BUMS TUMS and GUMS

14/08/2025

We’re all back in sunny San Diego now! After surgery, everyone gets three well-earned leisure days—some are off shopping, others heading to the zoo. All surgeries went beautifully, and for many, this has been nothing short of life-changing. For some, it’s even their very first trip outside of New Zealand—a true cultural adventure from start to finish!

13/08/2025

Two full days of surgeries – tick! It’s been a marathon, but we’ve crossed the finish line in style. Now it’s bye-bye hospital gowns and hello San Diego… where our only job is to relax, recharge, and maybe cause a little bit of trouble (the shopping kind). 😉
Yesterday first group we took down the coast to Rosarito where they viewed the ceramics and we went to the famous Rosarito Hotel on the beach. Booking now for the 12 day tour 22 October, or the seven day tour 25 October

11/08/2025

Day two of surgeries today, with the last five ladies heading into theatre. Yesterday was a marathon — we started at 7 am and didn’t leave the hospital until 8:30 pm — but every single one came through beautifully.

09/08/2025

Our Gastric Goddesses have been soaking up the San Diego sunshine with a fabulous sightseeing tour, and now we’re wandering the colourful stalls of Old Town, bargaining like pros.

Last night we kicked back by the hotel pool where a flamenco guitarist serenaded us under the stars. Tomorrow we cross the border for tacos, tequila, and a taste of Mexico.

07/08/2025

Our Gastric Goddesses August Luxe group is off to a fantastic start. We had a great 12 hour flight on a New Zealand, then headed down to Anaheim where we enjoyed a walking tour of Disney Village, and tomorrow we’re off to the happiest kingdom on Earth – Disneyland. It’s a great mix of women already, with even more joining us on Saturday for the “lite” adventure tour. I’m already booking now for 22 October, for 12 days, 25th of October for the seven day, 18th of January and 21 January.

05/08/2025

Today is the day our Augst group of Gastric Goddesses take to the skies to LA, San Diego and Mexico for weight loss surgery, stepping into a new chapter of courage, strength, and transformation. Later this week, they’ll be followed by our Light Adventurers, ready to begin their own journeys of change.

It’s already been a full and fast-paced week. I’ve just finished an interview with Kerre woodham on ZB, capping off a week filled with media – from radio stations to newspaper articles – all shining a light on the journeys ahead. The timing hasn’t been perfect, I’ll admit, as I’ve been coordinating both our India and Mexico trips from my dining room table. But that’s the nature of this work – unpredictable, inspiring, and always meaningful.

To those of you flying out with me today and in the days to come: be courageous, be strong. You are not alone. I’m here with you, every step of the way. What lies ahead is more than a physical journey – it’s the beginning of something deeply personal. A rediscovery of self. A reclaiming of your future!

04/08/2025

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360774701/increase-kiwis-looking-india-surgery-cut-costs

Medical tourism agent “inundated” with queries from people who can’t afford private treatment in New Zealand.

03/08/2025

This Wednesday I’m off to Mexico with 10 fabulous women all bravely taking the leap into weight loss surgery. What an incredible journey they’re on — and I’m thrilled to be part of it (also thrilled to be in a warm climate).

PS: If you’re thinking, “hmmm… I’d like to lose 25kg by Christmas,” then October 22nd is your date to jump on our next Mexico tour.

Now, I know Turkey is having its moment right now — lots of people are heading that way for surgery. And fair play! But here’s the thing: I did the deep-dive research last year, and I only work with Oceanscape.com , who partner with a fully accredited hospital and a brilliant, highly trained surgeon I trust completely.

It’s recently come to light that some clinics (in both Turkey and parts of Mexico) are using surgeons doing bariatric surgery without the full extra two years of specialist training. Not cool — and not something I’ll ever support.

So, yes, I’ve stepped back from Turkey for now. And as for Mexico? It’s been consistently safe, professional, and the team on the ground are incredible. So… if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it....and its only a 12 hours flight!

Now if I can do it (the weight loss- yes I had the surgery 3 years ago anyone can do it) Here’s to new smiles, and new lives. Let’s go!

tomexico

23/07/2025

You might’ve noticed I’ve been a bit quiet lately… but it’s not because I’ve disappeared — I’ve just been flat out juggling quotes and bookings for India! And wow, what a trip that was!

India absolutely blew us away. Claire (yes, our Claire who has been in the news!) was interviewed on Newstalk ZB and featured in Stuff.co.nz after the trip, and I’ve just wrapped up a chat with Radio New Zealand all about how more and more Kiwis are heading overseas for surgery — and saving a small fortune in the process!

The orthopaedic results were unreal — imagine this: two robotic hip replacements for around $22,000 NZD. Compare that to $80,000 here in NZ privately. And facelifts? Just as impressive. I had the pleasure of meeting our incredible plastic surgeon who did her fellowship in Spain and Sweden, and also worked for a year as a plastic surgeon in a Wellington hospital. Her results are top-tier.

Oh — and I got my teeth done while I was there too! A root canal for $250 NZD. Yes, really. It would’ve cost me a small mortgage here! plus I am getting a denture implant fitted on the next trip.

India is shaping up to be the new frontier for high-quality, affordable surgery, and I already have six fabulous people joining me on my September trip back. If you’ve been even slightly curious… this could be your moment! These are some wonderful ladies I met, when out and about, who all thought I was Joanna Lumley LOL

10/07/2025

A very creative friend of ours, Bevan has created two fantastic logo options for Bums, Tums and Gums — and now we’re having a bit of fun deciding which one to go with.

We’d love your input. Simply vote for the one you prefer:
Option 1
Option 2
(sadly I cannot add a voting button, so maybe just to add a comment and click on “like” on your fave)
Thanks for being part of the decision — we can’t wait to see which one comes out on top.

07/07/2025

Thank you Bevan Collings for creating this “jingle” for Bums Tums and Gums India trips?

02/07/2025

This amazing lady is from Australia and has just had hip surgery — and here she is, walking only four days later. This video was taken at the hospital in India, where she’s recovering beautifully. We’re excited to be working alongside Indicure, who will be our global partner for these incredible medical journeys.