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

Capital and Coast, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, MidCentral, Whanganui and Hawke’s Bay

Capital and Coast, Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, MidCentral, 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 Valley
  • Wairarapa
  • MidCentral
  • 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 six months.

 

Referral process

The CRMBS is based at Wellington Regional Hospital.

Email: opdbarclinic@ccdhb.org.nz