with obesity and bariatric surgery.

Songbird Sings a Sweeter Tune

Kate DeAraugo, the 2005 winner of “Australian Idol,” is 60kg (more than 130 pounds) slimmer, because of gastric sleeve. DeAraugo made the decision to have weight loss surgery when she realized she felt out of breath and tired performing simple tasks, like toweling off after a shower or walking around. She said that at her biggest, “there were days when I wouldn’t get into the shower because I didn’t want to look at myself.”

After weight loss surgery, DeAraugo is half her former size and appeared proudly on the cover of Woman’s Day magazine. She is currently working in radio and planning to release a new album for her fans.

Billionaire Makes an Investment in His Well-Being

Reportedly weighing close to 130 kilos at his heaviest, billionaire casino mogul James Packer is thinner, trimmer and healthier, thanks to undergoing gastric bypass surgery in 2011. After losing 35 kilos, Packer was able to start exercising regularly and playing with his three young children more easily. Although photos surfaced in 2014 of Packer on his yacht, appearing to have regained some of the weight, he was recently spotted in New York City looking trim (he flashed his flat belly to photographers coming out of a hotel).

Politician Works On His Own Health Campaign

A sweetly innocent encounter motivated politician Joe Hockey to explore his weight loss surgery options. According to a report he gave The Sunday Telegraph, Hockey’s six-year-old daughter was watching the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and asked her father whether he would be alive to see her own wedding. It was at that moment Hockey decided, “I want to be healthy. I want to be around to see my grandchildren. I want to be my very best.” Gastric sleeve surgery in 2012 helped Treasurer Hockey slim down.

Learn More about Weight Loss Surgery

Are you struggling with obesity and weight-related health conditions? If so, bariatric surgery can help you lose weight and improve your quality of life. For more information on gastric sleeve, gastric bypass and other surgical weight loss solutions, please contact Advanced Surgicare by calling 1 300 551 533.

Back in January, Dr. V. Kuzinkovas and the team at Advanced Surgicare blogged about what makes a food item nutritious. To piggyback on that topic, the team thought we would reveal the truth about foods that may seem healthy, but actually aren’t. If you regularly consume any of these products, you may want to re-evaluate your choices!

Frozen Meals

Microwavable frozen meals are easy to prepare and convenient to pack for a workday lunch. They boast low calorie counts, which might sound great to a dieter, but they are also low in nutrients. And, frozen meals are packed with sodium. Instead of microwaving a frozen meal for lunch, opt for last night’s leftovers, or a salad.

“Light” Olive Oil

Have you been using light olive oil to sauté your veggies and proteins, believing it is lower in calories than regular olive oil? Unfortunately, the “light” moniker is misleading. “Light” refers to the color of the oil, not the number of calories. Both light and regular olive oil have the same amount of fat and calories. You can continue to use the oil in cooking and salad dressings, but don’t use more than necessary (one tablespoon is probably enough).

Bottled Green Juices

Bottled green juices plucked from the grocery store or smoothie bar may seem healthy, since they boast ingredients like spinach, apples and kale. However, bottled green juices are filled with sugar. If you prefer to consume your fruits and veggies in liquid form, mix up your own green juice at home, so you can control the ingredients and avoid the sugary extras. Or, if you like sipping on something sweet throughout the day, reach for a bottle of calorie-free sparkling water.

Pita Chips

Since pita chips are generally baked instead of fried, they may appear to be a healthier alternative to Lay’s potato chips or Doritos. Truthfully, many pita chips are made with enriched wheat flour, which is a refined grain lacking the nutrients found in whole-grain flour. Instead of reaching for a bag of pita chips to eat with your hummus, chop up some raw vegetables (e.g., celery, carrots, bell pepper) to dunk into the dip.

Yogurt-Covered Pretzels & Raisins

Yogurt doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Well, it’s not actually nutritious yogurt covering the pretzels or raisins. Think of it as a shelf-stable icing product made up of mostly sugar and oil (and “yogurt powder”). Enjoy this treat in moderation. Or, want a more diet-friendly choice? Mix plain raisins (nature’s candy!) into a bowl of high-fiber cereal and almonds, and add fresh fruit for a delectably sweet treat.

Final Thoughts

As a bariatric surgery patient, you must make substantial changes to your diet to lose weight and keep it off. Some of the foods listed may be prohibited in the first few weeks after surgery. These changes can seem overwhelming or confusing at first, but the Advanced Surgicare team has resources in place to help you make the transition successfully. We are happy to provide detailed nutrition information, and suggest smart meals and snacks for steady, sustainable weight loss.

For more information about post-bariatric dietary guidelines, please contact Advanced Surgicare by calling 1 300 551 533.

You are probably familiar with the expression, “rise and shine.” Now, scientific evidence is taking this expression to a new level by suggesting that morning sun exposure can help individuals lose weight. Let’s explore the study findings.

About the Study

In a study recently conducted by the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the United States, researchers explored how getting morning sun exposure affects weight loss efforts. The findings from the study were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal PLOS ONE.

Fifty-four study participants, at an average age of 30 years old, wore wrist monitors that tracked their exposure to sunshine in the mornings, for seven consecutive days. The participants also kept food journals in which they recorded what they ate and how many calories they consumed each day.

The results from the study showed that the participants who were exposed to more sunlight in the morning had lower BMIs (body mass indexes) than the individuals who got less exposure to sunlight in the a.m., regardless of age, activity levels or the foods they ate.

The Correlation Between Morning Light and Weight Loss

The researchers pointed to two possible reasons that individuals who got more morning sunlight exposure had lower BMIs than those who got less.

The first explanation is that being exposed to sunlight during the morning, instead of later in the day, helps synchronize your internal clock. This, in turn, contributes to a steady, healthy sleep cycle. In addition, there is a proven link between getting a good night’s sleep and maintaining a healthy weight. One reason this is true is that getting at least seven hours of sleep each night helps regulate the hormones that cause the sensation of hunger and helps individuals stay focused and preserve their willpower, so they make healthier food choices throughout the day.

The second reason that morning sunlight exposure might help individuals lose weight is related to the first reason: Morning sunlight has a larger amount of blue light; and blue light has the strongest effect on the body’s circadian rhythm, which, again, helps regulate physiological functions, including metabolism, allowing them to work as efficiently as possible during every 24-hour cycle.

How Much Sunlight Should You Get in the A.M.?

For the sun to have the desired effect on your body’s circadian rhythm, and therefore on your efforts to lose weight, you need about 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure between 8 a.m. and noon. You can compound the positive effects of morning sun exposure on weight loss efforts by exercising outside in the morning. This activates your metabolism earlier in the day so you burn more calories over the course of the day, and might motivate you to make healthier food choices throughout the day. If you cannot get a morning workout in, try to save a bit of time in the a.m. to enjoy a healthy breakfast or your cup of coffee outside. Make sure your face is pointing toward the sun. Your figure will thank you.

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.