Surgical Weight Solutions

15/02/2026

🍬 What is dumping syndrome? Why can it happen after certain weight loss procedures? And how is it managed? 🍝

In this video, I explain what dumping syndrome is, why it can occur after bariatric surgery, and how we manage it as part of long-term care.

Understanding potential side effects is an important part of feeling informed and confident about your treatment journey.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Suheelan Kulasegaran - Consultant Oesophago-gastric, Bariatric, General Surgeon and Endoscopist

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

13/02/2026

💉 Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can play a role for some people, but I often explain to my patients that they work very differently from surgical options and are not always a long-term solution.

In this video, I break down the differences, how each approach affects the body, and why the right option depends on your individual health, goals, and long-term outcomes.

If you are exploring your options, understanding the facts is essential.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Suheelan Kulasegaran - Consultant Oesophago-gastric, Bariatric, General Surgeon and Endoscopist

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

13/02/2026

😴 Obstructive sleep apnoea is more than just snoring. 💤

Over 70% of people seeking bariatric surgery are living with obstructive sleep apnoea, often without realising how much it is affecting their health.

The condition causes repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, and increased long-term health risks.

For people living with obesity, bariatric and metabolic surgery can be an effective treatment. For eligible patients, surgery can significantly improve breathing, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Suheelan Kulasegaran
Consultant Oesophago-Gastric, Bariatric, General Surgeon and Endoscopist

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

08/02/2026

✈️ Every year, dozens of Kiwis head overseas for bariatric surgery because of lower prices and shorter waiting times, but experts are warning that the risks can be serious when care standards, follow-up and safeguards differ from what we expect here.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/45yxBZB

Real surgical care isn’t just about the operation itself.

It’s about preparation, safe practice, ongoing post-op monitoring, and access to immediate support if things go wrong.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Suheelan Kulasegaran
Consultant Oesophago-gastric, Bariatric, General Surgeon and Endoscopist

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

Bariatric surgery can cost up to $30,000 in New Zealand, but could cost just $10,000 in countries such as Türkiye.

05/02/2026

💪 A structured exercise routine is critical for long-term success after bariatric surgery.

Exercise is not about extreme workouts or chasing a perfect body. It is about building strength, confidence, and function through movement that supports your new lifestyle.

❓Why it matters:
Regular movement improves cardiovascular fitness, mood, balance, muscle mass, and bone density. It also reduces injury risk and helps you enjoy everyday activities with more ease and energy.

⏱️ When to start:
- Straight after surgery, gentle movement is key. Walking around your home regularly helps with recovery.
- From 2 to 4 weeks, walking and low-impact exercise, such as a slow stationary bike, can be introduced.
- At 6 weeks, resistance-based exercises can begin.
- After 6 weeks, moderate cardio can be done around five times a week.
- By 6 months, you can safely increase intensity with regular resistance training and cardio.

Most importantly, see exercise as a process. This is not about perfection. It is about self-care, self-love, and building a body that supports the life you want to live.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Suheelan Kulasegaran
Consultant Oesophago-gastric, Bariatric, General Surgeon and Endoscopist

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

05/02/2026

💊 New discussions in the media are reminding us that while medications like Ozempic, Wegovy and similar therapies can help some people lose weight and manage health, they don’t replace a holistic, supported journey toward long-term wellbeing. 💉

👉 Read the article here: https://bit.ly/45EHepz

At Surgical Weight Solutions, we agree that lasting success often requires a comprehensive approach that includes tailored surgery options alongside nutritional, psychological and lifestyle support.

👨‍⚕️ Dr Suheelan Kulasegaran
Consultant Oesophago-gastric, Bariatric, General Surgeon and Endoscopist

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

Comment from Otago University: NZ can’t afford to fund anti-obesity drugs for the third of the population that needs them. So how can we afford equitable access to these treatments?

29/01/2026

🏥 Weight loss surgery is not the easy way out.

It's a medically proven tool for people who have tried everything and are ready for lasting change.

At Surgical Weight Solutions, every journey starts with listening. Your health history, your goals, your concerns. No judgement. No pressure.

Because sustainable weight loss is about more than numbers on a scale. It is about confidence, mobility, energy, and quality of life! 🤸

Learn more about your options and what a supported weight loss journey can really look like:

☎️ 09 200 4849
✉️ info@aklsurgical.co.nz
🌐 www.surgicalweightsolutions.co.nz

17/12/2025

🎄Important Announcement from
Auckland Surgical Associates & Surgical Weight Solutions🎄

We are pleased to advise that from 1st January 2026, our practices will be relocating to new medical rooms at:
📍 Lakeside Specialist Centre
17 Shea Terrace, Takapuna, Auckland

We look forward to continuing to provide exceptional care from our new location.

🎅🤶 Wishing all our patients and colleagues a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you for your ongoing trust and support. We wish you a safe and joyful festive season.

Best wishes from Mr Michael Booth and Mr Suheelan Kulasegaran and the team.

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!