If you’re preparing for gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery, your surgeon may recommend an upper endoscopy (gastroscopy or OGD). It’s a quick, camera-guided look at your oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel. Think of it as a pre-flight safety check: it confirms the landscape we’re operating on, finds issues early, and helps us choose the safest, most effective procedure for you.

What an endoscopy looks for

An OGD helps us detect and, where appropriate, treat:

• Hiatus hernia – part of the stomach pushing up through the diaphragm; larger hernias may be repaired, or influence the choice between sleeve and bypass.

• Oesophagitis and reflux damage – significant reflux may steer us away from a sleeve towards a gastric bypass, which can better control acid exposure for some patients.

• Ulcers or gastritis – must be treated and healed before surgery to reduce bleeding and leak risks.

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – a common stomach bacterium linked to ulcers; if detected on biopsy we prescribe eradication therapy before proceeding.

• Barrett’s oesophagus or suspicious lesions – these require careful planning and, sometimes, additional treatment or surveillance before bariatric surgery.

• Anatomical variants – scarring, narrowing (strictures) or previous surgery that may change the operative strategy.

How the findings change your surgical plan

Endoscopy results allow truly bespoke surgery:

• Procedure selection: troublesome reflux or a larger hiatus hernia often favours gastric bypass over a sleeve.

• Timing: active ulcers or H. pylori infection are treated first, then we re-scope if needed to confirm healing.

• Combined procedures: a significant hiatus hernia can be repaired at the same time as your bariatric operation.

• Medication plan: we may start acid-suppression or other therapies pre-operatively to optimise healing.

What to expect on the day

• Fasting: usually no food for 6 hours and clear fluids stopped 2 hours prior (we’ll confirm your exact instructions).

• Sedation & comfort: most OGDs are done with light sedation and throat spray; you’ll breathe on your own and the test typically takes 5–10 minutes.

• Biopsies: tiny samples may be taken—this is painless.

• Recovery: you’ll rest for a short period and cannot drive the same day. Normal activities resume the next day for most people.

Risks (small, but worth knowing)

Endoscopy is very safe. Possible issues include a sore throat, temporary bloating, minor bleeding from biopsies, and—very rarely—perforation or a reaction to sedation. Your team will discuss your individual risk profile and how we minimise it.

Why this matters for long-term success

Bariatric surgery is more than a number on the scale. By addressing reflux disease, hernias, infection and inflammation beforehand, we reduce complications, improve comfort after surgery, and set you up for durable weight loss with fewer setbacks.

Meet your surgeon

Daniel Mafi is a New Zealand-trained General, Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon with a special interest in weight-loss surgery (gastric sleeve and gastric bypass), hernia repairs, and oesophageal/gastric problems including anti-reflux procedures. Based in Tauranga, Dr Mafi has over 15 years’ experience across New Zealand’s major centres, including four years in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, bringing a meticulous, patient-centred approach to every case.

Consultations:

Bay Clinical Specialists Limited

Suites 8 & 9, Promed House

71 Tenth Avenue, Tauranga

FAQs

Will I definitely need an endoscopy?

Most bariatric patients benefit from an OGD, especially if there’s any history of reflux, heartburn, indigestion, anaemia, or previous stomach issues.

Does it hurt?

No. With sedation and throat spray, most people remember little and experience only a mild sore throat afterwards.

How soon do I get results?

Your surgeon will discuss visual findings on the day. Biopsy results follow once the lab has processed them.

Could an endoscopy delay my surgery?

Only if we find something that needs treatment first—such as H. pylori or an active ulcer. Addressing these improves safety and outcomes.

Next steps

If you’re considering gastric sleeve or bypass in Tauranga, an endoscopy is a smart, evidence-based step towards a safer operation and smoother recovery. To discuss your pathway—or to book a consultation with Dr Daniel Mafi—contact Bay Surgery at Bay Clinical Specialists, Promed House, 71 Tenth Avenue. We’ll review your history, explain the process in plain language, and build a plan tailored to you.

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