Frequently asked questions
About appointments
Do I need a referral?
You are welcome to book an appointment directly. Referrals from general practitioners and other healthcare professionals are also welcome. If you are referred, communication can be provided to support shared care, with your consent.
Do I need to live in Auckland to see you?
No. Appointments are available in Auckland and via telehealth. Telehealth consultations allow access to care for individuals living outside Auckland or elsewhere in New Zealand.
What happens at the first appointment?
The initial consultation is 60 minutes and includes a comprehensive clinical assessment. This involves review of your weight history, medical history, medications, metabolic health, and contributing lifestyle or hormonal factors. Psychological wellbeing, eating patterns, and previous weight-loss experiences are also considered. Together we develop a personalised and clinically appropriate management plan.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
It is helpful to bring a list of current medications and supplements, recent blood test results if available, and details of any previous treatments or surgeries. If you are unsure, this can be discussed at the time of booking.
How often will I need follow-up appointments?
Follow-up frequency is tailored to individual clinical needs. Some people are reviewed more regularly at the beginning of treatment, while others require less frequent appointments once a plan is established.
Who do I support?
Who do you typically support?
I support adults with weight and metabolic health concerns across both non-surgical and surgical pathways. This includes men and women, individuals considering or living with bariatric surgery, and women navigating perimenopause and menopause.
Can you help if I have tried to lose weight before without success?
Yes. Many people have previously attempted weight loss through diet and exercise without sustainable results. Body weight is regulated by complex biological systems involving hormones, metabolism, genetics, and the brain. The body can actively resist weight loss by increasing hunger and reducing energy expenditure. This is not a lack of motivation, but a physiological response. Care focuses on working with these biological processes in a realistic and sustainable way.
Is weight gain only about diet and exercise?
No. While lifestyle is important, weight and metabolic health are influenced by insulin resistance, hormonal changes, sleep, stress, medications, and prior weight-loss attempts. My approach recognises obesity and metabolic disease as chronic medical conditions and provides evidence-based, non-judgemental care.
Treatment approaches
Do I need to be considering medication or surgery before seeing you?
No. Treatment options are discussed after a comprehensive assessment. Some individuals benefit from lifestyle strategies alone, while others may consider medication or surgical pathways. Decisions are individualised and based on clinical need, preferences, and long-term goals.
Do you only prescribe weight-loss medication?
No. Medication may form part of a management plan where clinically appropriate, but care always includes comprehensive assessment, ongoing review, and support for sustainable long-term outcomes.
Do you provide menopause hormone therapy?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Hormonal influences are assessed as part of metabolic care, and menopause hormone therapy can be discussed within the context of overall health and risk assessment.
What does ongoing support involve?
Ongoing support includes clinical review, monitoring of metabolic health, medication management where appropriate, and adjustment of strategies over time. Care is tailored to individual circumstances and delivered collaboratively with other healthcare professionals where needed.
Bariatric surgery support
Can you support me after bariatric surgery?
Yes. Independent clinical guidance is available before surgery and long-term follow-up care is available after bariatric procedures. This includes support for individuals who have had surgery in New Zealand or overseas, as well as those experiencing weight regain or nutritional concerns. Follow-up focuses on long-term metabolic health and safe, coordinated care.
Can I see you if I have had bariatric surgery overseas?
Yes. I provide follow-up and metabolic support for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery in New Zealand or overseas. Care includes review of surgical history where available, nutritional monitoring, metabolic assessment, and long-term management of weight changes or complications. Communication can be coordinated with your GP and other healthcare providers to ensure safe and appropriate ongoing care.
Will you communicate with my GP or specialist?
With your consent, communication can be provided to support coordinated and shared care.
