(a) Expected results

Gastric bypass always leads to major weight loss. The exact amount of weight loss is not certain but the average loss is 65-70% of excess weight (ie the weight above ideal body weight). In practice, patients weighing around 130kg before surgery will fall to around 80kg one year later.

(b) Health benefits

There are huge benefits that follow the surgery. These include improvement of self-esteem and quality of life. Improvement or eradication of health problems such as depression, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, back, hip and knee problems are almost always seen. Weight loss and improvement in these conditions almost certainly adds years to life-expectancy.

(c) Eating pattern afterwards

Following gastric bypass, hunger or the desire to eat is substantially altered. It is only possible to eat small meals (eg side plate size) and these must be taken slowly (eg over 30-40 minutes). Some foods will no longer be enjoyed or tolerated. In particular sweet or fatty food will be poorly tolerated and therefore avoided. Food can and is still enjoyed.

(d) Risks

The surgery entails a major operation which carries some risk of complications and even death. We indicate the risk of dying from one of these complications is about 1% and the risk of serious complications leading to prolonged hospital stay, need for further surgery, or delayed convalescence is about 5%. This risk must be weighed up alongside the benefits of the surgery. The risks of laparoscopic bypass or banding are similar or greater.

(e) Costs

The surgery is currently being undertaken at Wakefield Hospital for a cost of between $28,000 and $35,000. This includes a contingency to cover the cost of any complications or prolonged hospital stay. The only health insurer in NZ to assist with this cost is Southern Cross. They make a contribution of up to $7,500, providing certain criteria are met. The cost of surgery does not include the two pre-operative consultations which cost $250 and $200.

**Wellington/Hutt region patients please note: From 1 November 2006 the pre-operative blood tests required for surgery will cost approximately $250.00. This cost is charged by the laboratory because Wellington and Hutt DHBs are no longer meeting the cost of blood tests for private patients seeing specialists in the Wellington region.

(f) Publications

We actively review and publish the results of this surgery in the hope that one day the surgery will be better accepted and known about by health professionals. Some of these publications may be of interest to prospective patients.