Please take the time to read and understand all the information
given to you. It is important that you give yourself adequate
time to process all the information and we are happy to answer
all questions that you may have. There is plenty of space
throughout this book for you to write questions down, and it is
suggested that you do so, in order to remember the questions
when you see your specialist.
This information booklet has been developed to help prepare you
for your weight loss surgery. It discusses what you can expect
before, during and after your stay in hospital, and helps you with
the lifestyle changes you need to make after surgery.
Remember this is the beginning of a challenging journey and it
is important that you are well prepared with information, and are
determined to progress well.
Weight loss surgery
Weight loss surgery (often known as Bariatric surgery) is usually
recommended when efforts with diet, exercise and medication have
not been successful. This surgery is also recommended if there
are worsening health conditions associated with obesity (excess
weight). These health conditions may include heart and artery
disease, asthma, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obstructive
sleep apnoea and psycho-social problems, or other conditions.
Many of these obesity related conditions can be either completely
resolved or very much improved.
Weight loss surgery reduces the risk of death from obesity. Surgery
is not a quick-fix cure, and weight loss still depends on healthy
eating and exercise.
In Tauranga Hospital the surgery that is offered is called a
Laparoscopic (keyhole) gastric sleeve proceedure.
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