The Norwest Private Hospital Health Insights podcast returns with a new episode, “Weight Loss Management”, covering both a surgical and a medical approach. This interview featured expert opinions from Bariatric Surgeon, Dr Dhan Thiruchelvam, and Endocrinologist, Dr Shamani Mendis.

Some of the key topics explored in the episode:

• Balancing surgical interventions with the rise of GLP-1 and GIP agonists. How safe is bariatric surgery? Risk rates are now comparable to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• Choosing the right procedure: Sleeve Gastrectomy vs Gastric Bypass and why reflux is a major deciding factor.
• Why pharmacotherapy must be viewed as indefinite treatment. Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Understanding the differences, contraindications, and how to manage gastrointestinal side effects.
• Navigating the costs: The specific requirements for private health insurance Gold cover versus the long-term expense of private prescriptions.
• Moving away from weight stigma and focusing on treating comorbidities like diabetes, sleep apnea, and fertility.