Frequently Asked Questions - Nelson Weight Loss Surgery Answers Your Queries
Am I a candidate for bariatric surgery?
If you have struggled with your weight for some time, and your BMI remains over 35, despite past efforts to achieve weight loss through diet and exercise, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery. If you have diabetes and a BMI over 30, you may still be a candidate. In Asian diabetic patients it can, at times, be appropriate to offer surgery with a BMI as low as 27.5. BMI alone does not capture the effect of other medical issues on your health, so a comprehensive medical assessment by a bariatric surgeon is necessary to determine whether bariatric surgery is right for you. It is also important to consider the demands of living with a weight loss operation, and ensure you are psychologically prepared for a major lifestyle change. It is also essential to quit smoking prior to surgery.
The appropriate age range is 18 to 65.
What does your programme require before surgery?
The professionals involved in our team take an evidence-based approach which is designed to help you succeed with surgery, and to identify patients who require extra support before their operation takes place in order to do well. This routinely involves:-
Clinic with surgeon
Two sessions with a dietitian
Psychological assessment
Introductory phone call with bariatric nurse
Some patients require additional support, or have medical issues which need addressing to ensure a safe operation. This may include
Review by anaesthetist
Sleep study
Cardiology (heart) investigations
Does health insurance cover bariatric surgery?
Some insurers will fund part of the cost of surgery depending on your policy, and whether you suffer sufficient health consequences from your weight. They may also cover weight loss procedures if the surgery will manage another condition such as reflux disease. Please speak directly with your insurance provider to determine how much cover is available under your policy and what their eligibility criteria are.
Can I withdraw my KiwiSaver to fund surgery?
KiwiSaver funds can be withdrawn under certain circumstances as set out in the KiwiSaver Act 2006. “Serious illness” can be grounds for withdrawal. This applies to bariatric surgery if you are unable to work in your chosen occupation due to your either your weight or the health consequences of your weight. A doctor needs to certify that you meet the requirements of this clause. If you do not meet this requirement, you may still be eligible if the cost of treatment would cause significant financial hardship. Ultimately the fund manager of your KiwiSaver scheme will take advice on your application and make the final decision.
Many patients feel that funding bariatric surgery is a sensible use of their KiwiSaver funds in that it will allow them to live into retirement with a healthier and more active lifestyle. It is important to also consider the effect that a withdrawal will have on your retirement savings and discuss this with your financial advisor.
Is finance available?
Our partner Nova Medical Finance can offer payment plans to help you fund bariatric surgery.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
A referral is preferred but not essential. You are welcome to book with us directly, however having bariatric surgery is a lifelong commitment to regular nutritional monitoring and medical care. After two years of support in our programme, you will need to see your GP yearly going forward, as they will be responsible for your blood tests, for looking after you and monitoring the effects of your surgery. It is strongly advisable to discuss surgery with your GP initially.
What happens if I have a complication after bariatric surgery?
Serious complications are extremely rare with current technology in bariatric surgery. The dreaded complications of major bleed or leak drop to a risk of almost nil after 6 weeks. If a major complication does occur during your hospital stay, the ACC treatment injury process will usually cover most costs. Any complications that arise after discharge from Manuka Hospital will be managed through the public health system at Nelson Hospital where Mr. Stewart also works regularly. If you live out of town, please contact us to inform us of your progress and present to your local hospital for assessment.
Can you manage complications of previous surgery?
Mr. Stewart provides consultation for patients living with bariatric surgery who have developed new problems which need further management, including weight regain. We manage gastric band complications as well as problems arising from historic procedures such as vertical banded gastroplasty, as well as the full range of currently performed operations.
Which operation should I have?
People generally do best with the operation they feel is right for them. There are certain medical reasons why one operation may be preferable to another: for instance, severe reflux is a reason not to perform a sleeve gastrectomy, and diabetics diagnosed within the past 5 years are more likely to achieve remission (“switch off” their diabetes) with a gastric bypass. Talk to your surgeon, talk to others who have had weight loss surgery, and learn from reputable online soures of information such as obesityhelp.com and webmd.com.
Will I get loose skin?
Some degree of loose skin is common, but less likely in younger people or in non-smokers. Most patients are comfortable with their skin, however a small number have an excessive amount which causes problems. A plastic surgeon can remove this, but any decisions should wait until 2 years after surgery to allow weight loss to stabilise.
Will my hair fall out?
Hair loss is common during the rapid weight loss experienced in the first year after surgery. It is usually not noticeable to others. Hair grows back once weight loss stabilizes. Staying on a regular bariatric multivitamin and keeping up with blood tests is important for hair health.
Can I get pregnant?
Yes. Pregnancy is often safer after surgical weight loss than at a higher BMI. Pregnancy should be avoided for the first year after surgery while rapid weight loss is occurring, as this is not an optimal time for the body to support a developing baby. Fertility often improves with surgical weight loss, and hormonal contraceptives may be less effective while weight loss is occurring, so condom use is advisable for the first year after surgery.