Surgical Weight Solutions

29/10/2025

Join us for an informative evening on the 11th November.
Bring colleagues, family, and friends, share this invite with anyone who may be interested!

17/10/2025

Meet Sophie, a powerhouse of determination, positivity, and transformation! 💫 After struggling with weight gain after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and feeling stuck at 125kg, she made the bold decision to take control of her health with bariatric surgery. Not even 10 months later, Sophie is down nearly 50kg, and brimming with energy. This is more than a weight loss story, it’s a journey back to confidence, freedom, and joy. 💖 Read her story to see how Sophie’s life has completely transformed:

My Journey to Health & Happiness
By late 2024 I’d reached 125 kg and felt completely stuck. I was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in December 2021, went onto insulin, and the weight crept up fast. I tried every sensible thing, dieting, walking, gym starts, tracking, but nothing shifted enough to change my health or how I felt day to day. I wanted my life back. After a lot of research and soul-searching, I met with Surgical Weight Solutions to talk through options. I picked Michael and the team as both my brother and niece have also had the same surgery with Michael. I appreciated how thorough the team were. Clear education, risks and benefits, nutrition guidance, and a realistic plan for life after surgery (protein first, vitamins, hydration, follow-ups). Knowing I’d be supported long-term made the decision easier. On 23 January 2025 I had a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with SWS. Surgery and recovery were exactly what I’d been prepared for; hard work at times, but manageable with the team’s support and the staged food plan. I started gentle walks, focused on fluids and protein, and built new habits one week at a time.

Life After Surgery
Not quite 10 months on, I’m 49.8 kg down and 5.2 kg from my goal weight. My BMI has dropped from 43.2 to 26.0. The numbers matter, but what I notice most is how I feel:
- So much more energy and less joint pain/aches
- Better sleep and a clearer head
- Everyday things are easy again! Walking, stairs, errands, shaving my legs haha
- The biggest change is confidence. I’m genuinely the happiest I’ve ever been.

Managing diabetes feels more doable alongside these changes, and my overall health markers and day-to-day wellbeing have improved immensely. There have been learning curves – staying on top of fluids, remembering to take my vitamins every day, and finding what foods love me back. The SWS team’s follow-ups and resources have kept me on track. I’m incredibly grateful for their care, education, and ongoing support. It’s made all the difference. I can hand downs say weight loss surgery changed my life, and is the best thing I have EVER done for myself. I love this new version of me, and feeling this happiness is truly the greatest thing!

Sophie

13/10/2025

My Journey to Better Health
I've struggled with weight since my late teens, partly due to a back injury that limited my physical activity. Over the years, I tried to get more active, but my weight held me back. After a tough period of grief, I hit my highest weight (133kg) and felt like I’d lost the energy to fight it.
A visit to my GP about snoring led to a conversation about obesity and options like bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medication. I took time to reflect on my goals—better health, more travel, and independence—and decided surgery was the right path.
After researching options across NZ, I chose to consult with Mr. Michael Booth at Auckland Surgical Solutions. His thorough approach, including blood tests, revealed I was pre-diabetic with other health risks. His team—nutritionist, nurse, and psychologist—offered great support. I started pre-op weight loss with OptiFast and lost 15kg before surgery.
I opted for the Roux-en-Y procedure based on long-term success data. Surgery went well, despite a small complication that Michael handled with care. Recovery was tough but manageable, and walking helped me heal quickly. I felt supported every step of the way and am now focused on maintaining progress and living a healthier, more active life.

Life After Surgery
Back home, I stayed in close contact with Victoria (nutritionist) and Lynne (nurse), who were always helpful and responsive. One early lesson: be ready for constipation—Molaxole helped, but I waited too long to act.
Since surgery, I’ve had regular check-ins with Michael and Victoria, monthly group sessions with Amanda (psychologist), and extra support from Maddison and Michael when I ended up in A&E with a kidney stone. The care has been outstanding, and my blood results are now all in the healthy range.
In just 5 months, I’ve lost 47.5kg. I feel stronger, more active, and more positive than I have in years. I’ve returned to cycling (no e-bike!), hill walking, daily lunchtime walks, and even CrossFit. My BMI is under 30 for the first time in nearly three decades, and I’m loving the energy and confidence that’s come with it.
There have been bumps—like the kidney stone and adjusting to new eating habits—but I’ve learned to listen to my body. Some foods don’t sit well anymore, and mindful eating is key. But I can still enjoy a good curry and the occasional treat, just in moderation.
This journey isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about building a healthier, more fulfilling life. I’m grateful for the support from Auckland Surgical Solutions and happy to share my experience with others considering this path.

11/09/2025

Join us for our Bariatric Surgery Information Evening on Tuesday, 23rd September at 7pm.

Learn more about surgical options in a relaxed, supportive environment and have your questions answered.

Don't forget to RSVP to info@aklsurgical.co.nz

We look forward to seeing yo there!

02/09/2025

Are you, your friends, family or colleagues interested in learning more about Bariatric Surgery? Join us at our next info evening on the 23rd September.

01/07/2025

29/06/2025

A new medication for obesity management will be released on July 1st. Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4mg) is a promising option for many patients, including those who have undergone bariatric surgery. While Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (Semaglutide 1.0mg), it's a distinct brand with a new license specifically for chronic weight management. It's an exciting development because it's administered as a once-weekly injection and has shown greater effectiveness compared to Saxenda (Liraglutide).

In clinical trials involving patients without diabetes who had not undergone bariatric surgery, Wegovy demonstrated an average weight loss of approximately 15% from baseline weight, which is significantly higher than what's seen with Saxenda. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works very similarly to GLP-1, a natural hormone in your gut. This hormone signals fullness to the brain, acting on areas like the hypothalamus. It also affects the stomach, slowing down how quickly food moves into the intestines. Essentially, it helps reduce urges to eat, decreases appetite, and helps you feel full for longer.

The most common side effects include nausea, changes in bowel habits, and fatigue. Some patients may also experience reflux or heartburn, abdominal pain, or reactions at the injection site. The long-term safety of semaglutide has been well-established through extensive trials. In fact, this medication is also approved for preventing cardiovascular disease. In the SELECT trial, which compared semaglutide to a placebo in patients who had previously experienced a heart attack or stroke, those receiving the treatment saw an additional 20% reduction in cardiovascular events (such as further heart attacks and strokes). The medication is already approved in New Zealand for both the prevention of cardiovascular events and chronic weight management.

Patients who have experienced weight regain after bariatric surgery or have a history of heart attack or stroke may benefit from this medical treatment. At SWS, Dr. Chaey Leem is available to discuss this promising option with you. If you are concerned about gaining weight after surgery or simply want to learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Note: Wegovy and Saxenda are prescription medications used in the treatment of obesity. All medications have risks and benefits. Treatment should always be discussed with a suitable, qualified health professional.

https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/w/wegovyinjection.pdf

16/06/2025

A reminder of our information evening tomorrow.
We are delighted to let you know we have a guest speaker who has just finished his 2-year journey and has many stories to share. If you would like to come along please register at info@aklsurgical.co.nz or ring 09 200 4849. Friends and family welcome.

09/06/2025

Introducing Maddie
Maddison Dennis is our Clinical Nurse Specialist and all-around healthcare superstar. Maddison is a highly skilled nurse with extensive experience across both public and private healthcare settings. She completed her nursing training at Auckland University of Technology and holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Nursing Practice.

Her nursing career spans a diverse range of specialties, including renal medicine, acute stroke care, general medicine, women’s health and general surgery. She brings a wealth of clinical knowledge, compassion, and a calm, reassuring presence to every patient interaction.

Maddison has seen the profound, life-changing impact bariatric surgery can have and feels privileged to walk alongside patients on their journey to better health. Her warmth, expertise and sense of humour make her an integral part of our team.

Outside the clinic, Maddison is a creative at soul — often found at her pottery wheel crafting her signature ceramic highland cows (yes, really!). She’s also a devoted dog lover with a soft spot for strays — so don’t be surprised if your four-legged visitor leaves with a new best friend.

08/06/2025

Farewell to our wonderful Lyn Pearless

After more than 20 incredible years working alongside Mr Michael Booth and supporting countless patients through their surgical journeys, our much-loved Clinical Nurse Specialist, Lyn Pearless, is leaving Auckland Surgical Associates and Surgical Weight Solutions.

Lyn has been an outstanding member of our team — her calm presence, deep knowledge, and unwavering compassion have touched the lives of so many. Patients, colleagues, and surgeons alike have come to rely on her steady hand and kind heart.

While we are truly going to miss her, we know that this next chapter is calling her — full of exciting ambitions and wide-ranging interests that reflect the vibrant person she is.

Thank you, Ms Pixie, for everything you've given us. We wish you nothing but happiness, adventure, and joy in the journey ahead.

With heartfelt appreciation,
The team at Auckland Surgical Associates & Surgical Weight Solutions

08/06/2025

Exciting news of our next free information evening on the 17th June at 6:00pm. Please reserve your space now.