Bariatric surgery

Bariatrics is a branch of medicine that specialises in the causes, prevention, and treatment of obesity. Bariatric surgery is a form of surgery that is designed to facilitate weight loss. The terms weight loss surgery, bariatric surgery and metabolic surgery are used interchangeably.

Referral process by district for bariatric surgery

Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti, Wairarapa, Manawatū-Whanganui and Hawke's Bay

Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti, Wairarapa, Manawatū-Whanganui and Hawke's Bay

The Central Region Metabolic and Bariatric Service (CRMBS) provides publicly funded weight loss surgery for patients residing in:

  • Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti
  • Wairarapa
  • Manawatū-Whanganui
  • Hawke's Bay

People may be eligible for the surgery if they:

  • weigh less than 160kg and their Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 35 and less than 55.
  • are being treated for obesity related conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure (hypertension), high amounts of cholesterol in the blood (hypercholesterolaemia), infertility, arthritis.
  • have not smoked cigarettes or used nicotine replacement products for at least 6 months.

Referral process

Read the referral process for bariatric surgery at CRMBS [PDF, 86 KB]

Resources

Bariatric Surgery — a guide for patients [PDF, 99 KB]

Considering Bariatric Surgery — Patient information [PDF, 92 KB]

Metabolic and bariatric — Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti — Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora (external link)

Contact us

The CRMBS is based at Wellington Regional Hospital.

Email: opdbarclinic@ccdhb.org.nz