Dr Ivor Funnell

25/10/2025

One of my special interests as a surgeon is endocrine surgery - Let's take a closer look at this very interesting topic:

https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/10/25/endocrine-surgery-2/

28/09/2025

This month we take a look at Peptic Ulcers what causes them and how they are treated:

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition that causes ulcers (open sores) to develop in the lining of your digestive tract. The word “peptic” comes from pepsin, a digestive enzyme that your stomach produces. Pepsin and stomach acid help break down food for digestion. These substances are highly corrosive...Read More:

https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/09/28/what-is-peptic-ulcer-disease/

29/08/2025

Colonoscopy interval guidelines for 2025 primarily recommend 10-year intervals for average-risk individuals after a normal colonoscopy, though specific intervals vary significantly based on the findings from the initial procedure. Individuals with adenomas or serrated polyps will have different, shorter recommended intervals depending on the number, size, and type of polyps found. It’s crucial for healthcare providers to base the next screening interval on the specific details of the baseline colonoscopy and individual risk factors:

https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/08/30/colonoscopy-interval-guidelines-for-2025/

29/08/2025

SAGES Guidelines for Dyspepsia Management

Dyspepsia is a common condition characterised by upper abdominal symptoms, including epigastric pain, bloating, and nausea.
This guidance document provides a framework for managing dyspepsia, emphasising initial clinical assessment, risk stratification:

https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/08/29/sages-guidelines-for-dyspepsia-management/

21/08/2025

Bariatric surgery is safe in experienced hands, but it does change how you absorb nutrients and alcohol, and it affects bone health. Knowing the risks—and the fixes—is part of informed consent:

https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/08/21/1219/

21/07/2025

Bariatric patients have lower healthcare costs vs non-surgical counterparts out to five years

Bariatric surgery patients save nearly $2,500 annually in healthcare costs compared to non-surgical peers, according to a Duke University study. The long-term savings, driven by reduced medication use, especially benefit those with diabetes—highlighting both health and economic advantages of surgery over 5.5 years.

https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/07/21/bariatric-patients-have-lower-healthcare-costs-vs-non-surgical-counterparts-out-to-five-years/

19/06/2025

Find out how Dr. Ivor Funnell’s holistic bariatric surgery solutions address South Africa’s rising obesity crisis, offering safe, effective, and life-changing weight loss supported by expert multidisciplinary care.

Why Bariatric Surgery Should Be Part of the Conversation in South Africa... Read More: https://drivorfunnell.com/2025/06/19/why-bariatric-surgery-should-be-part-of-the-conversation-in-south-africa/

Find out how Dr. Ivor Funnell’s holistic bariatric surgery solutions address South Africa’s rising obesity crisis, offering safe, effective, and life-changing weight loss supported by expert multidisciplinary care.

20/05/2025

Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You? A Guide to Eligibility and Expectations
Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming your health. But it’s not for everyone. Let’s explore who qualifies, what’s expected, and how to know if it’s the right step for you:

Bariatric surgery isn’t just about losing weight—it’s about reclaiming your health. But it’s not for everyone. Let’s explore who qualifies, what’s expected, and how to know if it’s the right step for you. 1. Are You a Candidate? You’re typically eligible if: 2. Are You Mentally Prepa...

21/04/2025

South Africa is facing a significant obesity challenge, with a national obesity risk score of 8/10.¹ Here are some key statistics:

21/04/2025

Obesity in South Africa: Rates and Percentages
South Africa is facing a significant obesity challenge, with a national obesity risk score of 8/10.¹ Here are some key statistics:

South Africa is facing a significant obesity challenge, with a national obesity risk score of 8/10.¹ Here are some key statistics:

25/03/2025

Understanding Ghrelin: The Hunger Hormone

This month, we’re diving into hormones—not the ones that make you fall in love, but the ones that regulate your appetite.

Ghrelin, often called the "hunger hormone," signals your brain when it’s time to eat, while leptin does the opposite by telling your body when you’re full. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ghrelin—how it works, what affects its levels, and how you can manage it for better appetite control.

Read More:

Ghrelin is a hormone your stomach produces and releases. It signals your brain when your stomach is empty and it’s time to eat. Ghrelin levels increase between mealtimes and decrease when your stomach is full. People who have obesity often have low ghrelin levels, while people who significantly re...

17/02/2025

After bariatric surgery you are recommended to eliminate eating from drinking. You have to drink your liquids at least for 30 minutes before a meal, and for 30 minutes after a meal. People ask, is it forever? Yes, it is forever.

After bariatric surgery you are recommended to eliminate eating from drinking. You have to drink your liquids at least for 30 minutes before a meal, and for 30 minutes after a meal. People ask, is it forever? Yes, it is forever.  Here’s why it’s not recommended to eat and drink together after b...