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Meet Kate Vaha'akolo
Dedicated Professional Behind Travel Well
Kia Ora!
I’m Kate, the founder of Travel Well, here to support you in planning your next adventure.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or exploring exciting destinations, I’m dedicated to curating tailor-made travel experiences just for you.
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With seven years of experience as a travel agent and the recent joy of becoming a mother, I’m passionate about creating memorable journeys.
I have a keen interest in medical tourism, which began when I supported my husband through his surgery in Thailand,
Having undergone bariatric surgery myself in New Zealand four years ago, and witnessing my husband’s surgery in Thailand two years later, I was impressed by the exceptional care he received.
Although my experience in New Zealand was good, the care in Thailand was notably superior.​
I know firsthand the importance of choosing the right medical provider. I’ve carefully selected highly reputable surgeons who are consistently recommended by Kiwis and Australians. Your comfort and confidence in your healthcare choices are my top priorities.
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Let’s embark on your incredible journey together!
Email: kate@travelwellnz.com
Phone: 022 549 3311
My Journey
My journey to bariatric surgery has been a lifelong struggle with weight and emotional eating. ​
Since childhood, I battled with my weight and binge eating, and by the age of 24, I couldn’t remember the last time I weighed under 100 kg. Despite being active in high school through rugby, touch, and biking, my relationship with food was a constant challenge.
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After studying Hotel Management in New Plymouth and spending nine months in Alice Springs, Australia, I returned to New Zealand, and my weight began to increase.
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I found myself caught in a cycle of losing and gaining weight, which took a toll. In 2019, my husband and I moved to Australia, where my weight continued to rise. I started researching bariatric surgery in 2018, I had this constant thought, that I wasn't that bad & the weight would come off. Then after more than a year of consideration, more weight gain, I felt ready to take the plunge. .
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While living in Australia, I looked into medical insurance options, but the wait time was too long. I began exploring options in Mexico for cost reasons & was ready to book, COVID hit, everything changed. We returned to New Zealand due to job losses and settled in Auckland.
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At my heaviest, I weighed 158 kg and felt desperate for change. Since I couldn’t afford the $24,000 surgery cost in New Zealand, I applied for Kiwisaver, which was approved, allowing me to finally start my journey.
After four weeks on Optifast, I had surgery during level 3 lockdown, where I was dropped off and collected two days later.
Many people think surgery is the easy way out, but it’s anything but easy. Those of us who choose this path have often struggled for years. Initially, I faced skepticism from friends and family who suggested I just “diet.” Now, they support me wholeheartedly, seeing the significant improvements in my health.
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I went from 158 kg to 88 kg and maintained that weight until I became pregnant last year. After giving birth to my beautiful daughter Kingsley, my weight is now around 109-111 kg. Over the past nine months, I’ve focused on being a first-time mum, but now that I have my routine back, I’m ready to continue my weight loss journey, with plans for skin removal surgery ahead.
I’m so glad to share my story with you. I’m an open book, so if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Know that your health is worth more than others opinions & you are not alone!