By Jacqui Lewis
On the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, we share tips, insights and recommendations from leading Bariatric specialists to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals and live a life
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The podcast currently has 71 episodes available.
Did you know that combining modern medications with bariatric surgery could be the key to effectively addressing obesity, a condition that affects millions but often receives insufficient attention?
In this episode, I am accompanied by Dr. Harald Puhalla, a bariatric surgeon. Together, we explore the ins and outs of pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery as options for addressing obesity, a condition often overlooked in Australia. Dr. Puhalla highlights new GLP-1 medications, , which can facilitate up to 22% weight loss but come with side effects like nausea and the potential for weight regain upon discontinuation.
He contrasts these pharmacological options with bariatric surgery, which offers proven long-term weight loss, comprehensive follow-up care, and essential nutritional guidance. Additionally, he emphasises the importance of a multifaceted approach to obesity management, acknowledging both surgical and medical interventions while stressing the need for individualised patient support.
Tune in to our latest episode with Dr. Harald Puhalla as he breaks down the benefits and limitations of pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Listen now to make informed decisions about your health!
Episode Highlights
About Dr. Harald Puhalla:
Dr Harald Puhalla is a General and Bariatric 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 in Bariatric Surgery, his specialty interests include gastric sleeve and bypass, hernia, gallbladder, hepato-biliary pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Originally from Austria, where he graduated in 1994 from 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. He also completed a PhD in liver cancer and was appointed Consultant Surgeon at the University Hospital in Vienna during that time. In 2008, Dr Puhalla commenced as a General Surgeon at the Gold Coast Hospital.
Dr Puhalla is dedicated to helping his patients achieve the best possible results through high-quality care. He regularly travels overseas to further his education and training and stay updated with the latest surgical techniques. His interests extend to learning more about his specialty, and he is currently leading research ventures in his field.
Connect with Dr. Harald Puhalla:
If you are interested and want to learn more about Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast (AWLS), check out our website at australianweightlosssurgerypodcast.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To ease concerns and enhance comfort during medical examinations, it is imperative for patients to conduct thorough research on the attending doctor. However, what specific responsibilities and certifications should one be aware of to make the most informed decision?
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Justin Perron, a trained specialist, plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and the owner and founder of his Spring Hill Clinic, Herstellen Clinic. Dr. Justin explains the importance of selecting certified surgeons with proper training and experience for various surgical procedures. He advises patients to inquire about their surgeon's experience, familiarize themselves with potential complications, and review real case photos. Dr. Justin also mentions how important training is for non-surgeon cosmetic practitioners and surgeons, as well as managing complications. It is also helpful to build a strong patient-doctor relationship through effective communication, along with the need for patients to have realistic expectations, ask questions, and take responsibility for their care. Dr. Justin shares caution against relying solely on online information and emphasises the critical role of nutrition in pre-operative preparation for successful healing.
Be informed about the responsibilities of both patients and doctors in this episode!
Episode Highlights
About Dr. Justin Perron:
About Dr. Justin Perron:
Dr. Justin Perron, a Canadian-born Australian-trained specialist, is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, and the owner and founder of Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill. Coming from a family of medics, with his father also a surgeon, Dr. Perron has devoted his career to helping individuals through plastic and reconstructive surgery. He studied chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Calgary in Canada before moving to Australia for his medical training in 2000. Completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in Adelaide, Dr. Perron then moved to Queensland in 2003. He is a member of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and Queensland Hand Surgery Society.
Dr. Justin Perron offers various surgical procedures, including skin cancer treatments, abdominoplasty, Labiaplasty, breast augmentation, reduction, and reconstruction, Brachioplasty, liposuction, blepharoplasty, sinochemastia, and hand surgery. He emphasizes the importance of pre- and post-nutrition for patient recovery, implementing his own micronutrient infusions and involving multidisciplinary health professionals to support his vision.
Connect with Dr. Justin Perron:
If you are interested and want to learn more about Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast (AWLS), check out our website at australianweightlosssurgerypodcast.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Losing weight is tough for many aiming to be healthier. But guess what? Hypnotherapy has stepped into the ring as a cool and interesting player among all the methods out there.
In this episode, Glenn Mackintosh, a psychologist and hypnotherapist, explores the transformative power of hypnotherapy in weight loss. Glenn explains that it's not magic or brainwashing but a guided process into a receptive state of awareness. Glenn points out how hypnotherapy shares common principles with advertising, social media, and movies in influencing our thoughts and behaviours.
He talks about the surprising effectiveness of incorporating hypnotherapy into cognitive behaviour therapy, resulting in substantial and long-lasting weight loss. He distinguishes between exploratory hypnotherapy, which addresses underlying issues, and suggestive hypnotherapy, focused on positive changes.
Glenn advocates for a holistic approach by combining hypnotherapy with a non-diet perspective, encouraging the uncovering and addressing of stored beliefs formed in past experiences. Non-restrictive approaches such as intuitive eating, joyful movement, and self-love for better and lasting results, avoiding harmful dieting mindsets.
Glenn introduced his innovative 90-Day TRANCEformation program, which seamlessly integrates hypnotherapy with binaural beats for daily, gradual transformation in just 15 minutes. He emphasizes the program's adaptability to individual interpretation and assimilation of suggestions. He also discusses the benefits of binaural tones in inducing a hypnotic state and increasing hypnotizability.
Discover the power of hypnotherapy, explore how it can transform your mind, and find out how personalized approaches can bring about positive, long-lasting changes.
Episode Highlights:
About Our Guest:
Glenn Mackintosh is a psychologist who is incredibly passionate about eating, physical activity, weight and body image.
Glenn is the author of the best-selling Thinsanity: 7 Steps to transform your mindset and say goodbye to dieting forever and the founder of the Weight Management Psychology clinic. His public work has seen him create the ‘Thursday Therapy’ YouTube Series and Glenn Mackintosh Show Podcast, accept the challenge of introducing counter-culture messages to the contestants and viewers of Network 10’s The Biggest Loser: Transformed, and contribute regularly in the media.
He is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Queensland representative for the APS Psychology of Eating, Weight, and Body-image Interest Group. He has researched and lectured in health psychology, the psychology of eating, and sport and exercise psychology at the University of Queensland and several other leading universities, and developed innovative training programs for health professionals.
Glenn created the TRANCEformation Support Community, a member-only online support group helping people all over the world use the power of psychology to completely transform their relationship with eating, physical activity, weight & body image. He has also created the 90-Day TRANCEformation Audio Program, co-created the EFT Tapping for Weight Management Online Program with Dr Peta Stapleton and is privileged to be the resident psychologist for the Body Image Movement’s Embrace You Online Program with Taryn Brumfitt.
Glenn’s passion is in helping people manage their eating, physical activity, weight, and body-image and training other professionals to apply psychological principles to support their clients through his highly-popular professional training courses with the APS Institute, the Dietitians Australia Centre for Advanced Learning, and FILEX.
Connect with Glenn Mackintosh
If you are interested and want to learn more about Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast (AWLS), check out our website at australianweightlosssurgerypodcast.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many years, we have been told that diet is the key to achieving our weight loss goals. However, recent research suggests that it is more complex. While diet certainly plays a role, it may not be the most important factor in achieving sustainable weight loss.
In this episode, we are joined by Kate Berridge, a clinical nurse specialist in Bariatrics RNcP MN (Hons) and founder of Tiaki Whaiaro. Kate shares her inspiring story in the bariatric world. She highlights "flourishing" in the context of weight loss after Bariatric Surgery, which generally means successfully maintaining weight loss and experiencing positive growth in overall well-being. She also emphasises the importance of adopting healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices, before undergoing Weight Loss Surgery to set the stage for long-term success.
Take advantage of this insightful conversation on how to achieve sustainable weight loss!
Episode Highlights
About Kate Berridge:
Kate Berridge is a clinical nurse Specialist in Bariatrics RNcP MN (Hons) and founder of Tiaki Whaiaro. Kate has been a nurse for over 30 years and is Aotearoa-New Zealand’s most experienced Bariatric Nurse Specialist (Weight Loss Surgery).
She has worked with WLS patients since 2007, when Middlemore Hospital first began offering a bariatric service. In that time, she helped thousands of people with their weight loss journey.
In 2016, she left the DHB to complete a Master’s degree, which now forms a significant part of the framework for Tiaki Whaiaro and the services her business offers. As a result of her research and time spent in the hospital system, Kate is now a passionate advocate of whole-person health. Her consults are built around each individual’s needs and are designed to enable a person to develop their own self-care strategies to lead the healthiest life that works for them.
Connect with Kate Berridge:
If you are interested and want to learn more about Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast (AWLS), check out our website at australianweightlosssurgerypodcast.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For people who have tried and failed to lose weight through traditional means, bariatric surgery can be a life-changing solution. Bariatric Surgery can help individuals achieve significant and sustainable weight loss, improve their overall health, and reduce the risk of obesity-related health issues.
In this episode, Dr. Harald Puhalla, a General Surgeon, specialising in Bariatric and Gastric surgeries for over 20 years. Dr Puhalla, whose practice is based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, shared that Bariatric Surgery is typically recommended for individuals with obesity-related health issues, considering factors such as previous weight loss attempts, medical history, and lifestyle. He explained that patients might revisit the possibility of qualifying for Bariatric Surgery as the guidelines for applying for Bariatric Surgery have been reviewed to make it more accessible. Dr. Puhalla emphasised that patients may benefit from coaching and education to understand the types of procedures available and determine which might work best for them.
If you're considering Bariatric Surgery, it's important to consider various factors such as BMI, medical history, and lifestyle. Listen to this episode and learn more!
Episode Highlights
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 in Bariatric Surgery, his specialty interests include gastric sleeve and bypass, hernia, gallbladder, hepato-biliary pancreatic and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
Originally from Austria, where he graduated in 1994 from 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 centers under the guidance of international experts in these specialties.He also completed a PhD in liver cancer and was appointed Consultant Surgeon at the University Hospital in Vienna during that time. In 2008, Dr Puhalla commenced as a General Surgeon at the Gold Coast Hospital.
Dr Puhalla is dedicated to helping his patients achieve the best possible results through high-quality care. He regularly travels overseas to further his education and training and stay updated with the latest surgical techniques. His interests extend to learning more about his specialty, and he is currently leading research ventures in his field.
Connect with Dr. Harald Puhalla:
If you are interested and want to learn more about Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast (AWLS), check out our website at australianweightlosssurgerypodcast.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Weight loss is a popular topic, with many methods available to help people achieve their desired weight. However, Weight Loss Surgery still carries a stigma, causing many to avoid it due to fear of judgment and misconceptions.
Karim Boktor, a business coach and mindset expert, sheds light on this issue and emphasises adopting a holistic approach to Weight Loss Surgery. In this episode, we will explore Kareem's personal experience and motivation for a second attempt at Weight Loss Surgery and how he overcame his challenges to help others find success and fulfilment.
Karim shares his personal story of starting a business while his wife was about to have a baby, leading to deteriorating mental health and feelings of failure. He also discusses his experiences as an immigrant to Australia, including discrimination and struggles with studies.
Listen to Karim Boktor, a business coach and mindset expert, as he shares his experience with weight loss surgery and sheds light on the stigma surrounding it. Discover how he overcame his challenges and now helps others find success and fulfilment.
Episode Highlights:
About Our Guest:
Karim Boktor is an experienced trainer and coach in the personal and professional performance field. He works with business owners & leaders, academics, and individuals wanting to unlock and enhance latent potential using the latest human behaviour technologies.
As an experienced sales executive in one of the highest regarded fields, having run his businesses and achieved his Master in Business (MBA), Karim has applied knowledge of running and growing a business.
Trained in applied psychology, Karim has worked with many small to medium businesses to help entrepreneurs with growth strategies, survive in business, thrive, and grow.
Today Karim works with individuals and business leaders, counselling and advising the best way forward toward a happy, relaxed, and prosperous career.
Connect with Karim Boktor
Karim’s Business and Life Coach LinkedIn | The Business & Life Coach - Karim Boktor
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When patients seek weight loss surgery advice, long-term aftercare is often overlooked. This creates problems affecting the physical and mental health of the patient, including their relationships.
In this episode, we are joined by Connie Stapleton, a psychologist specialising in bariatric surgery. Today, she will discuss weight loss surgery - its psychological and emotional effects, understanding what your body needs post-surgery, and overcoming struggles in self-esteem, body image, and relationships.
Connie has helped patients with her BariAfterCare, a program that navigates patients post-bariatric surgery through proper nutrition and creating healthy coping mechanisms.
Learn how bariatric surgery helps with your pre and post-weight loss journey. Listen now!
Episode Highlights:
About Our Guest:
Connie Stapleton, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. She is passionate about the psychological aspects associated with weight loss and weight loss through bariatric surgery. Pre-surgical evaluations of bariatric patients and post-operative education are Connie’s expertise.
Caroline founded BariAftercare, a program created for use by Bariatric Programs and individual patients to help them navigate the numerous changes patients face during the weeks, months, and years following bariatric surgery. Mind Prep videos, one component of the BariAftercare program, provide comprehensive pre- and post-op psychological education to optimise long-term success after weight loss surgery.
In addition to working with patients, Caroline presents nationally and internationally on bariatrics, addiction, and living a healthy lifestyle. I am a certified yoga teacher and believe in the importance of physical, mental, and spiritual self-care.
Connect with Caroline Stapleton, Ph.D.
Books are written by Caroline Stapleton, Ph.D., all available at www.conniestapletonphd.com/books
Access all the learning materials that Connie Stapleton mentioned in the podcast HERE!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
For many people, social media is a significant part of life. While it may seem like something that doesn’t carry too much weight in the world, it most certainly does in our day and age.
The pressure to conform to society's standards and the harmful effects of body shaming can be challenging for many.
In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Ireland, author of "The Shape of Us," to delve into the inspiration behind her novel and explore themes of friendship, chronic illness, and weight loss surgery.
We discuss the need for education and acceptance of weight loss surgery as a tool for managing chronic diseases and the harmful effects of body shaming. Lisa shares her insights on the obstacles faced by those struggling with obesity when trying to exercise and her latest book, "The One and Only Dolly Jamieson," which tells the powerful story of a homeless woman in her late 70s to early 80s.
Join us for a thought-provoking and empowering discussion that sheds light on the realities of weight loss and offers inspiration and hope for those on their own journey.
Episode Highlights:
About Our Guest:
Lisa Ireland is an Australian writer of contemporary women’s fiction. After working as a primary school teacher for many years, Lisa is now a full-time writer.
When it comes to her books, she follows where the characters lead her. And it just so happens they've led me to rural romance, women’s fiction and, most recently, to dual timeline modern historical fiction.
But the one thing all her books have in common is that they’re about complex, strong women and the relationships that shape their lives.
Her novel, Feels Like Home, is an Australian Bestseller. In 2015 Lisa was one of Australia's Top Ten Debut Fiction Authors. She has five books published to date, and her seventh novel, The One and Only Dolly Jamieson, will be released in JANUARY 2023.
When she’s not writing, Lisa can be found running (okay, shuffling), drinking coffee at her favourite cafes, or perusing the shelves of her local bookstore.
She loves eating but not cooking, is an Olympic class procrastinator, and (most importantly) minions to a rather large dog.
Connect with Lisa Ireland:
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
The Shape of Us: https://www.lisairelandbooks.com/the-shape-of-us/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When patients come to see General Practitioners for support and care for their weight management, yet, all they feel is stigma and discrimination. General Practitioners just throw the blame back on them, which is supposed not to be the case.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Angela Kwong, a General Practitioner with a special interest in medically supervised weight loss. Today she will talk about how she handles her patients, especially if they are not yet ready to talk about weight loss. Dr. Angela’s Enlightened Me program has helped many clients understand their body needs. Instead of restrictions, it’s about sustainable eating.
She also discusses the medication option and problems of weight medication for weight loss.
Reach out and don’t guess your situation, Dr. Angela Kwong will definitely enlighten you about it. Listen now!
Get access to all the Bonus learning materials that Dr. Angela Kwong mentions in the Podcast for the listeners, including: HERE
Episode Highlights:
About Our Guest:
Dr. Angela Kwong is a General Practitioner with a special interest in medically supervised weight loss.
She is one of only 19 GPs in Australia with SCOPE Certification from the World Obesity Federation.
She is the Director and Principal GP at Upliftmed and the creator of the Enlighten Me program.
Enlighten Me is a medically supervised weight loss program that provides individualised medical care, and specific nutritional advice, alongside support, coaching and understanding.
She is a mother of one, and in her spare time, she enjoys learning to dance ballet online and finding creative ways to fix things!
Connect with Angela Kwong:
LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/drangelakwong/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
To succeed in weight management, you must have determination, perseverance, and a respectable dietitian.
Jeannie Boyers has been a registered dietitian for nearly 20 years and is board certified in obesity and weight management. Today, Jeannie will talk about how she helps her clients restore their confidence and reconnect with their bari-roots. Even miles away, Jeannie helps many clients through the online world and loves what she does.
Learn more as we walk through the path to bariatric success.
Sign up to Jeannie Boyers’ Masterclass!
Sign up here: and the course discount code: AUS22 for 22% off, expires January 2023.
Episode Highlights:
About Our Guest:
Jeannie Boyers is a registered dietitian, licensed in South Carolina, with over 10 years of experience with weight loss and weight management and a background in clinical nutrition. She obtained her BS in nutrition from East Tennessee State University, followed by a dietetic internship at Emory Hospitals in Atlanta, GA. Jeannie spent many years working with a bariatric practice in California before moving back to the south and is excited to continue working with weight management.
She is a regular contributor and speaker with BariNation (an online platform for bariatric patients to connect, learn, and grow with experts and peers). She has written for Obesity Help and Weight Matters Magazine.
Jeannie strives to ensure patients feel empowered, motivated and supported along their weight loss and maintenance journey. She takes time to listen to each patient and note their challenges. You can rest assured that the counselling you receive is based on research and proven in real-world practice.
You may find Jeannie in the kitchen playing with new recipes or outside enjoying nature with her son and husband when not in the office.
Connect with Jeannie Boyer:
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The podcast currently has 71 episodes available.
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