Bariatric Surgery
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the most common types of weight loss surgery (known as bariatric surgery) are:
- Gastric sleeve surgery (removes part of the stomach to make it smaller)
- Gastric bypass (reroutes part of the digestive system to help with weight loss)
- Gastric banding (a band is placed around the stomach to reduce its size)
These surgeries are usually done using laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery. This means small cuts are made and special tools are used. In some cases, open surgery (with larger cuts) may be needed, but this is less common.
These surgeries all require a general anaesthetic to help keep you comfortable during your surgery.
Anaesthesia is very safe. It allows a patient to be comfortable during their surgery. Anaesthetists are specialist doctors who are highly trained to deliver anaesthesia and help look after you before, during, and after your surgery.
This information is meant as a general guide only. It does not replace individual medical advice given by your healthcare providers. You should always ask your healthcare team If there is anything you’re unsure about.
Before your surgery
Before your surgery, your anaesthetist will need to know about your health and medical history. This may involve seeing them in person or via a phone call. On occasion, you may also need tests or visits to other doctors to make sure you’re in good health for surgery. These extra checks might delay your surgery but are important for your safety and the best possible outcome from your surgery.
Medications
You can continue taking most of your regular medications before your surgery. However, some medications, like blood thinners or those for diabetes, need special instructions. Someone from your healthcare team will tell you what to do with these medications before your surgery. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask them.
Your surgical team will give you instructions on using Optifast for several weeks before your surgery.
Do not stop taking any medication unless your doctor has told you to.
Preparing for Surgery
Before your surgery, you will need to fast (stop eating food or drink). This is usually:
- No food for 6 hours before your surgery
- You can keep drinking small amounts of clear liquids until you come in to the hospital for surgery
Your hospital or anaesthetist will give you advice on when you need to stop eating and drinking before your surgery.
During your surgery
Anaesthesia
Bariatric surgery is done under general anaesthesia, which means you will be in a safely watched state of unconsciousness for the entire procedure. Each hospital might do things a little differently, but this is an outline of what will happen:
- IV (Intravenous) line: A small tube will be placed into a vein in your arm. This is where the anaesthetist will give fluids and medications.
- Oxygen: You will breathe oxygen through a mask before the anaesthetic begins.
- Anaesthesia medication: The anaesthetist will give you medication through the IV to make you fall safely unconscious, it will feel like you’re falling asleep.
- Breathing tube: After this, a tube will be placed in your windpipe to help you breathe during surgery.
Your anaesthetist will stay with you during your whole surgery to make sure you are safe and comfortable. You will not feel any pain because of the general anaesthetic.
Extra monitoring during surgery
Sometimes you might need extra monitoring to make sure you stay safe during your surgery. This could include:
- Arterial line: A small tube placed into an artery (blood vessel) to monitor your blood pressure and check your blood for important things like electrolytes (which help your body work properly).
- Central line: A tube inserted into a large vein, usually in your neck, chest, or groin. This helps the doctors monitor your condition closely.
- Urinary Catheter: A small tube placed into your bladder to collect and drain urine.
If any of these are needed your anaesthetist or healthcare team will discuss it with you first. Sometimes these extra lines will be put in after your anaesthetic is working or they may be inserted before you go into the operating theatre. They will be removed when you no longer need them.
After your surgery
Once your surgery is complete, your anaesthetist will take you to the recovery room, where nurses who are specially trained in post-surgery care will look after you as you wake up. Some patients may need to go to a special care unit (like High Dependency Unit (HDU) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU)) for extra care while they recover.
It’s normal to feel sleepy when you wake up from anaesthesia. You might also feel some pain, discomfort, or nausea. Your nurses will give you medication at regular intervals to help with pain relief and nausea. If you still feel uncomfortable, ask for more help.
You may also have a dry or sore throat or a headache. These usually go away within 1-2 days. Most people stay in the hospital for 1-5 days after their surgery, but everyone is different so ask your surgeon for an idea of how long you might be staying in the hospital.
Possible risks
Serious problems are very rare but it's important you know about them. If you have any concerns or questions, talk to your anaesthetist. They will be happy to explain everything and help you feel comfortable with the plan for your surgery.
May include:
- Bruising
- Feeling tired
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Feeling tired and sleepy
- Muscle pain
- Nausea or vomiting
These are very rare and may include:
- A major allergic reaction
- Severe bleeding
- Heart attack, stroke, or seizure
- Lung damage or pneumonia
- Infection
- Damage to the vocal cords
Frequently asked questions
You can read answers to more frequently asked questions on the Anaesthesia FAQs page. The Day of your planned surgery resource on this website also offers some information to help you prepare for your surgery.
