LapSurgery Australia

18/01/2026

⚠️ Important supplement update for our bariatric community ⚠️

The TGA has announced tighter regulations on vitamin B6 following a rise in toxicity cases linked to nerve damage and long-term neurological symptoms.

🗓️ From June 2027:
• Products with >50 mg B6 will require pharmacist supervision
• Products with >200 mg B6 will require a prescription
• Many high-dose supplements will be removed from shelves

Why this matters after bariatric surgery 👇
Vitamin B6 is commonly found in multivitamins, protein shakes, energy drinks, and weight-loss products. Many people have been unknowingly exposed to B6 from multiple sources, leading to serious harm.

We strongly encourage:
✔️ Checking with our dietitian before changing supplements or starting new supplements
✔️ Avoiding high-dose B vitamins or taking the same ingredient twice
✔️ Checking all supplement labels
✔️ Seeking medical advice if you experience tingling, burning, numbness or weakness in hands or feet

If you’re unsure about your supplements, please make an appointment with our dietitian.

Read more:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-26/tga-confirms-removal-of-toxic-vitamin-b6-from-shelves/106052270?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web

11/01/2026

Which type of weight loss surgery should you get?
At LapSurgery Australia we perform each of the major types of weight loss surgery, the sleeve gastrectomy and the gastric bypass. Studies comparing the two procedures over five-year time frames show very similar degrees of weight loss. However, patients with Type 2 diabetes and those with gastric reflux have better results with the gastric bypass.
Your surgeon and our team will discuss the choice of operation with you thoroughly, and in the end, we present the facts, and you make the decision on which surgery suits you best. Call us today to book an appointment with one of our surgeons.

04/01/2026

Meet our team! Our surgeon Mr Andrew Chong obtained his medical degree from the University of Melbourne in 2011, incorporating a year of research in the UK at Imperial College London.
He then completed General Surgery training through Monash Health and obtained his Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 2021.
Andrew subsequently travelled to Singapore and completed a fellowship in Upper GI and Bariatric Surgery, developing skills in advanced minimally-invasive GI surgery.
He went on to pursue a further year of post-fellowship training in Upper GI and Endocrine surgery at Northern Health, where he gained further exposure to benign and malignant Upper GI disease, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal conditions in addition to managing a wide range of surgical emergencies coming through the state’s busiest emergency department.
He is also accredited by CCRTGE for both gastroscopy and colonoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

28/12/2025

What would a bariatric surgeon NEVER do? Our surgeons talk about what being a bariatric specialist has taught them and what they wouldn't do based on their experience.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from the Team at LapSurgery Australia

21/12/2025

✨ New Research Spotlight!
A recent study of more than 30,000 patients in the US compared bariatric surgery with GLP-1 medications for treating obesity and found that while GLP-1 medications can support significant weight loss, bariatric surgery tended to produce greater and more durable results, along with lower overall costs over a 2-year period.
Surgery patients also experienced fewer obesity-related health issues and used fewer medical services.
Every patient’s journey is different and both medication and surgery can play valuable roles in comprehensive obesity care. What matters most is finding the approach that’s safe, effective, and sustainable for you.

If you’re exploring your treatment options, we’re here to help you make an informed, personalised decision. Call us on 9760 2777 to speak with our friendly team. Read the article: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2839126

14/12/2025

Pregnancy after weight loss surgery can be safe and healthy if managed correctly. Research even suggests that weight-loss surgery before pregnancy might lower the risk of obesity-related problems during pregnancy.
If you are considering pregnancy after weight loss surgery it’s very important to get in touch with us to get all of the right advice about nutrition, supplements and health.

07/12/2025

This year our offices will be closed from 12pm on Tuesday the 23rd of December until 9am on the 5th of January. If you are our patient and you need urgent help during that time please go to your local emergency department or call our on-call service on 9760 2777.

07/12/2025

Choosing bariatric surgery is a deeply personal and empowering decision. 💪
The Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass has helped countless patients achieve sustainable weight loss and reduce obesity-related health risks. At LapSurgery Australia, we combine expert surgical care with nutrition advice, education, and ongoing support because we know that lasting change happens when the whole person is supported. We’re here to help you build a healthier future, call us to talk about it. 🌿

30/11/2025

How do you measure success after bariatric surgery? Our surgeon Dr Andrew gives his take on surgery success including:
🩺 Bariatric surgery has an average weight loss
💪 Overall, success can be according to the patient’s goals which might relate to energy, mobility, health conditions lifestyle
🍎 It’s best not to fixate too much on a number but instead focus on living well in the long term
Thinking about bariatric surgery? Call us to book an appointment and speak to one of our surgeons.

23/11/2025

Obesity left untreated can cause serious health problems over time — but you can take action. 💪

Our latest blog explores new research comparing bariatric surgery (MBS) and GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

💡 Find out which option may offer stronger, longer-lasting results and what factors to consider when choosing the right path for you.

Your journey to better health starts with understanding your options.
📖 Read more on our blog or call us on 9760 2777 to chat with our team.

https://www.lapsurgeryaustralia.com.au/glp-1-medication-vs-bariatric-surgery/

Obesity is recognised as a chronic disease by the World Health Organisation and most medical societies around the world. Call us, so we can help you lose weight

16/11/2025

Is weight loss surgery cheating? Not at all! Our team believe strongly that obesity is a chronic disease and has many causes including genetic makeup, environment and metabolism. There are no simple solutions and different approaches will be necessary for each individual.
The process of preparing for and recovering from surgery can be challenging. That’s why we have a multidisciplinary team to help you to prepare and to adjust to surgery and to get through any challenges along the way. Read more about our support program at our website