Experience lasting results with weight loss surgery
Contemplating surgery to control your weight is a big decision, and at WKS Surgery, we believe in a team approach to help you decide whether surgery is for you. Dr Wicks is very understanding and will listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
A number of different weight loss operations are available to control weight. WKS Surgery specialise in the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (which is a keyhole operation) and have had extensive experience carrying out this operation over many years. We work in a multidisciplinary way, which means you will be seen and cared for by a team of experts including surgeon, dietitian, counsellor, anaesthetist and lifestyle coach.
At WKS Surgery, we have been heavily involved in research and closely affiliated with Gillies McIndoe Research Institute(GMRI), which is a world class research facility in Wellington. We have a strong research interest in obesity and the cause of diabetes, which is a hot topic at the moment. By undertaking research into these areas, we are excited at the prospect of discovering new ways to treat these conditions.
If you would like to find out more about weight loss surgery, please contact us to book a consultation. Sometimes the first step is the hardest but we are here to help make the process as easy as possible for you.
Newtown, Wellington, New Plymouth, Hawkes Bay, Napier, Taupo, Tauranga, Waikato, Auckland, Northland, Blenheim, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown, Southland, New Zealand
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WKS Surgery in Wellington specialises in keyhole laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery for weight loss
- Weight loss surgery combined with lifestyle changes is very effective
- Proven health benefits and improved quality of life after obesity surgery
- Qualified team - surgeon, counsellor, dietitian, lifestyle coach and anaesthetist offer wrap around care through the process
- If you are over 18 years old you can self refer, or your GP can refer you
WKS Surgery is located at Wakefield Hospital in Newtown, Wellington.
The modern epidemic: Understanding obesity's impact
There is currently an epidemic of obesity in western society which is contributed to by our lifestyle and environment, and the situation in New Zealand is very similar to other western countries. Obesity can lead to a significant loss of quality of life and a number of medical problems including diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood fats (dyslipidemia), polycystic ovarian disease, gout, and cancer. Unfortunately, the majority of methods to lose and control weight such as diet, exercise and behaviour modification are known to fail for most individuals. Surgery to control obesity has gained popularity as the best way to control weight. It's important to note that obesity surgery is NOT cosmetic surgery. Surgery can make a real difference to your quality of life.
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AssessmentThis is the time where you find out more about the all the different surgical operations available to control weight and also about the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy procedure and our tailored programme, and whether this surgery is for you. It is also the time that we get to know you and assess your suitability for surgery.
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Surgery Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (Keyhole)This is an operation that is usually performed by keyhole surgery. The procedure makes your stomach smaller by removing approximately 90% of your stomach. The operation restricts the amount you can eat and makes you lose weight. It is usually straightforward surgery and recovery is quick because it is a keyhole operation. However, it is important for you to know that like all operations, this surgery has some risks and these will be explained and discussed in full at the time of your visit with the surgeon and team.
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Lifestyle ChangesOur weight loss surgical programme is a team approach, and you are the main player in that team. You will be guided by the surgeon, dietitian, counsellor and lifestyle coach through your journey to redefine your life. In order for your surgery to be a success for you, you will be encouraged to think about the operation, consider the types of foods you are eating, observe when you are eating, and to do a regular exercise programme.
Weight reduction surgery, known as bariatric surgery, is designed for people who are severely overweight. If you have a Body Mass Index over 40 (or over 35 with medical problems linked to your weight), surgery could be right for you. Because surgery is just one part of controlling your weight, if you’re not committed to making changes to your lifestyle and want to go on eating whatever you like, bariatric surgery is probably not for you. That’s why it’s important for you to meet with our whole team – the surgeon, the counsellor/ therapist, the dietitian, the lifestyle coach and the anaesthetist – so we can make sure surgery is a good choice for you and you get the best results.
People who are severely overweight can run the risk of living a shorter life and experiencing a range of medical problems. Being severely overweight often also leads to social problems. The higher your BMI, the greater the risk to your health. Even losing a moderate amount of weight can make a big difference. Losing weight can help or reduce Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, venous and lymphatic statis, osteoarthritis, mobility issues, the risk of heart disease and stroke, and infertility. Find out more about the statis of weight loss surgery here.
The long term success of the surgery is dependent on your commitment to the lifestyle changes needed after surgery. We know that you will lose weight, but how much weight that will be is entirely up to you, but most people can expect weight loss is in the order of 60 to 70% of your excess weight on average. Most weight loss takes place over the first 12 months after surgery. WKS Surgery can assist with advice and support as required.