Southern Weight Loss provides specialist medical and surgical weight treatment for people across Dunedin, Otago, Southland and South Canterbury. The process begins with an individual assessment and may include medical weight management, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or revisional surgery.
You do not need to know which treatment is right before making contact. You also do not need a GP referral. Book directly and we’ll take it from there.
What happens when you contact Southern Weight Loss?
The first step is a specialist assessment with Mr Mark Grant, FRACS, Bariatric Surgeon. He will review your health, weight history, previous treatments, medications, symptoms and goals. If surgery is being considered, preparation also includes appointments with our dietitian and clinical psychologist.
Booking an assessment does not commit you to surgery. It gives you the opportunity to understand the options, ask questions and decide what happens next.
Your care, step by step
1. Book an assessment
You can contact Southern Weight Loss directly. GP and specialist referrals are also welcome, but a referral is not required for a private assessment.
Before your appointment, we will send you a health questionnaire. This helps us understand your medical history, current medications, previous weight-loss treatment and any health concerns related to your weight.
We may ask for relevant medical records or recent blood test results. If further information is needed, our team will explain what to arrange.
2. Meet Mr Mark Grant
Your first consultation is a detailed assessment with Mr Mark Grant, FRACS, a fellowship-trained Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon.
The appointment will usually cover:
- Your general health and medical history
- Your weight history and previous attempts to lose weight
- Previous or current weight-loss medication
- Hunger, fullness and eating patterns
- Type 2 diabetes and other weight-related health conditions
- Reflux, swallowing problems or other gastrointestinal symptoms
- Previous abdominal or bariatric surgery
- Your concerns, expectations and long-term goals
Mark will explain which treatments may be clinically appropriate and the reasons why. You will have time to ask questions about the potential benefits, limitations, risks and long-term requirements of each option.
3. Understand your treatment options
There is no single weight-loss treatment that is right for everyone.
The most appropriate option depends on factors such as your medical history, body mass index, previous treatment, reflux symptoms, eating patterns, medications and long-term needs.
Options discussed may include:
Medical weight management
Weight-loss medication may be considered when it is clinically appropriate. Medication works mainly through appetite and fullness signalling and is usually most effective when combined with nutritional support, monitoring and a long-term plan. Medical weight management and GLP-1 medication
Gastric sleeve
Sleeve gastrectomy changes the size and shape of the stomach and affects appetite and fullness. It may be appropriate for some patients, but reflux and other individual health factors need to be considered. Gastric sleeve surgery
One anastomosis gastric bypass
One anastomosis gastric bypass, also called OAGB or mini gastric bypass, combines a long stomach pouch with bypass of part of the small bowel. It has appetite, hormonal and metabolic effects and may be considered when stronger weight-loss or metabolic effects are needed. One anastomosis gastric bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass may be considered for patients with particular metabolic needs, significant reflux or other clinical factors. It changes appetite and fullness signalling as well as the route food takes through the digestive system. Gastric bypass surgery
Revisional bariatric surgery
Specialist review may be helpful after previous bariatric surgery when there has been significant reflux, weight regain, incomplete weight loss, nutritional difficulty or another complication. Revisional bariatric surgery
4. Meet the multidisciplinary team
If surgery is being considered, you will meet with our dietitian and clinical psychologist as part of your preparation.
These appointments are not obstacles placed in front of surgery. They are there to make sure you understand the changes ahead and have practical support before and after treatment.
Dietitian appointments
You will usually have at least two appointments with Helen Gibbs, NZ Registered Dietitian, before surgery.
Helen will work with you to:
- Understand your current eating patterns
- Identify practical areas that may need attention before surgery
- Prepare for changes in appetite, portions and meal structure
- Plan the meal replacements used before surgery
- Understand fluid and protein requirements after surgery
- Prepare for the puréed and soft-food stages
- Develop an eating plan that works with your preferences, culture and daily life
You will receive an individual protein target and clear guidance about progressing back towards normal food after surgery.
Clinical psychology appointment
Natalie Robbs is a Registered Clinical Psychologist with more than ten years’ experience across community, hospital and private settings.
The psychology appointment helps you prepare for the emotional and behavioural changes that can accompany weight-loss surgery. It is a supportive and collaborative appointment, not a test that you must pass.
Natalie’s approach is practical and tailored to the individual. The discussion may include expectations, coping strategies, emotional eating, changes in relationships, body image and the support available during recovery.
5. Complete any additional assessment
Some patients need further tests before a treatment recommendation or surgery date can be confirmed.
Depending on your health and the treatment being considered, these may include:
- Blood tests
- Sleep apnoea assessment
- Gastroscopy
- Medical imaging
- Anaesthetic review
- Cardiac or respiratory assessment
- Review by another medical specialist
Not everyone needs every test. We will explain what is required and why.
6. Agree on the treatment plan
Once the assessment is complete, Mark will review the findings with you and recommend a plan based on your individual circumstances.
The discussion will include:
- Why a particular treatment may or may not be suitable
- Expected benefits
- Important risks and trade-offs
- Recovery and time away from work
- Long-term nutrition and vitamin requirements
- Follow-up arrangements
- Treatment costs and what is included
You will have time to consider the recommendation and ask further questions. There is no pressure to proceed. Weight loss surgery costs · Finance options
An assessment is a conversation about the options. It is not a commitment to treatment.
7. Prepare for surgery
If surgery is chosen, the team will guide you through each part of the preparation.
This may include:
- Preoperative blood tests and investigations
- An anaesthetic assessment
- A preoperative eating plan
- Meal replacements before surgery
- Changes to regular medication
- Advice about smoking, alcohol and contraception where relevant
- Hospital admission information
- Planning for time away from work and help at home
You will receive instructions about what to expect in hospital and during the first weeks of recovery.
Surgery takes place at Mercy Hospital in Dunedin.
8. Surgery and early recovery
Most bariatric operations are performed using laparoscopic, or keyhole, surgery. The expected hospital stay is usually one or two nights, depending on the operation and your recovery.
Before leaving hospital, you will receive clear instructions covering:
- Fluid intake
- Food progression
- Protein requirements
- Vitamins and prescribed medication
- Pain relief
- Wound care
- Physical activity
- Returning to driving and work
- Symptoms that require urgent advice
- How to contact the Southern Weight Loss team
Recovery is different for everyone. The advice you receive will be tailored to your operation, health and progress.
9. Follow-up for two years
Weight-loss surgery is the beginning of treatment, not the end.
Structured follow-up with your surgeon is included for two years after surgery. Routine reviews take place at approximately:
- 4 to 6 weeks
- 4 months
- 8 months
- 12 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
Blood tests are used to monitor nutrition and identify deficiencies or other concerns early. Some patients need additional appointments or investigations outside the routine schedule.
Dietitian support can help with:
- Meeting protein and fluid targets
- Progressing food textures
- Vitamin and mineral supplementation
- Eating comfortably in social situations
- Managing changing appetite
- Weight-loss plateaus
- Weight regain or portion creep
- Building routines that remain practical over time
After the first two years, lifelong annual blood tests and ongoing monitoring remain important. We will provide information for you and your GP about the recommended long-term care.
Where are appointments available?
Southern Weight Loss provides specialist weight-loss care across the lower South Island.
Appointments are available in:
- Dunedin
- Wānaka
- Invercargill
- Oamaru
Ask our team which clinic or appointment format is most suitable when you book. Clinic locations
How long does the pathway take?
There is no single timeframe that applies to everyone. The time from first assessment to treatment depends on your health, the option being considered, the investigations required and your readiness to proceed.
The purpose of the pathway is not to rush you towards surgery. It is to make sure you understand the decision, are appropriately prepared and have support in place for recovery and long-term care.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral for Southern Weight Loss?
No. Private patients can book an assessment directly with Southern Weight Loss. GP and specialist referrals are also welcome.
Does booking an assessment mean I have agreed to surgery?
No. The first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your health, understand the available treatments and ask questions. You are not committed to medication or surgery by attending an assessment.
What happens at the first weight-loss appointment?
Mr Mark Grant will review your health, weight history, previous treatments, medications, symptoms and goals. He will explain which medical or surgical options may be appropriate and discuss their benefits, risks and long-term requirements.
Do I need to know which operation I want?
No. Choosing an operation before specialist assessment is not necessary. Reflux, diabetes, previous treatment, eating patterns, medications and other health factors can all affect which option is most appropriate.
Is weight-loss medication offered?
Medical weight management, including GLP-1 medication, may be considered after an individual clinical assessment. Medication is one treatment option and may be used instead of surgery, before surgery or in some circumstances after previous bariatric surgery.
Why do I need to see a dietitian before bariatric surgery?
Dietitian appointments help you prepare for the practical nutritional changes required before and after surgery. This includes the preoperative eating plan, protein and fluid targets, food texture progression and long-term eating patterns.
Is the psychology appointment a test?
No. The psychology appointment is a routine and supportive part of preparation. It helps you consider the emotional and behavioural changes that may accompany surgery and identify useful strategies and support.
What tests are needed before weight-loss surgery?
The tests depend on your health and the operation being considered. They may include blood tests, sleep apnoea assessment, gastroscopy, imaging, anaesthetic review or assessment by another specialist.
Where is bariatric surgery performed?
Southern Weight Loss bariatric surgery is performed at Mercy Hospital in Dunedin.
How long will I stay in hospital?
The usual hospital stay is one or two nights, depending on the operation and your individual recovery. Your surgeon will discuss the expected stay with you before surgery.
What follow-up is provided after bariatric surgery?
Structured surgical reviews are included for two years, usually at 4 to 6 weeks and then at 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months. Follow-up includes clinical review, blood-test monitoring and access to dietitian support.
Will I need blood tests and vitamins for life?
Long-term blood-test monitoring and vitamin supplementation are important after bariatric surgery. The exact requirements depend on the operation and your individual results. You will receive a plan for ongoing care.
Start with a conversation
You do not need to decide on an operation before asking for help. A specialist assessment is the place to understand the options and decide what happens next.
No GP referral needed. Book directly and we’ll take it from there.
Call: 03 464 0970
Reviewed by Mr Mark Grant, FRACS, Bariatric Surgeon. Last reviewed: 06/08/2026