The Cost of Surgery

At Auckland Bariatric Surgery we understand that these surgeries represent a significant financial investment. We endeavour to have transparent costings and to minimise these where possible. All prices are GST inclusive.

As part of our kaupapa of patient centred care, we have made some changes to our pricing where you, the patient, can make choices for yourself.

The first was offering the choice of one night or two in hospital, and the most recent one is piloting two different options in the "package" of care after the surgery.

There is no difference in the preoperative journey - the same education, assessment and preparation is required, but after the surgery there is now a choice:

Streamline package - 2 years of ongoing support and education from our team

Extended package - 5 years of ongoing support and education from our team

This means there are a range of options available, which start from $19,200 for the one anastomosis 'mini' gastric bypass (OAGB). More details of what are included in each package can be found in our information pack, which is available by clicking on the yellow button at the bottom of this page.

A snapshot of the differences in the post operative pathways for the OAGB is outlined in the table below.

Streamline and Extended Care - Surgery & Post Surgery

One Anastomosis (mini) Gastric Bypass

Feature	Streamline Pathway	Extended Care Pathway
Overview	A simplified, lower-cost option including multidisciplinary care with fewer appointments and a more independent approach to care.	A comprehensive support package with additional consultations, multidisciplinary care, and structured follow-up.
Total Package Cost	from $19,200	from $22,300
Dietitian Support	2 preoperative appointments 1 year post operative support (3 appointments)	2 preoperative appointments 5 year post operative support (7 appointments)
Psychological Support	1 preoperative assessment 1 post operative consultation. Further post operative support available on request (additional fees apply)	1 preoperative assessment 2 year post operative support (5 appointments)
Post Operative Surgical Follow up	2 year post operative support (5 appointments)	5 year post operative support (10 appointments)

Preoperative Costs

Initial Surgeon Consultation: $284

Preoperative Assessments: $977

Initial Dietitian review
Psychologist review
2nd Surgeon consultation
2nd Dietitian review

Pre-surgery Very Low-Calorie Diet (VLCD): $200 - $500 dependent on time frame required.

Operative/Postoperative Costs

Mini (One Anastomosis) Gastric Bypass: from $19,200

Sleeve Gastrectomy: from $21,650

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: from $21,616

Inclusive of 1 night hospital stay, surgery and anaesthetist fee.

Inclusive of postoperative follow-up package for our STREAMLINE option:

2 year Surgeon/nurse follow-up (5 appointments)

1 year dietitian support (3 appointments)

6 month psychologist support (1 appointment plus fee for service options)

Revisional Bariatric Surgery

This is individually quoted depending on the nature of the surgery required
This usually involves conversion to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
All other inclusions are as per primary surgery

Price estimates are for uncomplicated surgery. Special circumstances and additional procedures may result in additional charges. These prices may be subject to change.

There are other costs associated with having bariatric surgery to be considered.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for weight loss surgery in New Zealand?

The core criteria are:

Having a BMI of >35
Having a BMI of 30-35 with a “weight-responsive” condition, like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea (amongst others).

Please note that these criteria have been been extended, as reflection of the high level of both safety and efficacy that are achieved with modern keyhole techniques.

What are the costs involved with weight loss surgery?

At Auckland Bariatric Surgery we endeavour to have transparent costings and to minimise these where possible. All prices are GST inclusive and start from $19,200 for the 'mini' one anastomosis gastric bypass under our Streamline option for post operative care. Please download our Information pack for more information or contact us directly on reception@bariatricsurgery.co.nz.

What if I have had previous bariatric surgery?

For patients who have had revisional surgery the process is slightly different and as such there may be additional procedural fees above the fixed price laid out in the patient information pack. Please contact us directly on reception@bariatricsurgery.co.nz for more detailed information.

How quickly can I get weight loss surgery?

It usually takes a minimum of 4-8 weeks to get surgery, from the time of the first appointment with me. Bariatric surgery is very safe but it is important to get prepared properly.

How much weight will I lose?

The actual kilogram amount will vary depending on what weight you started at. Generally at 1 year out from the surgery, you will have lost 70-80% of the weight above your "ideal" weight, which is set at a BMI of 25.

For example, a 170cm (5' 7") tall woman who weighs 130 kg has a BMI of 45. I would expect her to lose around 40-46 kg by 12 months.

What is the best weight loss operation?

There is no one, "best" operation. That is why I offer three options! The operations have different risk and benefit profiles; the choice of operation needs to be tailored with each patient individually. Generally speaking, I prefer the gastric bypasses (one anastomosis, or "mini" and the Roux-en-Y) but some patients can't have a bypass and so for them the sleeve gastrectomy is the best option.

The most important decision is actually realising that surgery is needed in the first place.

Will my insurance cover my operation?

Some insurers may contribute to the cost of surgery and consultations. Please check this with your insurance company. We are happy to write to your insurer on your behalf.

Can I withdraw my Kiwisaver to cover costs towards my operation?

Some of our patients who are contributing to a Kiwisaver scheme have been eligible for a one off withdrawal to cover the costs of this type of health-related surgery. Contact your provider for more information.

Can Auckland Bariatric Surgery provide me with a quote to be used when I apply to withdraw from my Kiwisaver?

Yes we can. Please just email us with your request and include your full name and address.

Our Team

Dr Benjamin Wheeler, Bariatric Surgeon
BHB MBChB FRACS

I am a dedicated laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeon having completed my surgical training in New Zealand. I underwent further specialist training at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital with Dr George Hopkins, a high volume bariatric surgeon with a subspecialty interest in revisional bariatric surgery, as well as working alongside Dr David Schroeder at Weight Loss Surgery Hamilton. I perform both the one anastomosis gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, as well as Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses in both the primary and revisional setting.

Anna McPhail, Registered Nurse
BNursing PGCertTM

I am a Registered Nurse of over 20yrs who has had a wonderful career in both New Zealand and Australia. I qualified with a Bachelor of Nursing in Wellington and have gone on to complete post graduate study. I've worked in large tertiary hospitals, dusty fields, small aeroplanes and everything in between! I have a passion for helping others to live their most healthful lives and am a certified health coach and personal trainer. I am a member of the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS) and the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

Juliet Herlihy, Practice Manager
B.Com (Marketing & Management), B. Ph.Ed, Grad.Dip Teaching (Secondary)

I have experience in the education and corporate sectors, having worked as a senior teacher and in operations management and HR; roles that require efficiency and with a focus on helping others. I bring expertise in streamlining operations and work with the team to manage workflows. I am dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for our patients, ensuring their journey is seamless and well supported as they make this important decision for their health.

Deirdre Nielson, Dietitian
NZRD, MHSC (Nutrition & Dietetics)

I have a broad range of Dietetic experience working in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom for over 25 years. I have specialised in weight loss surgery nutrition over the last 13 years working alongside bariatric teams in the private and public health sectors. I am a member of the Australia and New Zealand Metabolic Surgery Society (ANZMOSS) and Dietitians New Zealand Bariatric Special Interest Group.I am passionate about whole-person health and helping people develop practical solutions that work for them.

Sarah Mavor, Dietitian

I am a New Zealand registered dietitian and have worked in bariatric nutrition for the past 14 years in both the public and private sectors. I find it incredibly rewarding to work with patients throughout their surgery journey to support them with improving their health alongside developing a positive and healthy relationship with food. I am a member of the Australian and New Zealand Metabolic Surgery Society (ANZMOSS) and Dietitians New Zealand.

Shona Collins, Dietitian

With over 15 years of bariatric experience and 30 as a dietitian, my passion lies in working alongside my patients to explore and develop their relationship with food and help them to understand the role that food in plays in their lives, both before and after surgery. As well as working with the team at Auckland Bariatric Surgery, I work in private practice predominantly seeing patients for gastroenterology, disordered eating, general nutrition and healthy eating advice.

Kalpana Govind, Clinical Psychologist

I am a clinical psychologist registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. I have a diverse career background and have worked in both private and public settings as a psychologist, clinical leader, and manager for the last 20 plus years in Aotearoa. I have also worked in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Great Britain and have a passion for understanding and supporting clients within their cultural context. In addition to bariatric psychology, I bring experience and special interest in pre-and post-surgery counselling, chronic illness, trauma, disordered eating, personality dynamics, depression, and anxiety. I am a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP), Australasian Centre for Eating Behaviour (ACFEB) and the Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA). I offer online bariatric psychology services for adults from diverse backgrounds, utilising various therapeutic approaches tailored to each client.

Waheeda Goga, Clinical Psychologist
MA Soc Sci Clinical Psychology

I practice with a focus on Women’s Health Psychology and wellbeing with experience and special interest in bariatric psychology, trauma, pre- and post- surgery counselling, chronic illness, disordered eating, depression and anxiety. I am a Board Registered Clinical Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) and a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS), Australian Centre for Eating Behaviour (ACFEB) and Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMHA). My approach is warm, compassionate and supportive with the goal of assisting clients to cope more effectively with various psychological concerns and life issues that are unique to women. I offer online bariatric psychology services for women from diverse backgrounds utilising various therapeutic approaches tailored to each client.

Happy New Year

Published on Friday, 30th January 2026

ok ok its late January but IMO this is still acceptable any time up until Waitangi weekend.

Every year since about 2021 I have thought at New Year's, maybe this year won't be quite the dumpster fire that last year was...not a great start so far, between the tragic landslide at Mount Maunganui and the flooding up North. Our hearts and minds go out to everyone who has been affected.

This is a time of goals and goal setting; I am going to use this as a kicking off point to look at goal setting from some different perspectives. The goals of a bariatric journey are the direction in which you are travelling, and the habits you form are what gets you there. (well technically the surgery gets you there, but the habits keep you there...the metaphor is getting wrecked now).

This is usually the period where the New Year's resolutions are falling apart a bit. Here is the first "habit" - abandon black and white thinking. A well constructed goal will help with this but think about success in shades of grey. My goal was to post here every week this year. Not a well designed goal, so I haven't achieved that. Posting today does give me a bit of a measure of success.

I'm going to post more about what makes for good goals but in general they should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

So my goal of posting every week is specific and measurable, maybe not achievable though as it turns out...definitely relevant and the time bound will be by the end of the year. So to be kind to myself, how many weeks of the year can I achieve this? A better goal might be, post every week, for at least 40 weeks of the year. Then there is a little bit of wiggle room.

Next week: some common goals my patients have and how to re-frame them to be better.

Hei te wā. Ben

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Qualifying for Surgery