About Bariatric Surgery
Mercy Hospital is a not-for-profit surgical hospital committed to delivering 'exceptional care that makes a difference' to Otago and Southland residents. Bariatric surgery can help people lose more weight than is possible through diet, and maintain that weight loss. It can dramatically improve quality of life and improve medical conditions associated with obesity. Current surgical practice involves the application of advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques for weight loss surgery. This surgical service is provided at our facility by the following medical specialist. For further information please seek a referral through your GP or contact your preferred specialist directly.
Consultants
Procedures / Treatments
Bariatric (Weight Loss) Surgery
Bariatric or weight loss surgery refers to a number of different procedures that can be performed to treat obesity. Procedures fall into three main types:
Malabsorptive - these procedures involve bypassing a section of the small intestine thus reducing the amount of food absorbed into the body.
Restrictive - these procedures involve reducing the size of the stomach, usually by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach which limits the amount of food that can be eaten.
Malabsorptive/Restrictive Combination - these procedures combine both techniques e.g. gastric bypass surgery in which a small stomach pouch is formed and its outlet connected to part of the small intestine.
This information has been provided by https://www.healthpoint.co.nz, helping people better understand and use New Zealand health services.