Blog

Robotic Surgery Beyond Weight Loss: Hernia and Gallbladder

Robotic surgery is often associated with weight-loss procedures, but the same advantages apply across upper gastrointestinal surgery. The precision and control that help in complex bariatric cases are just as…

Considering Revision After Weight-Loss Surgery Overseas or Elsewhere

Not every weight-loss surgery goes to plan, and not everyone stays with the practice where they started. Some people had surgery overseas, where it was more affordable at the time.…

The Pros and Cons of Robotic Bariatric Surgery

Robotic surgery comes up a lot in conversations about weight-loss surgery, and it is often presented as simply the newest and best option. The reality is more nuanced, and more…

Revising or Removing an Old Lap Band

Gastric bands were once one of the most common weight-loss procedures, and many people have lived with one for a decade or more. Over time, bands can cause problems, stop…

How to Protect Muscle (Not Just Lose Fat) During Rapid Weight Loss

When you lose weight, the aim is to lose fat. But some of what comes off can be muscle, and that is easy to miss, because the scales only show…

Gastric Bypass and Weight-Loss Injections: How They Compare and Work Together

A gastric bypass is one of the most effective procedures for significant, lasting weight loss, and it is often the choice for people carrying more weight or managing conditions like…

Weight-Loss Injections After a Gastric Sleeve

A gastric sleeve is one of the most effective ways to lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off. Even so, some people find their weight loss stalls…

Weight-Loss Medication Before Bariatric Surgery: What to Know

If you are preparing for bariatric surgery, you may have been asked to lose some weight beforehand, and you might be wondering whether a weight-loss injection could help you get…

Barrett’s Oesophagus: What It Is, and How It’s Linked to Reflux and Weight

If you've had long-standing reflux and your doctor has mentioned Barrett's oesophagus, it's natural to feel worried, especially if you've read that it's linked to cancer. The reassuring part is…

When Endoscopy Becomes Treatment – Why Surgical Expertise Matters

Traditionally, endoscopy and surgery sit with different specialists who work together to plan your care. That model works well. There is also real value in having one specialist who is…

How Obesity Affects Your Upper Gastrointestinal Health (and What Weight Loss Can Change)

When we talk about the health effects of obesity, the conversation usually turns to the heart, blood pressure, joints or diabetes. The digestive system rarely gets a mention, yet the…

Why Oesophageal Testing May Be Recommended for Patients with Reflux

If you’ve been dealing with reflux, you may have been offered medication or even surgery fairly quickly. What’s less common is firstly having someone measure what your oesophagus is actually…

I Have Reflux. Is the Gastric Sleeve or Bypass Better for Me?

This is one of the most common and most important questions we’re asked by patients choosing between bariatric surgery options. If you already have reflux, it deserves a proper answer,…

Scarless Surgery With the da Vinci SP: How the Single-Port Robot Works

Imagine having an operation like a hernia repair or gallbladder removal, but instead of several cuts across your abdomen, everything is done through a single small incision, hidden inside your…

Can Bariatric Surgery Cause Gallstones?

Gallstones are one of the more common issues that can come up after bariatric surgery, and for a simple reason. The same rapid weight loss that makes bariatric surgery so…

What is robot-assisted gastric bypass?

Gastric bypass has long been considered the gold standard in weight loss surgery, and it remains one of the most performed bariatric procedures worldwide. A robot-assisted gastric bypass is the…

Cholecystectomy Sydney, NSW (Gallbladder Removal)

Gallbladder problems are often described as “just gallstones,” but for many patients, the symptoms can be far more disruptive — pain after eating, nausea, bloating, or sudden attacks that can’t…

Robot-assisted revision bariatric surgery

Revision bariatric surgery is one of the most technically demanding categories of upper GI surgery, and it is also one of the strongest use cases for a robotic-assisted approach. The…

What is a robotic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery)?

Robot-Assisted Cholecystectomy Surgery is a modern surgical approach where advanced technology is used to support the surgeon during minimally invasive procedures. In Upper GI surgery, Robot Assisted Surgery allows for…

What is robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy?

Robot-assisted sleeve gastrectomy is a modern approach to one of the most commonly performed bariatric procedures worldwide. It uses an advanced robotic surgical system to support the surgeon during a…

What is robotic reflux surgery?

Robotic reflux surgery is a minimally invasive approach used to treat chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), particularly when symptoms are not well controlled with medication. Using advanced robotic technology, surgeons…

What is RAS? Understanding Robot-Assisted Surgery

RAS stands for Robot-Assisted Surgery, a modern surgical approach where advanced technology is used to support the surgeon during minimally invasive procedures. In Upper GI surgery, RAS allows for enhanced…

What is robotic hernia surgery?

Robotic hernia surgery is an advanced, minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to repair hernias with greater precision, improved visualisation and enhanced control. While not required for every patient, it…

Dysphagia Treatment Sydney, NSW

Upper GI Surgery provides specialist dysphagia treatment for patients across Sydney and regional NSW. With access to advanced diagnostic testing and a full range of treatment options, we are able…

Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery: What Actually Causes It?

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective long-term treatments for obesity. Most patients achieve significant weight loss in the first 12-18 months, however for some individuals, weight regain can…

Hernia Surgery Sydney, NSW

At Upper GI Surgery, we provide specialist assessment and treatment for hernias, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and long-term outcomes for patients across Sydney and NSW.

Bariatric Surgery in 2026: Where Does It Fit in the Age of Weight Loss Injections?

Weight loss injections have transformed public awareness of obesity treatment. Many patients now ask whether surgery is still necessary. Bariatric surgery still remains the most effective treatment for severe obesity. …

Reflux Surgery Sydney, NSW

At Upper GI Surgery, we focus on understanding why your symptoms are happening before recommending treatment. For patients across Sydney and NSW, this means access to specialist assessment, advanced diagnostic…

Why Your Reflux Keeps Coming Back (Even on Medication)

If you’re taking medication for reflux but still struggling with symptoms, you’re not alone. While acid-reducing medicines can help relieve discomfort, they don’t always fix the underlying cause. Understanding why…

The Link Between Hiatus Hernia and Reflux

How hernia size can affect reflux symptoms and surgical outcomes Hiatus hernias and reflux often go hand in hand. While not everyone with a hiatus hernia experiences symptoms, for many…

Life Without a Gallbladder – What Changes and What Doesn’t

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) is one of the most common surgical procedures in Australia. Most people recover quickly and live normal, healthy lives afterwards. But because the gallbladder plays a role…

Gallstones Explained: Why They Form and When Surgery Is Needed

Gallstones are one of the most common digestive problems in Australia, often discovered during scans for abdominal pain or nausea. While some people never experience symptoms, others can develop painful…

Choosing the Right Milk After Bariatric Surgery

After bariatric surgery, every sip and bite counts. Your new stomach capacity is smaller, so the foods and drinks you choose need to be packed with nutrition, not empty calories.…

Talking About Weight With Someone You Care About: A Compassionate Guide

Health, body and weight are deeply personal topics. Many people avoid talking about them – even health professionals struggle to do so well. But when someone you love is struggling…

Recognising when you are full

Learning to recognise fullness after bariatric surgery is one of the most important parts of your new relationship with food. In the early weeks after surgery, your body’s hunger and…

Protein After Bariatric Surgery – Why Real Food Matters

After bariatric surgery, your body needs protein to heal, maintain muscle mass and support weight loss. Many patients start with shakes and supplements in the early weeks, but over time,…

Gallbladder Removal After Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you’re already making big changes to your health. But rapid weight loss can also trigger side effects, and gallstones are one of the more common…

Interview with Dr Daniel Chan – Upper GI Surgeon Sydney

We would like to give our followers the opportunity to get to know the medical team here at Upper GI Surgery a little bit better. We recently asked one of…

What is in your food; the facts!

So you’ve had your bariatric surgery and you’re ready to tackle your new journey ahead, lose the excess weight and make your way towards a healthier and happier life. At…

Understanding BMI in 2025

You have probably heard the term BMI used before when relating to a person’s weight, but what is BMI? BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is an estimation of…

The Future of the Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric sleeve surgery is now the most commonly performed weight loss procedure around the world. It’s effective, but not perfect. Around 5 – 6% of patients need another surgery within…

Benefits and Drawbacks of Weight Loss Surgery

If you are considering bariatric surgery it is important to first discuss this with your doctor and/or specialist so they can provide you with guidance on the best treatment for…

Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery Q&A Recap

A/Prof Michael Talbot hosted our latest webinar on the topic of weight regain after gastric sleeve or bariatric surgery. Here are some of the questions that he answered during the…

Weight Loss Medication – Your Questions Answered

In this blog, we answer your top questions about weight loss medication. Are weight loss medications safe? All medications have side effects and risks but most people tolerate weight loss…

Exercise Prescription Following Bariatric Surgery

Exercise is one of the major pillars of health maintenance for successful, lifelong weight loss. By including regular exercise into your weekly routine you will see: ✓ Physical Health improvements…

Making the Most of Your Bariatric Surgery Tool Kit

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a significant step towards improving your health and achieving long-term weight loss. As part of our Ongoing Care Program at UGIS we provide all our patients…

Alcohol and Weight Loss

Consumption of Alcohol by the Body Alcohol whenever consumed is the first fuel for the body to burn; while your body is processing the alcohol it will not burn fat.…

Budgeting for Bariatric Surgery

Undergoing bariatric surgery is a life-changing decision that requires careful planning; not just for the procedure itself but for the financial investment involved. In Australia, the cost of bariatric surgery…

Changes in Taste After Bariatric Surgery

When people think about bariatric surgery they often focus on the benefits, like significant weight loss, improved overall health and enhanced mobility. However, a lesser-known side effect is how a…

Pregnancy and Fertility After Bariatric Surgery: What You Need to Know

For those planning to conceive or start a family after bariatric surgery, it’s essential to understand how it affects pregnancy and fertility. Here’s a comprehensive look at the implications of…

Gastric Sleeve Revision Surgery: What Are the Options?

Gastric sleeve surgery is among the most popular procedures for obesity treatment globally. Gastric sleeve surgery reduces the stomach’s volume to 15-20% of its original size, making it highly effective…

GT MagDI System Study

Are you suffering weight regain after a previous sleeve gastrectomy or Type 2 Diabetes? We’re running a clinical trial where we’ll be offering patients bypass surgery to help them with…

Bariatric Surgery in Sydney: How your environment can support your success

Lifestyle change is essential after bariatric surgery to maintain weight loss and improve overall health. Fortunately, Sydney is a city that makes it easier to embrace these changes, offering countless…

Managing Dumping Syndrome After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery has helped many people achieve significant weight loss and improved health. By reducing the stomach’s size/altering the digestive tract, bariatric surgery can lead to incredible transformations. However, like…

How often should you weigh yourself after Bariatric surgery?

For bariatric surgery patients, tracking weight is an essential part of the recovery process and long-term success. Our practice recommends weighing yourself once a week. Here’s why. Consistency Over Obsession…

Risks of Weight Loss Surgery

Weight loss surgery is major surgery requiring a general anaesthetic, therefore it carries a risk of complications. If you are considering weight loss surgery and want to be more aware…

Online Support After Bariatric Surgery

The world around us is changing quickly. Looking back to the first blog we published about modern technology’s role in post-bariatric surgery care, it shows how different the landscape is…

Have You Tried Everything Before Bariatric Surgery?

Obesity is a complex and challenging condition affecting many Australians. While Bariatric surgery has proven to be an effective solution, it is generally considered a ‘last resort’. Before taking this…

Set Point Theory Explained & Bariatric Surgery

We’ve all been there; stuck in a rut with our weight and despite our best efforts, we still seem to end up back where we started when we check the…

Bariatric Surgery vs Weight Loss Medication

With increasing awareness about the health risks associated with excess weight and speculation around weight loss medications in the media, many people are exploring different options to achieve a healthier…

Age Limits for Bariatric Surgery

We are often asked if somebody is too young or too old for bariatric surgery because of concerns about fairly major surgery for themselves or their family members if they are they…

What is the post-bariatric surgery diet?

If you have been researching bariatric surgery as a tool to help you return to a healthy weight and lifestyle, you will understand that your eating habits and diet following…

What is the pre-bariatric surgery diet?

A question we are often asked by our patients is whether or not they need to go on a diet before they have bariatric surgery. So today we thought we…

Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery – when to be concerned

For people living with obesity, bariatric surgery can be the beginning of their weight loss journey. We describe the process as a journey as it requires long-term commitment to real…

Preparation & Recovery: 5 Things to Know About Bariatric Surgery

If you’re considering bariatric surgery for the first time, the information available online can appear quite daunting. Our own website has information booklets, handouts, videos and hundreds of blogs. So…

World Obesity Day 2024 – Let’s Talk About Obesity

The 4th of March annually marks World Obesity Day – a day that calls for a unified, cross-sector response to the obesity crisis worldwide. World Obesity Day aims to encourage…

Importance of lifelong multi-vitamins after bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery is a life-changing step towards achieving weight loss and overall improved health. As patients begin this transformative journey, it’s crucial to recognise the significance of post-operative bariatric care,…

Weight loss medication: temporary fix or long-term solution?

If you are living with obesity and have been trying to lose weight, it can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge. Diet and exercise alone are often not sufficient or…

Overcoming overeating triggers this festive season

As the Sydney summer ushers in the holiday season, those who have undergone bariatric surgery may find themselves navigating a unique set of challenges. The hot weather, special family or…

Obesity Medication Perspective by A/Prof Michael Talbot

A counterpoint to the argument for denying effective anti-obesity therapy during a time of medication shortage. In response to criticism about previous statements that were directly stigmatising of persons with…

Navigating Gastric Bypass Surgery Options: What You Need to Know

The gastric bypass is known as the ‘gold standard’ weight control operation and has been the most frequently performed bariatric surgery procedure worldwide. But did you know that there are…

‘Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery’ – why we provide this resource to our patients

As part of our Patient Aftercare Program and in addition to appointments with Dietitian Tania, we provide each of our patients with their own copy of Sally Johnston’s ‘Your Complete…

4 Ways bariatric surgery can save you money

Living with obesity means that a person’s excess weight poses a serious health risk; bariatric surgery is currently the only consistently effective treatment for severe obesity. For both insured &…

Interview with Dr Gary Yee – Bariatric Surgeon Sydney

We would like to give our followers the opportunity to get to know the medical team here at Upper GI Surgery a little bit better. We recently asked one of…

Mediterranean diet – benefits for weight loss surgery patients

The Mediterranean diet has long been established as the ‘gold standard in preventive medicine’ (Mediterranean diet and life expectancy; beyond olive oil, fruits and vegetables). It’s true that people who…

What to Look for in a Bariatric Surgeon or Clinic

In everyday life, we are constantly bombarded with different choices we have to make. From something as simple as where to buy your morning coffee, right through to where to…

Bariatric Surgery Costs for Uninsured Patients in NSW

More than half of Australians have private health insurance (health.gov.au), but that also means that almost half of the population doesn’t. Of those that do, many may not have the…

Difference between gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass

The gastric bypass is frequently held as the ‘gold standard’ of bariatric surgery as it is the most frequently performed procedure worldwide with the best, long-term results. But as with…

Why hasn’t my bariatric surgery worked?

All surgical procedures for obesity, both old and new, are designed to change how the person processes food. Although many of these procedures are designed to be permanent, in reality…

What is the cost of Bariatric surgery, is it worth it?

A better question is, what is the cost of not having surgery? A recent article in the Lancet medical journal looked at this question by looking at 174,000 patients with…

Reflux: what is it & how is it treated?

The oesophagus is like any part of our body, we don’t really think about it until it starts to fail in its function. It is a thin muscular tube about…

Bariatric Surgery Registry Leading Contributor – what that means for Patients

You may have noticed a Leading Contributor badge in the footer of our website and wondered what it means. Chances are you haven’t heard of the Bariatric Surgery Registry (BSR),…

Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients

‘The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients’ by Colleen M. Cook has become a bariatric bestseller and the research-based principles taught here continue to be a standard for success…

Does health insurance cover weight loss surgery?

The last time the Australian population was surveyed in 2017-18 around 12.5 million adults (67%) were overweight or obese, with 1 in 3 people living with obesity ( AIHW ).…

Can you stretch your stomach after gastric sleeve surgery?

Weight gain following bariatric surgery, whether it be gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, can occur in patients for a variety or combination of different reasons. Gastric sleeve surgery restricts the…

Interview with Dr Jennifer Matthei – Bariatric Specialist

Let’s start at the beginning Jenny, how long have you been doing this? I’ve been working at Upper GI Surgery for 5 years now, specialising in the management of obesity…

Easter Eating Tips for Bariatric Patients

There are many Easter food traditions around the world and amongst many different cultures. Glazed cooked ham or hot cross buns may be more traditional in Australia but a leg of…

Interview with Dr Jason Maani – Bariatric Surgeon Sydney

We would like to give our followers the opportunity to get to know our medical team here at Upper GI Surgery a little bit better. We recently asked one of…

Getting back on track – bariatric surgery long-term weight loss goals

As January comes to an end, the festive fun of December, school holidays and public holidays all draw to an end. Quite often after such a time, people can be…

New year, new you

Welcome to 2023. With every new year comes a new opportunity to make real meaningful changes in our lives. Whether you’re making a new year’s resolution or are just making…

Robot-Assisted Bariatric Surgery – the benefits

If you haven’t spent much time thinking about surgical operations, you may not have heard about robot-assisted surgery/robotic surgery. A/Prof Michael Talbot saw the potential of this platform many years…

Interview with Dr Gary Yee – Bariatric Surgeon Sydney

We would like to give our followers the opportunity to get to know the medical team here at Upper GI Surgery a little bit better. We recently asked one of…

Dos and Don’ts this festive period for bariatric patients

Over the years we have published many blogs around this time of year, to help our bariatric surgery patients navigate this potentially difficult time of year. If you’ve had bariatric…

What’s dumping syndrome?

If you’re considering bariatric surgery as a tool to aid weight loss, there are many factors to consider, including risks, before you commit to surgery. Dumping syndrome is quite common…

Healthy eating after bariatric surgery on a budget

Have you noticed that your weekly shopping costs seem to be slowly increasing once you reach the checkout? According to Forbes, the federal government and Reserve Bank have forecast that…

Why protein is important after weight loss surgery

Weight loss surgery is an effective tool to help you achieve weight loss, but long-term success is determined by diet and lifestyle changes. After surgery the focus should be on…

Heart Bypass vs Gastric Bypass – an eyeopener

As well as creating our own content around the topic of obesity and life-changing treatment, we are constantly exploring others’ ideas and opinions. We discovered an article, A Sad Tale…

Introducing Our Doctors

Our Surgeons Dr. Michael Talbot | MB ChB FRACS Dr. Jason Maani | BHB MBChB FRACS Dr. Daniel Chan | MBBS MPH FRACS AFHEA Our Doctors Dr. Jennifer Matthei |…

Doctors at Upper GI Surgery

Our Surgeons Dr. Michael Talbot |MB ChB FRACS Dr. Gary Yee |MBBS FRACS Dr. Jason Maani |BHB MBChB FRACS Our Doctor Dr. Jennifer Matthei |BSc(med) MBBS (hons) FRACGP

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