Brisbane Surgery Weight Loss Blog

IMPRESSIVE POST SURGERY ACHIEVEMENT

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 06:55:33 GMT

Remarkable - Greg had a Sleeve in 2020, lost 100kg in 12 months & is now running Marathons.

8th July 2025 Update from Greg

I just wanted to update Dr Hatzifotis on another post surgery achievement. He saw me during my first marathon a couple of years ago. This year I completed both the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday on the Gold Coast. The photo is of myself after completing the double.

Again, I want to say thank you to Dr. Michael and the crew for essentially saving and changing my life. Not a day goes by I don't think how lucky I was to walk into that office and proceed with surgery.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Cheers,

Greg

Georgie lost 55kg in 12 months

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 00:39:21 GMT

Georgie lost 55kg in 12 months

Before Surgery: 130kg

After Surgery: 1 year 75kg, 2 years 70.5kg

Starting Weight: 130kg Current Weight: 70.5kg

My name is Georgie and I am 50 years old.

I am so happy I decided to have weight loss surgery with Dr Michael Hatzifotis.

I had been on so many diets throughout my teenage to adult years. I was always Yo-yo dieting. You name the diet, or medication for weight loss, I had tried it. I would lose weight and then after a few months regain the weight plus extra.

My reasons for deciding to have surgery was because Cancer and Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family and both my parents, who were obese, died in their early 50’s and 60’s. I knew that surgery was the only solution for me to lose and keep the weight off and hopefully not get type 2 diabetes. I was starting to have body aches, I was snoring, I was physically unfit and would get out of breath walking upstairs. I was also beginning to find it hard to buy clothes I liked in my size.

I had been seriously thinking about having weight loss surgery for at least 1-2 years before making an actual appointment with a surgeon. I researched online people who had had weight loss surgery and this information was very helpful in making my decision and I decided to book with Dr Michael Hatzifotis at Surgery Brisbane. His website was very informative and the medical secretaries when booking my first appointment were helpful, positive and were able to answer any questions I had.

Dr Hatzifotis is not only a great surgeon he is also easy to talk to and has a great bedside manner. He saw me every day while I was at Greenslopes hospital. I followed all his directions both pre-operative and post-operative. The anaesthetist I had for surgery was also great. I was anxious in the lead up to surgery but knew this was my best chance at losing weight and keeping it off.

I believe my weight loss success is because I followed Dr Hatzifotis’ and the dietitians' instructions. I started to exercise by walking in the weeks leading up to my operation and continued to exercise post-op, when I was able to. This aided my recovery. My weight was dropping each week because my stomach size was reduced, and I followed all the post-op stages. I physically could not overeat.

Before surgery my portion sizes were too large. I didn’t have a “full mark” and I would eat a lot of snacks and processed food. After surgery I am now more mindful of what I eat. I make healthier choices and I exercise.

I am at the stage now where I can eat just about anything I’d like to, but in smaller portions. I also have a “full mark” now.

Two years on and my confidence has improved, my physical fitness has improved, and I now enjoy exercising. I no longer snore or have any body aches and I enjoy shopping for clothes that I like and not just clothes that fit. I am still me but a better version of me!

I absolutely have no regrets about surgery. I am so glad I had it.

Greg Lost 100kg in 12 months

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:19:49 GMT

Greg 48 years old - lost over 100kg in 12 months

Starting Weight: 225kg Current Weight: 118kg

Hi, my names Greg Fowler and this is my story.

Since my surgery in October 2020, I have lost over 100kgs. It has changed my life.

A bit of background:

Like many blokes, I played sport when I was younger. Training during the week and going to the gym 5 times a week. I then got a job that kept me very active physically. I was always on the big side but considered myself relatively fit and strong and in control.

My career took a different path that saw my day-to-day physical activity decrease significantly and becoming more sedentary. Long work hours and family time became an excuse not to exercise.

Over the years, my weight ballooned. I was putting on about 10kgs a year without realising.

After seeing other people’s success with weight loss surgery and talking to them about it, I decided to do it.

My first visit with Dr Hatzifotis was an eye opener. I got on the scales (2 sets actually) and saw a number I never wanted to see. It added up to 225kg. I won’t say what my thoughts were.

We had a discussion and Dr Hatzifotis wanted me to lose 30kg prior to surgery (6 weeks). I set my mind to do the best I could. At my pre-surgery visit, I weighed 195kg.

I had the surgery, and it was very successful. I left hospital and started my journey towards a new life. I stayed true to the post-surgery diet plan and made sure I didn’t do anything to jeopardise my healing process.

It was sometimes difficult in the first few weeks after surgery, but knowing I had the support of the Surgery Brisbane team and my close support network at home and work made it easier.

After 6 months of steady weight loss, I began to get back into light physical training. My PT put me on a program that saw my mobility improve while also doing resistance training. I was feeling so good, I started doing longer and longer walks and even tried running a short distance after many years away from hard activity.

I was enjoying my new life so much that I joined a run club. I was up and running every Saturday with a supportive group that saw me enter the Bridge to Brisbane 10km fun run in 2021. I completed the 10km in 1hr 32mins. Not a record time, but a time I never thought possible 18mths ago.

With continued light exercise and easy to follow dietary requirements, I now weigh about 118kg. My life has changed. I’m back to being the happy, fun guy that I used to be.

I still see the team at Surgery Brisbane quarterly to make sure I’m on track. Dr Hatzifotis has been great. He monitors my nutrition to make sure I stay healthy. Simone monitors my diet and suggests ways to improve or offers solutions to any issues to arise. They have the whole journey covered. I don’t think my story would have been as successful without this team.

IMPRESSIVE POST SURGERY UPDATE

8th July 2025

I just wanted to update Dr Hatzifotis on another post surgery achievement. He saw me during my first marathon a couple of years ago.

This year I completed both the half marathon on Saturday and the full marathon on Sunday on the Gold Coast. The photo is of myself after completing the double.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Cheers

Greg

Lee Lost 45kg post-surgery

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:20:29 GMT

Lee 57 years old – lost 45kg

Highest weight: 139kg Starting weight: 118kg Goal Weight: 80kg Current Weight: 73kg

My name is Lee and I am 57 years old. Two years ago I was in a very dark place. I had tipped the scales at 139 kg and was wearing size 26 clothes. I was in poor health, I had sore joints, high BP and I was staring down the barrel of a diabetes diagnosis. I was depressed and I was ready to “Check out of Life!”

My GP referred me to Michael, who I saw in 2018, 12 months before I could schedule surgery as I needed to include bariatric surgery into my private health and wait the 12 months waiting period. I saw this as an opportunity to do some research and psychology (surgery is only a tool), and get myself organised.

Michael was an absolute professional! He was very positive, informative, gave me a thorough examination and put my mind at ease. He was in this for the long haul; I felt safe.

The whole process has been so wonderful and the best part is I have been given a second chance at life.

I’m off anti-depressants; I have no joint pain; I am a regular gym participant doing HIIT 6 days per week!

I love my version 2.0 as I can now buy all the fashionable clothes and I am happy.

My highest weight was 139kg, my start weight was 118 kg and my current weight is 73kg maintained for 6 months now.

I have moved my goal weight as originally I had 80 kg and now I have surpassed that and my abs are still reshaping.

It wasn’t all easy, but with the support from Dr Hatzifotis and his team at Surgery Brisbane, every day is a bonus and I continue to reassess my goals.

My new Ferrari body I choose to fuel with high octane fuel! Not the old Holden body that was lazy, slow and was fuelled with dirty petrol (aka junk food).

I never liked being photographed and now I LOVE IT!

Everyone should have a “WHY” and mine was “I don’t want to die at an early age and not see my grandchildren grow up!”

I have won the battle and it’s full steam ahead for me!

Rob Lost 55kg in over a year

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:16:38 GMT

Rob 60 yrs old – lost 55kg in just over a year

Starting Weight: 150kg Current Weight: 95kg

I'm Rob and have just turned 60. I had bariatric surgery with Surgery Brisbane in December 2018 following a casual chat with my GP and coming to the realisation that, if I continued carrying the weight I had (at that time I was 150kg), I faced serious health issues including, but not limited to, diabetes and heart disease. Every day was an effort and I was not optimistic about living until my children finished school.

I was anxious about having the surgery, but the procedure and expectations were extremely well communicated by Dr Hatzifotis and the team and every step was explained and logical. The pre procedure diet was well explained and a lot easier to follow than I had imagined and weight started falling off even before surgery.

The surgery itself went very well and post-surgery pain was well managed. Dr Hatzifotis was literally there every step of the way, as were the wonderful medical staff at Greenslopes, and I felt very well supported and cared for.

Out of hospital, the process really showed its’ worth. With medical and dietitian support the whole way, eating less was very simple and the transition to a goal weight of 95kg over about a year was easy. I wasn't aware that the lining of the stomach produces a hormone that makes you feel hunger. With that greatly reduced, sticking to a new reasonable amount of food was no problem.

One of my fears going into surgery was that I'd lose all interest in food. I've always been a "foodie" and love everything about it. I continue to love preparing food and entertaining, I eat mostly what I used to eat, just a lot less of it. And I can still have a glass of wine, albeit before or after food now.

My only regret is that there doesn't really seem to be a cure for aging, although, without the surgery, this may well not have been a consideration! And I'm now really looking forward to seeing my beautiful daughters grow up with my wonderful wife, who followed suit with the surgery and is also enjoying wonderful results.

I can't recommend this surgery highly enough. I've now maintained my goal weight for a couple of years and continue to be supported by the wonderful team at Surgery Brisbane.

Life is no longer a struggle.

Nicola Lost 47kg in just 7 Months

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 08:01:26 GMT

Nicola 50 years old - lost 47kg in 7 months

Starting weight: 103kg Current Weight: 56kg

My name is Nicola and I am 50 years old. – Surgery has changed my entire life. I am now healthy and happy on the inside and out. I have gained a lot of confidence and now dress how I want to instead of wearing just what fits. My fitness and energy levels are through the roof.

Before surgery I ate a lot of lollies, takeaway, chips, junk food and I did minimal exercise. Now, after having surgery, I eat very healthy foods and drink lots of water. I exercise, do weights, walk my dogs daily and I love to run. I can now run up to 13 km.

Before surgery I was excited but very anxious. Dr Hatzifotis and his team were great. They are all so caring and thoughtful. Nothing was too much trouble. Dr Hatzifotis has a wonderful bedside manner and is very approachable. He saw me after my operation and then every day after that until I was discharged. He made me feel so comfortable and answered any questions I had.

After surgery I felt great. I had no pain but I did have a little bit of nausea.

I would recommend Dr Hatzifotis and his team in a heartbeat. My family would also recommended him as they are also delighted with my results. What a great experience all around, in hind sight I wish I had done it years ago. Words cannot explain just how grateful I am to Dr Hatzifotis and his team at Surgery Brisbane.