About the Workshop
On 9 June 2024, MedSurg Weight Loss joined Total Upper GI Surgery and Weight Management Psychology for a free patient workshop at St Vincent's Private Hospital Northside in Brisbane.
The event — open to anyone living with overweight or obesity — brought together patients, carers, and health professionals for an afternoon of education, honest conversation, and practical guidance on modern weight management. The collaborative format reflected the multidisciplinary nature of the best weight loss care, bringing together surgical, medical, and psychological expertise in one room.
What the Workshop Covered
Three interconnected themes shaped the afternoon's discussion — each chosen to address the questions and barriers that patients most commonly encounter:
The workshop highlighted how surgical, medical, dietary, psychological, and exercise-based interventions work best in combination. Patients who understand how their care team fits together are better placed to engage with treatment and achieve lasting results.
Understanding the evidence behind treatment options — from GLP-1 medications to bariatric surgery to psychological support — allows patients to make informed choices that align with their own goals, values, and circumstances.
Participants heard practical guidance on how to prepare for weight loss treatment — including the psychological shifts required, the dietary changes that make the biggest difference, and what to expect in the lead-up to and following bariatric surgery.
Why Events Like This Matter
Weight management is one of the most misunderstood areas of health. Patients frequently arrive with misconceptions — about what surgery involves, what medications can and can't do, whether their struggles are their own fault, and what "success" actually looks like. Events like this create a safe, expert-led space to ask the questions that feel too hard to ask in a consultation, and to hear from clinicians who are genuinely passionate about patient education.
Knowledge reduces barriers. When patients understand the full range of options available to them and the evidence behind each, they are more likely to engage with treatment, stick with it through the hard parts, and achieve meaningful long-term results.
We are proud of the collaborative spirit that made this event possible and grateful to our partners at Total Upper GI Surgery and Weight Management Psychology for their contribution. Events like this reflect the kind of care we believe all people living with overweight or obesity deserve.
To learn more about structured support and treatment pathways, explore our services below — or visit our Events page to stay updated on upcoming education sessions.