Hiya ltclough,
Some airlines and most military organizations do publish what they term "minimum reach" or "minimum arm reach." What they're trying to get at is that from a seated position you can reach the most critical switches.
However, like NWCoast, I too have seen pilots, but flying for major airlines here in North America, who are under 160 cm. I fly with one right now who is around 150 cm. She sits on a cushion that she keeps in her flight bag. Getting into the seat after her is sometimes not fun because its all the way up and all the way forward with the rudder pedals at the aft stop, but it works for her!
There are going to be some airlines who are off limits to you because they require "minimum reach." I know Cathay and Air New Zealand used to in your neck of the woods, but IIRC it was always published on their applications page and you would see it well before you hit "apply."
In the end, I agree. Save yourself the surgery and know there are some liveries you won't be able to fly. But a 737 is a 737, no matter what's painted on the tail.
Good luck!