What to expect at your weight loss (bariatric) surgery consultation

Before your appointment

Most New Zealand bariatric surgeon practices send a new-patient form before your first visit. Complete this in advance so the bariatric surgeon can read it before you arrive — it includes your medical history, current medications, allergies and the specific concern you want assessed.

• • A list of current medications and dosages
• • Any recent imaging (x-ray, MRI, CT) or specialist letters
• • Your ACC claim number if your problem follows an injury
• • Your health-insurance details if you have cover (Southern Cross, nib etc.)
• • Comfortable clothing that lets the bariatric surgeon assess the affected area

During the consultation

Duration: Initial consultations are typically 60 minutes; the full pre-operative pathway runs 3–6 months across multiple appointments.

Bariatric surgery alters the gastrointestinal tract to reduce food intake and absorption. The two procedures performed in New Zealand are the sleeve gastrectomy (removal of about 75–80% of the stomach to leave a sleeve-shaped pouch) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (a smaller stomach pouch reconnected lower in the small intestine). Both are performed laparoscopically and require a 1–2 night hospital stay. Pre-operative work-up is typically 3–6 months and includes dietitian, physician and psychologist review.

Questions worth asking

• • What is your working diagnosis, and what else are you considering?
• • What is the recommended treatment plan and how long should it take?
• • What does the evidence show about success rates for this approach?
• • What is the total expected cost — including imaging, equipment or follow-ups?
• • What should improve, and by when, before we change approach?
• • When should I contact you between visits, and how?

Verifying your bariatric surgeon

Bariatric surgeon services in New Zealand are major surgery regulated by the Medical Council of New Zealand. Bariatric surgeons in New Zealand hold a vocational scope of General Surgery (FRACS) and have completed dedicated bariatric and metabolic surgery fellowships, working alongside accredited multidisciplinary teams (dietitian, physician, psychologist). Verify the surgeon on the MCNZ register and check vocational scope of General Surgery. Look for surgeons who routinely perform 50+ bariatric procedures per year and operate within an accredited multidisciplinary team. Ask about complication rates, revision policy, and what follow-up is included in the package fee for the first 12–24 months. You can search the public register at mcnz.org.nz at any time.

Plan your weight loss (bariatric) surgery treatment

• Overview →
• Cost & funding →
• Recovery & follow-up →