Bariatric Surgery for Diabetes & Weight Management
Surgical Options for Diabetes and Weight Management on the Gold Coast
If you are living with type 2 diabetes, obesity or weight-related health concerns, bariatric surgery may support your long-term health and diabetes management.
Bariatric surgery is usually considered when medication, lifestyle changes or repeated weight loss efforts have not had a lasting effect. Dr Harald Puhalla provides specialist bariatric surgery assessment for Gold Coast patients who are researching their options.
What Is Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is a category of surgical procedures that support long-term weight management and broader metabolic health by changing how the digestive system works.
There are different types of bariatric procedures that Dr Puhalla performs, and a tailored surgical plan will be based on your health history, current health and medical assessment.
Surgery may be discussed as part of diabetes and weight management when:
How Can Bariatric Surgery Support Diabetes and Weight Management?
Studies show that blood glucose levels reduce in all patients and return to within normal range for 3 out of 4 people following bariatric surgery.[1] The surgery changes how the digestive system functions and may support:
- Long-term weight reduction
- Changes in blood glucose regulation
- Reduced pressure on weight-related health concerns
- Broader metabolic health support
- Improved ability to manage lifestyle changes
Specialist consultation with Dr Puhalla always starts with understanding your health history, goals and discussing non-surgical and surgical options appropriate to your circumstances.
Bariatric Surgical Options
Studies show blood glucose levels return to within normal range for 3 out of 4 people following:
Sleeve Gastrectomy
A commonly performed bariatric procedure that reduces stomach size and supports long-term weight management.
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Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass
A gastric bypass option that changes both food intake and absorption.
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Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
An established bariatric procedure considered for more complex metabolic or weight-related concerns with heartburn or reflux.
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Loop Duodenal Switch (SADI-S / SIPS)
A more advanced bariatric procedure that may be discussed in selected cases.
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Revision Surgery
Assessment and surgery for patients who may require review of a previous bariatric procedure.
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Dr Harald Puhalla
Dr Harald Puhalla is a Gold Coast-based specialist surgeon with over 20 years of experience in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Our all-inclusive comprehensive surgical package includes the tools and resources to kick start your health journey and provide you maximum support.
What is included
- Initial & Pre-investigation Consultations
- Progress Reviews with Dr Puhalla, 3, 6, 9 & 12 months.
- Surgical & Assistant Surgeon’s Fee
- Dietician Appointments, 7 x appointments pre and post surgery guidance
- Fresh Start Program
- Bariatric Starter Pack, includes:
– 1 x Multivitamin Chew Bottle
– 1 x Feel Good Collangen 500g
– 1 x Portion Plate & Bowl
– 1 x Not a Bariatric Cookbook
– Product Samples - Access to our Bariatric Nurse for support
Not Included
- Pre operative investigations e.g gastroscopy, pathology and radiology tests
- Psychologist appointments/assessment if required, referral will be provided
- Anesthetic Fee
- Hospital Fee/Private Health Excess
- Additional surgical procedures e.g hiatus hernia repair or gallbladder removal
If an additional procedure is required this will be quoted at your pre investigation consultation.
Dr Harald Puhalla
Dr Harald Puhalla is a Gold Coast-based specialist surgeon with over 20 years of experience in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Patient consultations are referred to Dr Puhalla for:
- Bariatric surgery assessment
- Procedure comparisons
- Revision surgery discussions
- Weight-related surgical support
- Diabetes and metabolic surgery conversations
- Medical weight loss support
Dr Puhalla is a highly esteemed specialist who is committed to further training in bariatric, hepato-pancreatic- biliary and upper gastrointestinal surgery in high volume centres.
Do I Need a GP Referral?
If you are exploring bariatric surgery for diabetes or weight-related health concerns, speak with your GP. Your GP can assess your health and provide a referral to a specialist, such as Dr Puhalla, if appropriate.
More Questions About Bariatric Surgery?
If you are considering surgical options for diabetes and weight management, or would like more information, get in contact with our helpful team.
Call: (07) 2102 0878
Alt Phone: (07) 5636 6275
Email: admin@weightlossoperation.com.au
Or fill in the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Haven’t answered all your inquiries? Below are some frequently asked questions that may provide you with the information you are looking for. If we haven’t answered your query or concerns please contact our friendly team at (07) 5667 9766 or via email at admin@weightlossoperation.com.au.
How long does a gastric sleeve procedure take?
Provided there are no other additional procedures combined, the procedure usually takes 1 – 1.5 hours.
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Weight loss can vary between individuals depending on multiple factors, therefore an exact figure cannot be guaranteed. Most studies show that 2 years after gastric sleeve, around 70% of excess weight has been lost, and around 60% after 5 years.
How do I know this procedure is right for me ?
To determine your suitability for this procedure, you will need to have a discussion with Dr Puhalla by booking in an initial consultation. However the gastric sleeve should be my preferred surgical option as it has the least lifestyle implications compared to other procedures such as bypass surgery. For example, if you make poor food choices, such as a diet high in fat or sugar, you most likely won’t develop the negative feedback of dumping syndrome or diarrhoea like you would after bypass surgery. The sleeve relies on restriction alone for weight loss, therefore it is recommended to make healthy food choices and stick with small portion sizes to prevent weight regain in the long term.
How much does the procedure cost?
To find out an estimation of cost, please call our clinic on (07) 5667 9766.
Is this procedure safe?
The sleeve gastrectomy has a low complication rate, however every surgery carries risks.
Short term risks can include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood Clots
- Stomach Leaks
Long terms risks can include:
- Reflux
- Malnutrition
- Hernia
- Vomiting
We recommend having a discussion with Dr Puhalla during your consultation to answer any questions or concerns.
I have heard gallstones are common after surgery, will this effect me?
After undergoing a weight loss procedure, there is an increased risk of developing gallstones due to rapid weight loss. If you suspect you may have gallstones, contact the clinic on (07) 5667 9766 and speak to our team.
Are there any pre-operative tests prior to surgery?
Yes, in most cases Dr Puhalla will refer you for a pre- operative blood test.
If clinically indicated, Dr Puhalla may request for you to have a gastroscopy. This is a procedure performed under sedation, where a thin flexible camera is placed down your oesophagus and into your stomach. It can be useful to determine if there is a hiatus hernia, reflux, stomach infections, or ulcers prior to your surgery. A gastroscopy is usually recommended for patients who are over the age of 40, or those who experience reflux symptoms.
Can I still drink alcohol after having a gastric sleeve procedure?
Yes you can, however you will feel the effects of alcohol more quickly after bariatric surgery than you previously did. It is advised to make a conscious effort to limit your alcohol intake and frequency. The regular use of alcohol may lead to poor food choices, weight regain, liver damage, reflux and irritation to your gastrointestinal tract.
Can I smoke or vape after having a gastric sleeve procedure?
It is recommended that smoking or vaping should be stopped prior to undergoing your procedure, due to the increase of saliva production during the anaesthetic, which increases the risk of aspiration during surgery and postoperative coughing. It can slow down your recovery process and overall healing. It is recommended that you cease smoking at least 2 weeks before and for 1 week after surgery.
Can I get pregnant after having my procedure?
It is known that weight loss surgery may improve fertility in both females and males. Pregnancy should be avoided in the first 18 months post operatively, due to potential risks to both mother and developing baby. To avoid pregnancy during this time, it is recommended to consider contraceptive options by speaking to your GP. The Oral Contraceptive Pill is less effective after a weight loss surgery, therefore other methods should be used. This is a key consideration if wanting to undergo surgery. If pregnancy occurs earlier than recommended, please contact our team.
Can I have plastic surgery after weight loss surgery?
Yes you can. Some patients may experience loose skin after losing a substantial amount of weight which may affect you physically and emotionally. Speak with our team or your GP to arrange a referral for body-contouring surgery by a plastic surgeon.