Wellington, Feb 11 NZPA - An experienced surgeon who told a severely obese patient she was "going on a f***ing diet" has been reprimanded over his foul mouth and for removing the patient from a waiting list after she complained.

In a decision issued today, Health and Disability Commissioner Ron Paterson found the gastro-intestinal surgeon breached the patient's code of rights and showed no understanding of the vulnerability of his gastric bypass patient.

Neither the doctor nor his district health board (DHB) were named in the report.

The 44-year-old Maori patient saw the surgeon last April after she had repeatedly failed at dieting.

When she said she preferred the word "lifestyle" to "diet", the doctor told her she was "bullshitting" herself and was "going on a f***ing diet".

The doctor used the word "f***" at least three times during the consultation, after which the woman was put on list to be considered for surgery.

He later removed her from the list after she complained to the commissioner, a move Mr Paterson said "appears to be retribution".

The DHB's medical director said although the doctor had a foul mouth under stress and could be "direct and coarse" with patients, he was highly qualified and severe penalties would be a "terrible shame".

Mr Paterson found the doctor's language and conduct had been insulting, demeaning and unprofessional.

"He showed disrespect for a patient who understandably felt embarrassed about her obesity."

The DHB had not done enough to address his behaviour, did not respond to the complaint in a timely manner, and had partly tolerated his language.

Mr Paterson recommended the doctor undertake a course in communication skills course and meet with the woman to address her concerns.

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