Dr. Mark Kohout is a renowned plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both Australian and international medical fields. His advanced training in reconstructive and body contouring surgeries allows him to provide highly personalised care to each of his patients. With a patient-centric approach, Dr. Kohout is committed to guiding individuals through every step of their surgical journey, ensuring they are well-informed about their options and what to expect. Among the procedures he offers is bariatric surgery, which aims to help individuals struggling with obesity achieve significant weight loss and improve their overall health. By providing compassionate care and expert guidance, Dr. Kohout helps his patients make positive, lasting changes to their health and quality of life.
Bariatric surgery refers to a group of procedures designed to assist individuals who are significantly overweight in managing their body weight when traditional methods such as diet and exercise have not been effective. The surgery works by altering the digestive system, either by reducing the stomach’s size or changing how the body absorbs nutrients. Bariatric surgery is usually recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 40, or over 35 with related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
These surgeries are not quick fixes but rather long-term solutions that require a commitment to lifestyle changes. Depending on the specific procedure, bariatric surgery can help reduce the risk of serious health issues and support weight loss.
Individuals who are severely overweight and have struggled to lose weight through traditional methods such as diet and exercise may be suitable candidates for bariatric surgery. Typically, candidates have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with associated health problems like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea.
It’s essential to undergo a thorough evaluation with a qualified surgeon who will review your medical history, current health status, and weight-loss goals. In addition to the physical factors, candidates should also be prepared for the significant lifestyle changes required after surgery.
There are several types of bariatric surgery, each with its own benefits and considerations. The most common procedures include:
Your surgeon will help you choose the procedure that best aligns with your health goals and condition.
As with any surgery, bariatric procedures carry some risks. These may include infections, blood clots, and complications related to anaesthesia. There are also specific risks related to bariatric surgery, such as nutrient deficiencies, gallstones, and bowel obstructions.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during your consultation and provide detailed instructions on how to minimise complications post-surgery. Following your surgeon’s advice on diet, exercise, and follow-up care is essential for a successful recovery.
The amount of weight you can expect to lose after bariatric surgery varies depending on the type of procedure you have and your individual commitment to post-operative lifestyle changes. On average, patients lose between 50% and 70% of their excess weight within two years of surgery. For instance, if a person has 100kg of excess weight, they could expect to lose between 50kg and 70kg.
It’s important to note that bariatric surgery is a tool to support weight loss, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential to achieving and sustaining your desired outcomes.
The recovery time after bariatric surgery depends on the type of procedure and the individual’s health condition. Most patients can return to their normal activities within two to six weeks, with those undergoing less invasive procedures, such as adjustable gastric banding, typically having a shorter recovery time.
During recovery, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions, particularly regarding diet, as you will need to transition from liquids to soft foods before reintroducing solid foods. Regular follow-up appointments are also critical to ensure you are healing properly and to monitor your weight loss progress.
Yes, bariatric surgery can affect your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients, particularly if you have had a procedure that involves bypassing part of the digestive system. To prevent nutrient deficiencies, patients are typically required to take vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives. Common supplements include:
Your surgeon or dietitian will create a personalised supplement plan based on the type of surgery you’ve had and your nutritional needs.
Yes, bariatric surgery is often performed not only to support weight loss but also to improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions. Many patients experience significant improvements in conditions such as:
For some individuals, bariatric surgery can lead to a reduction or complete resolution of these health issues, improving overall quality of life.
Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after any surgery. The size and visibility of scars depend on the type of procedure performed. Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, typically result in smaller, less noticeable scars than traditional open surgeries.
Over time, scars generally fade and become less visible. Your surgeon will provide advice on how to care for your incisions to promote healing and reduce the appearance of scars.
Private health insurance may cover part or all of the costs of bariatric surgery, particularly if it is deemed medically necessary. Coverage will depend on your specific insurance policy, so it’s important to check with your provider. In some cases, Medicare may provide a rebate for certain bariatric procedures if they meet specific criteria.
It’s advisable to consult with your surgeon and insurance company before surgery to fully understand the costs involved and what will be covered.
Yes, it is possible to have children after bariatric surgery. However, it’s recommended that women wait at least 12 to 18 months after surgery before becoming pregnant to ensure their body has had enough time to stabilise and adapt to the changes.
Bariatric surgery can lead to improved fertility in women who have struggled with obesity-related fertility issues. It’s important to discuss your plans for pregnancy with your surgeon, who can provide guidance on timing and any additional considerations.
Some individuals may choose to undergo additional surgeries after bariatric surgery, particularly to address excess skin that can result from significant weight loss. Common post-weight-loss surgeries include procedures to remove excess skin from the abdomen, arms, thighs, and chest.
These surgeries are elective and are typically performed once you have reached a stable weight. It’s important to discuss these options with your surgeon if you are considering additional procedures.
Preparation for bariatric surgery involves several steps to ensure your safety and optimise your results. Your surgeon will provide specific pre-operative instructions, which may include:
Mental preparation is also important, as bariatric surgery requires long-term lifestyle changes that can be challenging to maintain.
During your consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history, current health status, and weight-loss goals. They will also perform a physical examination to determine your suitability for bariatric surgery and recommend the most appropriate procedure for your needs.
This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the surgery, recovery process, and expected outcomes. Your surgeon will provide detailed information on the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as any potential complications.
Some types of bariatric surgery, such as adjustable gastric banding, are reversible, meaning the band can be removed if necessary. Other procedures, like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, are considered permanent, as they involve removing or altering parts of the stomach and digestive system.
It’s important to discuss the permanence of the surgery with your surgeon before making a decision, as reversing bariatric surgery is not common and can be complex.
The results of bariatric surgery can be long-lasting, especially if patients maintain a healthy lifestyle post-surgery. However, it’s important to understand that weight regain is possible if dietary and exercise guidelines are not followed. Successful long-term weight loss requires a commitment to making sustainable changes in eating habits and physical activity.
Many patients find that the surgery helps them achieve significant and sustained weight loss, which in turn improves their overall health and quality of life. However, maintaining these results depends heavily on ongoing lifestyle choices, including adherence to recommended dietary guidelines and regular physical activity. It’s also crucial to attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon and healthcare team to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Dietary management after bariatric surgery is an essential component of a successful recovery and long-term weight loss. In the first few weeks post-surgery, patients typically follow a staged diet, starting with liquids and gradually reintroducing soft foods, and eventually transitioning to solid foods.
Key dietary guidelines after bariatric surgery include:
Your surgeon and dietitian will provide you with a tailored meal plan and nutritional guidance to support your recovery and weight loss journey. Maintaining these habits will help you meet your nutritional needs and prevent complications like nausea or nutrient deficiencies.
Maintaining weight loss after bariatric surgery requires a long-term commitment to healthy living. The surgery provides a powerful tool to kick-start weight loss, but it’s crucial to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes to ensure lasting results. Key strategies for maintaining weight loss include:
Many patients find it helpful to join support groups or seek counselling to maintain motivation and stay on track with their weight-loss goals.
After bariatric surgery, ongoing support is crucial to help you adjust to your new lifestyle and overcome any challenges you may face. Many surgeons offer post-operative support programs that include:
Many patients find that the support they receive after surgery is essential to their success, providing them with the tools and encouragement they need to stay on track.
Bariatric surgery can have a profound effect on mental health. For many individuals, significant weight loss can lead to improvements in mood, self-image, and overall well-being. However, the journey can also present challenges, as adjusting to new eating habits and body changes can be emotionally taxing.
It’s important to address any mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression, that may arise after surgery. Many bariatric programs include psychological evaluations before surgery, as well as ongoing support through counselling or support groups to help patients navigate the emotional aspects of weight loss.
The long-term success of bariatric surgery depends on several factors, including the type of procedure, the patient’s commitment to lifestyle changes, and the presence of underlying health conditions. Studies show that bariatric surgery can lead to substantial and sustained weight loss, with most patients maintaining a significant portion of their weight loss for at least five years post-surgery.
In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery often results in the improvement or resolution of obesity-related health conditions, leading to enhanced quality of life and increased longevity for many patients.
Bariatric surgery is a life-changing procedure that offers individuals struggling with obesity the opportunity to manage their weight and improve their health. However, it is not a decision to be made lightly. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, and the procedure requires a lifelong commitment to maintaining healthy habits.
Dr Mark Kohout and his team offer comprehensive support, from the initial consultation to post-surgery care, ensuring that patients are well-prepared for their weight-loss journey. By providing answers to these frequently asked questions, we hope to give you a better understanding of bariatric surgery and the benefits it can offer. If you are considering this procedure, speak with a qualified surgeon who can guide you through the process and help you determine if it’s the right option for you.
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Table of Contents Introduction A carefully managed recovery is an essential part of achieving the best possible results from any surgical procedure. Understanding what to expect after surgery, and how
Dr. Mark Kohout is a highly qualified specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 25 years of experience, based in central Sydney.
Trained in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S., he co-founded Australia Plastic Surgery. Specializing in breast, genital, and male breast surgeries, he is a certified member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS).
Dr. Kohout has appeared in media like The Biggest Loser and has published several articles in his field.
