14,000 CMC patients already live in a changed body. The outcome is recorded in an official agreement, with legal force behind it.
Obesity Surgery in Auckland: Bariatric Methods
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
No hidden extras. Nothing unexpected. One package, start to end.
Tick the situations that sound familiar.
From 2 matches — a reason to talk to a surgeon.
A surgical consultation makes sense with a high BMI and also with related conditions
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Over several years, diets and medication gave no result that lasted.
Medical history
Excess weight since childhood or a genetic predisposition
Metabolic disorders
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with obesity
Resistance to conservative treatment
Over several years, diets and medication gave no result that lasted.
Surgery is prescribed only when clear criteria are met
The main way to assess the degree of obesity is BMI. It is body weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Generally, surgery is justified with BMI above 40, or above 35 combined with serious related conditions. Lower values may sometimes be considered for surgery too, when non-surgical measures have failed.
Many try all kinds of diets and exercise for years, yet the body defends itself — metabolism drops, hunger grows and lost weight returns. Once it is obvious that medication and a changed diet alone cannot fundamentally fix the situation, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective path.
Key factors
The role of body mass index (BMI)
The main way to assess the degree of obesity is BMI. It is body weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Generally, surgery is justified with BMI above 40, or above 35 combined with serious related conditions. Lower values may sometimes be considered for surgery too, when non-surgical measures have failed.
Why don't diets and exercise work for everyone?
Many try all kinds of diets and exercise for years, yet the body defends itself — metabolism drops, hunger grows and lost weight returns. Once it is obvious that medication and a changed diet alone cannot fundamentally fix the situation, bariatric surgery becomes the only effective path.
Please consult a clinic doctor if you have chronic conditions!
Indications

Excess weight

Type 2 diabetes

Hypertension

Sleep apnea

Joint disease

Varicose veins

Fatty liver disease

Reproductive health problems
Contraindications

Age under 18

Malignant tumors

Less than six months since breastfeeding ended

Acute illness or flare-ups of chronic disease

Severe chronic and mental illness

Blood clotting disorders

Pregnancy

Sleeve gastrectomy
Here the surgeon removes most of the stomach, reshaping it into a narrow tube. That greatly limits portion size and lowers ghrelin, the hunger hormone — the patient feels full much more quickly and eats less.
Effectiveness: the method fits a BMI between 35 and 45. Average loss is 60–70% of excess weight.
Specifics: the effect is less durable than with bypass procedures. Ignoring the diet, especially high-calorie drinks and liquid meals, may bring the weight back.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
At the top of the stomach the surgeon makes a small 50–70 ml pouch, linking it directly to the small intestine. Intake of food is restricted and calorie absorption falls, since food passes through less of the gut.
Effectiveness: for a BMI over 45–50 with type 2 diabetes it is deemed the “gold standard”. Loss of excess weight is 75–85%.
Specifics: results hold better than with other bariatric methods. Related conditions like diabetes and hypertension frequently go into remission. Since digestive anatomy is altered, vitamin and mineral supplements are needed for life.

Mini gastric bypass (MGB)
The classic bypass, improved. Unlike the standard method, the surgeon forms just one connection (anastomosis) between the small stomach and the small intestine. A simpler technique puts less strain on the patient and cuts the time needed to recover.
Effectiveness: like the classic Roux-en-Y bypass, it helps patients lose up to 75–80% of excess weight.
Specifics: less time in surgery and a faster recovery. Technically the procedure is reversible, though the single anastomosis brings a risk of bile reflux.

Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass (SADI-S)
SADI-S is a modern combined method that brings together the advantages of sleeve gastrectomy and intestinal bypass. It is performed in two stages: first the stomach becomes a narrow tube, then the small intestine is rerouted so most of it no longer takes part in active digestion.
Effectiveness: one of the most effective bariatric operations — 80–90% of excess weight is lost, and the result lasts long.
Specifics: the smaller stomach, minus its ghrelin-producing zone, dampens appetite, and bypassing a portion of the intestine limits calorie absorption. It is an option in super obesity (BMI over 50), severe type 2 diabetes, or as a second stage after an ineffective sleeve.
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
First comes a consultation with the surgeon — your medical history, the method and a recovery plan

Lab tests
Biochemistry, HbA1c, complete blood count, urinalysis and a coagulation panel (clotting test).
Instrumental diagnostics
Chest X-ray, ECG, kidney and abdomen ultrasound, Doppler for leg veins.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist and gynecologist (for women).

Diet
2–4 weeks before the operation, limit fast carbs and fats; the day prior, eat only light meals.
Lifestyle
Stop smoking a month in advance, reduce exercise and keep stress to a minimum.
The day before
Last light food in the evening, last liquids 3–4 hours prior to surgery.

Lab tests
Biochemistry, HbA1c, complete blood count, urinalysis and a coagulation panel (clotting test).
Instrumental diagnostics
Chest X-ray, ECG, kidney and abdomen ultrasound, Doppler for leg veins.
Endoscopy
Gastroscopy (required) and colonoscopy (if indicated).
Specialists
GP, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, cardiologist and gynecologist (for women).

Diet
2–4 weeks before the operation, limit fast carbs and fats; the day prior, eat only light meals.
Lifestyle
Stop smoking a month in advance, reduce exercise and keep stress to a minimum.
The day before
Last light food in the evening, last liquids 3–4 hours prior to surgery.
Experienced bariatric surgeons who care about their patients' health

Ruslan S. Menzulin
Bariatric surgeon · surgical oncologist
Trained at Mercy clinic (USA) under Vadim Gushchin, spoke at the World Congress of bariatric surgery in Santiago (2025). Co-author of an international study published in The Lancet.

Andrey G. Ugay
Lead bariatric surgeon · surgeon
Leads the country in SASJ operations performed. Expert council member at the national Society of Bariatric Surgeons, speaking regularly at national and international congresses.
The approach to obesity at City Medical Centre is comprehensive. Following an initial examination, a personal diagnostic program — lab and instrumental — is drawn up for each patient to detect every disorder in the body.

A method matched to your goal
Our doctors decide on the surgical method case by case. Before choosing, they evaluate your health, weight history and related conditions in order to offer the surgical treatment that fits best.

Support that stays in touch
City Medical Centre's team stays with you once surgery is over. During the first year, specialists monitor your weight loss and test results and answer any questions on diet and recovery.

Fast recovery
Bariatric surgery at City Medical Centre is done laparoscopically, greatly shortening recovery. Most patients stand and walk on the first day and are back to normal life within a week.

Full diagnostics on site
You won't need to visit several clinics. Our centre covers the whole work-up, from our in-house lab to ultrasound and gastroscopy. Quick preparation with no queues, all in one building.
Recovery is very much individual, though minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques keep the rehabilitation phase as short as possible.

Duration
The patient remains under observation at the clinic for 1 to 5 days, depending on the scope of surgery and related conditions.
Activity
Within the first hours after surgery you may sit up, stand and drink fluids.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.

Work
7–14 days after surgery you can return to work, depending on how physical the job is.
Restrictions
For the first few weeks, skip the bathhouse, sauna and intense exercise.
Diet
The stomach adapts through a staged diet over 1–2 months, progressing from liquids to solids.

Pace
Patients sticking to the specialists' advice shed on average 10% of excess weight per month.
Stabilization
It takes 1.5–2 years to reach the final result. By then, the patient has formed steady eating habits that keep weight from coming back.
Important! Your recovery is overseen by City Medical Centre specialists, who offer psychological and medical support throughout each stage of weight loss.

Duration
The patient remains under observation at the clinic for 1 to 5 days, depending on the scope of surgery and related conditions.
Activity
Within the first hours after surgery you may sit up, stand and drink fluids.
Wound care
Absorbable sutures are used; they dissolve on their own.

Work
7–14 days after surgery you can return to work, depending on how physical the job is.
Restrictions
For the first few weeks, skip the bathhouse, sauna and intense exercise.
Diet
The stomach adapts through a staged diet over 1–2 months, progressing from liquids to solids.

Pace
Patients sticking to the specialists' advice shed on average 10% of excess weight per month.
Stabilization
It takes 1.5–2 years to reach the final result. By then, the patient has formed steady eating habits that keep weight from coming back.
Important! Your recovery is overseen by City Medical Centre specialists, who offer psychological and medical support throughout each stage of weight loss.
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us -
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Bariatric vs plastic surgery: what's the difference?
The two are often confused, yet their goals differ fundamentally. Bariatric surgery is a medical treatment for obesity and its related diseases. It alters how the digestive tract works, tackling the causes of excess weight and metabolism. Plastic surgery changes the body's outer contours; it neither treats obesity nor affects metabolism.
How soon can I return to work and normal life?
Will there be visible scars?
Our approach is modern laparoscopic technique: 4 small punctures of 5 to 15 mm. We use cosmetic sutures, so the marks turn almost invisible after healing.
What diet do I need to follow?
Eating changes gradually: liquid food first, then soft, then solid. The focus is protein, with high-calorie, fatty food kept to a minimum.
What types of bariatric surgery are there?
City Medical Centre performs four core types of bariatric surgery: sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass (MGB) and SADI-S duodeno-ileal bypass. Selection is individual and takes into account BMI, related conditions and the patient's goals.
Can I plan a pregnancy after surgery?
Bariatric surgery does not rule out pregnancy, but doctors suggest waiting 12–18 months or more. During that time the body settles, weight reaches target values and nutrition status normalizes.
Do I need to take vitamins after surgery?
Yes, after bariatric surgery vitamins are a must. The altered digestive anatomy reduces absorption of some nutrients, which makes regular vitamin and mineral supplements a permanent part of the patient's life.
Can the weight come back?
Although weight regain after bariatric surgery is possible, it is very unlikely if you follow the doctor's advice. Proper eating, avoiding high-calorie drinks and regular follow-up with City Medical Centre specialists are key.
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Service
Discounted price
Surgery is usually justified with a BMI above 40, or above 35 when serious related conditions are present, and sometimes at lower values if other approaches have failed. People in Auckland who have carried 30 kg or more above normal for years, whose weight returns after every diet, or who live with type 2 diabetes, hypertension or joint pain are typical candidates.
During the operation the surgeon works laparoscopically, which keeps rehabilitation as short as possible. Right after, you are under round-the-clock care in a ward, with meals and nursing included. After discharge, most people in Auckland return to their normal routine within a week, following a diet plan and avoiding saunas and heavy exercise for the first weeks.
Before spending on another diet, get a professional assessment. A short no-cost talk with the surgeon, about a quarter of an hour, shows whether your BMI and related conditions justify surgery. If they do, one package takes you through tests, the operation, care in the ward and follow-up, with the weight loss result set in a contract. Residents of Auckland can apply online.
Well-known people who spoke openly about this operation, in their own words.
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Apply before the end of the year and get a consultation at the clinic's expense!