How much weight will I lose?
On average, patients lose approximately 56% of excess weight within the first 12 months after surgery. Depending on the initial condition of the patient and the method of bariatric surgery, this can be as much as 80%.
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Faq
Where can I find out more?
The Australia and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society will introduce surgery to treat severe obesity when all other methods have failed.
Dr Silverman is a leading contributor to the bariatric registry at Monash University in Melbourne.
What if weight loss surgery doesn't work?
Weight loss surgery is always a success. Whichever procedure is the most suitable, it’s impossible for your stomach to hold as much food as you used to and weight loss is a natural result of this.
The overarching success of the surgery comes from how well you adapt to your new lifestyle which is why the Peak Program focusses heavily on the disciplines of nutrition, psychology and exercise.
How do I prepare for weight loss surgery?
Surgery involves many lifestyle changes and the more preparation, the more successful the procedure.
In the lead up to surgery, you will prepare with the Peak Team of psychologists and dieticians and to learn about exercise and nutrition to understand how your life will change afterwards.
Dr Silverman will give you a thorough consultation on how to prepare before surgery.
Do I need private health insurance?
While private health insurance isn't essential. Dr Silverman prefers all patients to have private health cover.
In the unlikely event of complications during or after surgery, further treatment is unavailable in the public system, so private hospital cover, or individual funds to cover your stay, are essential.
Where will my appointment be?
Dr Silverman consults and operates at The John Flynn Private Hospital and The Gold Coast Private Hospital on the Gold Coast and also at St. Vincent's Hospital in Lismore.
Unfortunately, weight loss surgery isn't yet available in the public system, but hopefully, it will be in the near future.
To find out more about surgery times and locations, contact the Core Specialist Group directly.
How will my life change?
After weight loss surgery, your life will change considerably. You'll need to adapt to new ways of eating, exercise, and understand the role food plays in your life.
While this may take some getting used to, it's important to note that your future will be filled with hope and promise. Your energy levels will increase, your health will improve, and losing a significant amount of weight is likely to improve your confidence.
How long does weight loss surgery take?
Depending on your choice of surgery, the procedure can take as little as an hour, sometimes longer. The patient will be closely monitored overnight, but in general, patients are drinking liquids within a few hours and back to regular activities within a few weeks.
What are the advantages of gastric sleeve surgery?
Gastric sleeve surgery performed by Dr Silverman is a laparoscopic or robotic procedure which means recovery time will be less and results will be seen faster. The advantages of weight loss surgery include:
- Fast and effective extreme weight loss.
- Lower blood pressure.
- Reduce cholesterol.
- Decrease depression.
- Help to improve sleep apnoea.
What other options do I have for weight loss surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a major life decision, and if the gastric band or gastric sleeve isn't the most suitable surgical procedure, Dr Silverman offers a variety of surgical options that provide optimal results.
Sleeve gastrectomy: This option is a permanent removal of the majority of the stomach. While it's a highly effective method of achieving significant weight loss in a short period, it's an invasive procedure and the decision to go ahead shouldn't be taken lightly.