Dr Kevin Dolan recently attended the prestigious International Federation for Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) World Congress from the 3rd-6th September 2024, where he not only gained valuable insights but also presented his impressive results alongside other leading weight loss surgeons from across the globe. Dr Dolan’s involvement at IFSO is a testament to his commitment to offering the latest and most effective solutions for weight loss surgery. Here are his key takeaways from the event:
SADI-S: The Best Permanent Weight Loss Solution
One of the most talked-about topics at IFSO was the SADI-S procedure (Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy), which Dr Dolan has been performing in Western Australia for four years. SADI-S combines the benefits of sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, significantly reducing the amount of food a patient can consume while limiting calorie absorption.
One key point Dr Dolan emphasised is that SADI-S not only aids in reducing food intake but also increases GLP-1 levels— a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite. In fact, SADI-S enhances GLP-1 levels more than medications like Ozempic, while also reducing the hunger hormone ghrelin, leading to greater appetite control and long-term weight loss success. For patients seeking a durable, effective weight loss solution, SADI-S offers unparalleled results.
Addressing Weight Regain and Reflux Following Sleeve Gastrectomy
Another critical discussion at the IFSO meeting revolved around weight regain and reflux in patients who have undergone sleeve gastrectomy. This is often due to the sleeve not being made small enough or becoming stretched over time. Dr Dolan stands out in Australia for performing the smallest sleeve using a 32 Fr bougie, ensuring better outcomes for his patients.
For patients who have experienced weight regain or developed reflux post-sleeve surgery, Dr Dolan offers a range of revision surgeries, including:
- Mini gastric bypass – known for being the safest bypass option
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass – the best solution for reflux
- SADI-S – offering the best long-term weight loss outcomes
With over 15,000 weight loss surgeries under his belt, Dr Dolan is one of the world’s most experienced revision surgeons. His extensive expertise allows him to tailor revision surgeries to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring long-lasting and effective weight loss solutions.
The Reality of Ozempic and Wegovy for Weight Loss
There was also significant focus at IFSO on the real-world results of popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. While drug companies claim substantial weight loss from these medications, the actual results presented at the conference showed a more modest effect, with patients typically losing only 10-15kg—far less than the claims suggest.
For patients with morbid obesity, these medications may not provide sufficient weight loss. However, Dr Dolan has found them useful as an adjunct to surgery, helping some patients shed an additional 5-10kg after their procedure. While medications can play a role, they are not a replacement for surgery in more severe cases of obesity.
New Developments in Gastric Bands
Another exciting development at IFSO was the introduction of two new gastric band devices— the Midband and the Midcal fixed band. These bands are designed to be softer, wider, and gentler on the stomach, making them an excellent option for patients who only need to lose about 15 kg or who have stretched their sleeve and may not want a full gastric bypass.
Both procedures are performed as outpatient surgeries, allowing patients to return home the same day. Additionally, they are cost-effective, priced at less than half the cost of a gastric sleeve, making them an appealing option for self-insured patients seeking an affordable solution.
Lowest Complication Rates in the World
Finally, Dr Dolan was reassured by the global data presented at IFSO, which confirmed that his complication rate for weight loss surgeries remains one of the lowest in the world. His careful approach to each procedure, combined with years of experience, ensures that his patients benefit from exceptional care and the highest possible outcomes.
Dr Dolan also spoke at the conference about the use of Seamguard in sleeve gastrectomy, a tool that further enhances the effectiveness of the procedure by reinforcing staple lines and reducing potential complications.
In Conclusion
Dr. Kevin Dolan’s participation in the IFSO 2024 World Congress highlighted his dedication to staying at the forefront of bariatric surgery, constantly refining his techniques and incorporating the latest innovations. Whether through performing advanced procedures like SADI-S, addressing weight regain with revision surgeries, or adopting new devices like the Midband, Dr Dolan is committed to providing the best possible care and long-term results for his patients.
For more information or to book a consultation, contact Dr Kevin Dolan today.