Bariatric (weight loss) surgery

Types of bariatric surgery

Northland health offers 2 types of bariatric surgery:

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass.

Information about bariatric surgery

The operation is only part of your weight management journey. Our team will support you before, during and for several years after your surgery.

Introduction to bariatric surgery

This video covers:

obesity and bariatric surgery
the 2 types of bariatric surgery offered at Whangārei Hospital
the commitments that are required for people accepted on the bariatric surgery programme
the psychological challenges associated with bariatric surgery
the “bariatric lifestyle essentials” needed for successful bariatric surgery.

Introduction to bariatric surgery - YouTube

Before the procedure

For 6 to 12 months before your surgery, you will work with the team members to prepare for your surgery and ongoing lifestyle changes.

You will need to attend clinic appointments and education sessions. Where possible, we try to provide these clinics and sessions online, over the phone or in the regional hospital closest to your home. You will still need to visit Whangārei Hospital for some appointments. You must attend all appointments.

Before surgery, most people will need to have a pre-surgery very low-calorie diet (VLCD) such as Optifast for at least 2 weeks.

The operation

You will have your operation at Whangārei Hospital and will stay in hospital for around 2 to 3 days afterwards.

After surgery

You are likely to need around a month off work to adjust to your new way of life after surgery.

You will need to attend follow up clinics and sessions. We try to provide these online, over the phone or in the regional hospital closes to your home.

Referral information

You need to be referred by your healthcare provider. There are clear criteria for who is eligible for publicly funded surgery. Surgery is targeted at those who have obesity and significant weight-related illnesses.