Growing obesity and excessive weight gain among New Zealanders has concerned health authorities for some time with the incidence of morbidly obese adults, and even children, considered by some as alarming.

For a lot of people, diet and exercise can achieve weight loss. However, sometimes this is not possible and additional help is needed. The only guaranteed method of weight loss is through bariatric surgery; this include the Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve. These surgeries, offered Ormiston Hospital, have helped to transform the lives of thousands of people.

When you choose Ormiston Weight loss Service for your surgery, you know you will be cared for by highly experienced surgeons in our well-established hospital. The team at Ormiston offers a multi-disciplinary approach leading up to and following surgery, including a weight loss dietitian, physiotherapist and specialists.

Bariatric surgery reduces the risk of death from obesity. Many obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea, joint pain, lipid abnormalities and high blood pressure, are either completely resolved or substantially improved.

Most people achieve good to excellent weight loss results following surgery. Typically this is 50 – 60% of excess weight. This weight is often lost in the first year, then after 12 months the weight stabilises. No weight loss amount can be guaranteed, but most of the OWLS patients see excellent results and wish they had done it sooner.

For 2 to 6 weeks before bariatric surgery patients are required to follow a low-calorie diet, this is sometimes OptiFast. They may also be referred for a psychological consultation to help prepare for the surgery and to ensure they are in a position to make a success of the significant changes that will follow.

Most people are on a liquid and soft foods diet for the first-week post-discharge. Although they often do not feel like eating. The surgeon and dietitian may also recommend a pureed diet for a few weeks before starting solid foods again. The support from the OWLS dietitian is crucial to the success of patients, it also results in ongoing lifestyle changes.

Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix cure. Weight loss still depends on healthy eat and execrise and patients who follow post-operative diet and exercise instructions can expect good results. Those who make the right lifestyle changes will reach their weight loss goals. Many patients go back to enjoy the foods and meals they use to but in smaller portion sizes and comment that they do not feel like going back to their old habits.

Bariatric surgery is open to anyone who needs to lose weight, this is done by GP referral or people who choose to fund their own bariatric surgery can contact their surgeon of choice without a GP referral.

If you are considering surgery contact us today on: owls@ormistonhospital.co.nz