Dr Harald Puhalla
Weight Loss and General Surgeon
Discover World-Class Bariatric Care with Dr. Harald Puhalla. Decades of Surgical Expertise Transforming Lives for the Better.
Weight Loss Surgical Procedures
Sleeve
Gastrectomy
Single anastomosis gastric bypass
Roux-en-y gastric bypass
Loop-Duodenal Switch (SADI-S / SIPS)
Revision
Surgery
Intra-gastric Balloon (Orbera)
Sleeve Gastrectomy
Gastric sleeve surgery, a common bariatric procedure, involves the permanent removal of approximately 80% of the stomach. This reduction results in a banana-shaped stomach ‘sleeve’. This simple yet effective surgical tool promotes sustained weight loss by restricting food intake and diminishing hunger hormones. It allows you to feel full despite eating small portions.
Why consider a gastric sleeve & key considerations
- Improved overall metabolic health
- Minimally invasive approach
- Improve chronic disease conditions such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure
- Can help to improve fertility in both females and males
- Improve mental health
Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
The single anastomosis gastric bypass, also called the omega loop or mini bypass, involves creating a small gastric pouch by dividing the stomach. Subsequently, a loop of the small bowel is bypassed and reconnected to the lower section of this newly formed gastric pouch. This procedure is effective for weight loss as it is both restrictive and malabsorptive.
Why consider a single anastomosis gastric bypass & key considerations:
- Changes to overall metabolic health
- Minimally invasive surgical technique
- Improve chronic disease conditions such as improved blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol
- Can help to improve fertility in both females and males
- Improve mental health
- Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise with poor results.
Roux-en-Y Gastric
Bypass
The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure involves creating a small stomach pouch by separating the upper section of the stomach. Subsequently, the small intestine is split, creating a Y shaped digestive tract. This assists to divert stomach acid further down the small bowel, reducing the risk of reflux. This procedure is effective for weight loss as it is both restrictive and malabsorptive.
Why consider a Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass & key considerations
- Improved overall metabolic health
- Very effective anti-reflux operation
- Minimally invasive surgical technique
- Improve chronic disease conditions such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Can help to improve fertility in both females and males
- Improve mental health
- Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise with poor results.
Loop-Duodenal Switch
The Loop-Duodenal Switch (SADI-S / SIPS) is a combination of two procedures. First a sleeve gastrectomy is performed. A joint is then created just below the sleeve gastrectomy, and a significant portion of the small bowel is bypassed. This procedure is effective for weight loss as it is both restrictive and malabsorptive.
Why consider a single anastomosis gastric bypass & key considerations:
- Improved overall metabolic health
- Minimally invasive surgical technique
- Improve chronic disease conditions such as pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
- Can help to improve fertility for both females and males
- Improve mental health
- Have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise with poor results.
For some patients who undergo bariatric surgery, they may require revision surgery. A number of factors can contribute to the cause of requiring a revision surgery due to:
- Gradual weight gain
- Inadequate weight loss
- Complications from other health issues or an existing procedure (such as a gastric band)
- Reflux
Intra Gastric Balloon
The intra-gastric balloon is a non-surgical, non-invasive weight loss solution. The Orbera 365 is a balloon that lasts up to 12 months and is a device that is inserted into the stomach. The balloon will help you to feel fuller for longer and to encourage smaller portions of food intake.
Why consider the intra gastric balloon and what are the benefits?
-
Reversible
The balloon is a reversible weight loss solution and only lasts up to 12 months. -
Non-invasive
This is a non- invasive procedure that is quick and doesn’t require an overnight stay in hospital -
Lifestyle Choices
Helps encourage to change and establish healthier lifestyle choices. -
Ideal for lower BMI
Ideal for patients who are eligible for surgical weight loss.
About Dr Harald Puhalla
Dr Harald Puhalla is a General Surgeon based on the Gold Coast, Queensland. He has a private practice at the Pacific Private Clinic, and performs surgeries at Gold Coast Private Hospital and Pindara Private Hospital. With over 20 years of experience, his specialty interests include bariatric, hernia, gallbladder, hepato-biliary pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Originally from Austria, where he graduated in 1994 at the Medical University of Vienna, Dr Puhalla completed his specialist exams in 2002. He undertook further training in bariatric, hepato-pancreatic- biliary and upper gastrointestinal surgery in high volume centres under the guidance of international experts in these specialties.
During that time, he also completed a PhD in liver cancer, and was appointed as a Consultant Surgeon at the University Hospital in Vienna.
Professional Associations
- Phone: (07) 5667 9766
- Fax: (07) 5636 6275
- Email: admin@weightlossoperation.com.au
- Location: Suite 4, level 6 Pacific Private Clinic 123 Nerang St Southport, QLD 4215