FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of weight loss surgery intended to treat obesity and its complications. Gastric sleeve reduces the amount of food you are able to eat. It also modifies the hormone signals between your stomach and your brain resulting in less hunger.

Q: How do you qualify for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

After trying to lose weight through diet and exercise but being unable to keep the weight off, you may be ready to consider weight loss surgery. Patients need to have a BMI of 30 or higher and realistic expectations of the outcome of surgery. It is important to understand that the sleeve is a tool to help you in your weight loss journey, but it is not a magic bullet.

Q: How do I arrange an appointment with Dr Gordon to discuss surgery?

You will need to see your GP and get a referral to Dr Gordon at Crest Specialist Centre. Once your referral has been sent, the admin staff at the Crest Specialist Centre will contact you with an appointment time. The cost of the initial consultation is $430.

Q: Is Gastric Sleeve surgery covered by insurance?

Some insurance companies may contribute to the cost of weight loss surgery depending on your specific circumstances. It is best to contact your insurance company to check with them how much cover, if any, they will provide.

Q: Can I have my Gastric Sleeve through the public hospital?

Palmerston North Hospital is funded to do a very limited number of sleeve operations per year. Due to severe resource constraints, patients need to score enough points using the Ministry of Health prioritization scoring system. Generally, patients need to be diabetic and have other proven medical conditions that would improve with weight loss to qualify for publicly funded surgery.

Q: How long will it take me to lose weight?

We expect patients to lose 1-2kg per week for the first year. Most of your excess weight is lost in the initial 12 months. However, some patients continue losing weight for up to 18 months.

Most patients lose about 60-70% of their excess body weight (usually between 30 and 50kg depending on starting weight). You will lose weight more quickly in the first few months and then this loss often plateaus (slows down or stays the same).

Q: How long does the surgery take?

The entire procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours, during which you are completely asleep.

Q: How long will I be in Crest Hospital for?

The surgery is performed on a Tuesday and most patients are ready to go home on Thursday or Friday (2-3 night stay).

Q: How much time off work will I need?

We recommend 2-3 weeks off work depending on what job you do. It is important to avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks.

Q: Will I have scars post-op?

You will have 5 small scars that will fade over time.

Q: Will I be able to eat normally after Gastric Sleeve?

Following surgery patients must follow a strict post-op diet. In time, you will transition to a regular diet although with much smaller portion sizes. Learn more about the post-op diet here.

Q: Apart from weight loss, what are the other benefits to Sleeve Gastrectomy?

Sleeve gastrectomy improves or resolves many health problems related to obesity, including Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, joint pain, infertility and PCOS, high cholesterol and more.

Q: Can I get pregnant after my Gastric Sleeve?

Yes, it is safe to get pregnant following gastric sleeve surgery once your weight stabilises. You should avoid pregnancy in the first 12-18 months due to significant weight loss and metabolic changes that will be occurring. It is important to use effective contraception during this time.

Q: How much does Gastric Sleeve surgery cost?

Between $25,000 and $30,000 with the average cost being $26,000. This depends on how long the operation takes and how much equipment is needed

Q: How should I prepare for my initial consultation with Dr Gordon?

Read through the information on this website. Talk to any friends or relatives who have had weight loss surgery about their experiences. Join the Facebook ‘New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Support Group’ page and/or ‘Bariatric Surgery & Gastric Sleeve Support Group’. Write down any questions you have for Dr Gordon. Bring a list of your current medications with you to the appointment. Some people find it helpful to bring their partner or a close friend or relative with them, while others are more comfortable attending on their own.

Q: What kind of follow up will I have after the surgery?

Aftercare is key to successful weight loss surgery. Many centers do not include any follow up appointments or aftercare. Included in our package is regular follow up appointments with your surgeon and dietician for the first year free of charge. In addition, you will have direct phone access to Dr Gordon, Surgeon, and Kristen White, Dietician, after the operation. Our clinic nurse Pauline is also easily contactable at the Crest Specialist center so you are well supported throughout your post-op journey. This is yet another advantage of having surgery locally, close to home