National deputy-leader Paula Bennett on her way to their caucus at Parliament. Photo / Mark Mitchell
National deputy leader Paula Bennett has returned to Parliament saying she feels "100 per cent better" after having weight loss surgery over the summer break and feels some sympathy for those who cannot afford it.
On the first day back at Parliament after gastric bypass surgery in December, Bennett said
she went public about it so she wasn't the subject of gossip but was reluctant to turn into a campaigner on the issue.
She said she was privileged to be able to afford to have the surgery "and I've got a lot of sympathy for those who can't".
"It's only been a few weeks but it's already kind of life changing in just how active I am, how much healthier I am and some of the corners I've turned. So I can certainly understand the calls for more public funding."
She said there were some places available under the public health system but did not know how short that was of demand.
