Dr Anna Isaacs - General Surgeon Specialising in Bariatric Surgery

02/03/2025

Happy Birthday to our beloved Dr Isaacs. We hope you have a fantastic day. 🥰

21/06/2024

Happy International Day of Yoga! 🧘‍♀️

Yoga is a wonderful low-impact exercise that enhances flexibility, strength and mental well-being. Perfect for all fitness levels, it's a gentle yet powerful way to stay active and balanced.

Embrace the serenity and strength of yoga today!

19/06/2024

🚗 Post-Weight Loss Surgery Vitamins: Your Premium Fuel! 🌟

After bariatric surgery, your body becomes like a car with a smaller fuel tank that needs the highest quality fuel to keep it running smoothly. This is where vitamins and minerals come in. They’re the premium fuel that ensures your engine – your body – runs efficiently. Without them, you might face deficiencies that could slow down your recovery and affect your overall health.

Choosing the Best Vitamins After Weight Loss Surgery:
Opt for bariatric-specific multivitamins designed to meet your unique needs.
Generic multivitamins don’t cater specifically to bariatric patients and might miss key nutrients.
Regular consultations with a bariatric dietitian are crucial if you use a mix of off-the-shelf supplements.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamin B12: Crucial for nerve function and blood cell formation.
Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D: Vital for strong bones.
Iron: Prevents anemia by supporting hemoglobin production.
Vitamin C: Enhances iron absorption and aids in skin health.
Zinc: Supports the immune system and wound healing.
Folic Acid: Important for DNA repair and cell growth.
Protein Supplements: Prevents muscle loss and supports recovery.
Vitamin A: Essential for vision and immune function.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant protecting your cells.
Vitamin K: Important for blood clotting and bone health.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Critical for energy metabolism.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports heart health and reduces inflammation.
Probiotics: Keeps your gut healthy.

Why Are These Vitamins Important?
Reduced Stomach Size: Limits nutrient absorption and stomach acid production.
Bypassed Intestine: Less time and space for nutrient absorption.
Start your bariatric vitamin regimen immediately after surgery and continue long-term. Regular check-ups every six months in the first year, then annually, help catch deficiencies early.

Fuel your new journey with the right vitamins and keep your body running at its best! 🏃‍♂️

*DISCLAIMER: Please remember that medical information provided is in the absence of a visit with a health care professional and must be considered as an educational service only. This is not designed to replace a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient.

17/06/2024

Understanding Hernias: Know the Different Types! 🩺 Hernias come in various forms, each requiring specific attention and care. Here are the key types:

🔹 Incisional Hernia: Occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision.
🔹 Epigastric Hernia: Appears between the navel and the lower part of the ribcage.
🔹 Umbilical Hernia: Develops around the belly button.
🔹 Direct Inguinal Hernia: Forms in the groin area, often due to weakened abdominal muscles.
🔹 Indirect Inguinal Hernia: A congenital condition, also located in the groin.
🔹 Femoral Hernia: Found in the upper thigh near the groin.

Each type has unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Consult with a specialist to understand the best care for your condition.

*DISCLAIMER: Please remember that medical information provided is in the absence of a visit with a health care professional and must be considered as an educational service only. This is not designed to replace a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient.

16/06/2024

Congratulations Heather! It's such a pleasure to work with you.

What a legend!

Heather Hancock’s passion for helping others has seen her dedicate her working life to care for the people of the Tweed and Murwillumbah communities for over half a century.

Heather trained as a registered nurse at a private hospital in Brisbane, before returning home to Murwillumbah to decide her next move, and got a job at Murwillumbah Hospital.

Heather’s training at the private hospital had familiarised her with contemporary theatre practices, whereas Murwillumbah Hospital used traditional methods, prompting Heather to express her concern to the Matron who urged Heather to modernise the hospital's theatre nursing practices. So, she did!

Heather headed back to Brisbane for further training and experience. However, she was soon missing home and jumped at an offer from the Matron to return and set up the new hospital operating theatre at The Tweed Hospital.

Heather spent six months setting up the theatre and was part of the first surgery carried out on 21 March 1973, before the hospital had even opened.

51 years later she spent the weeks before the opening of the Tweed Valley Hospital, setting up the theatres ready for patients and continues to be a much-valued member of the Tweed theatre team.

Heather’s passion for theatre nursing remains strong, and she continues to love what she does. For now, she’s right where she wants to be – living and working in the region where she was born and raised, living in her family home in Murwillumbah and enjoying gardening outside of work (thankfully not 24/7 anymore!).

She’ll think about retirement, “one day.”

13/06/2024

Celebrate World Blood Donor Day! 🩸

Today, we honour the incredible generosity of blood donors around the world. Your donations save countless lives every day, providing critical support for surgeries, cancer treatments and emergency care.

If you haven't donated yet, consider joining this life-saving mission and donate with

Every drop makes a difference!

11/06/2024

Considering Bariatric Surgery? Let's Compare Gastric Bypass vs. Gastric Sleeve! 🌟 Here are the key differences to help you make an informed decision.

Gastric Bypass
Reversible: The procedure can be reversed if necessary, providing flexibility for future health needs.
Lower Reflux Incidence: Patients experience much lower rates of reflux compared to other bariatric surgeries.
Metabolic Benefits: Effective in treating resistant diabetes due to significant metabolic changes.
Long-Term Success: Considered the benchmark for weight loss surgeries, offering the most successful long-term results.
Safe Revision Option: Ideal for patients needing revision surgery after failed laparoscopic gastric banding.

Gastric Sleeve:
Less Complex Surgery: No rerouting of the digestive tract makes it a simpler surgical option.
Fewer Nutritional Deficiencies: Since the digestive tract isn't altered, nutrient absorption remains more intact.
Lower Surgical Risk: Generally considered safer for those at high risk for surgical complications due to its simpler nature.
Both procedures offer unique benefits and can be life-changing for those seeking significant weight loss and improved health. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for your needs! 🌟

*DISCLAIMER: Please remember that medical information provided is in the absence of a visit with a health care professional and must be considered as an educational service only. This is not designed to replace a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient.

11/06/2024

At the heart of everything we do lies a simple truth: 'What matters to you, means everything to us.'

09/06/2024

Happy King’s Birthday Public Holiday! 🎉

Enjoy the long weekend and take some time to relax and celebrate. Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday!

07/06/2024

Combatting Diabetes with Sleeve Gastrectomy! 💪

Did you know that Type 2 diabetes and obesity often go hand in hand?

Many of our patients have shared remarkable stories of improvement in their blood sugar levels after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy. For some, the need for diabetes medications decreases significantly, and in some cases, they can even stop taking them altogether just months after surgery.

It's incredible to witness the transformative impact of weight loss surgery on diabetes management.

Ready to take control of your health? Let's talk about your options today!

☎️ 07 5598 0955
📧 reception@corespecialistgroup.com.au

*DISCLAIMER: Please remember that medical information provided is in the absence of a visit with a health care professional and must be considered as an educational service only. This is not designed to replace a physician's independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient.

05/06/2024

Booking at Ballina Day Surgery! 🌟

Whether you need a consultation or are preparing for a procedure, we're here to provide top-notch care in the beautiful Ballina community.

Schedule your appointment today and take the next step towards better health. 📅

☎️ 07 5598 0955
📧 reception@corespecialistgroup.com.au

02/06/2024

Exciting news! Now offering consultations in beautiful Ballina! 🌊

Ready to start your journey to better health?
Book your appointment today!

☎️ 07 5598 0955
📧 reception@corespecialistgroup.com.au