Pre-operative Optimisation & Assessment
PRE-OPERATIVE OPTIMISATION & ASSESSMENT
Weight loss surgery is the next option, when all non-surgical pathways have been exhausted. Your surgeon will explore your current health and health history, and advise if weight loss surgery is the best option for you.
Here at Surgical WeightMatters, we only offer surgery as per UK national guidelines that must be followed both in the NHS and private practice. These are set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
This states that to qualify for bariatric surgery patients must have a highest weight that gives them a BMI (body mass index of >35), unless they have type 2 diabetes, when it can be from a BMI of 30 and above; this BMI can be 2.5 less for those of eastern Asian origin due to the increased risks of excess weight in this cohort.
For safe bariatric surgery, and the best outcomes the procedures must be delivered within the framework of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Therefore patients MUST be assessed by at least a surgeon, bariatric dietician and a bariatric psychotherapist prior to surgery, and their anaesthetic risk be assessed by a bariatric trained anaesthetist.
Let us Explain how we can help you
Speak with our friendly patient concierge team, and let us answer any questions you have about weight loss surgery
WHAT DOES THE PRE-OPERATIVE ASSESSMENT INCLUDE?
We take the NICE guidelines very seriously, and work closely with the hospital team at King Edward VII hospital to ensure we follow all aspects of good clinical governance.
Adhering to these standards allows us to achieve medical excellence, best clinical practice, better long-term results and exceptional outcomes for our patients.
Before your surgery you will have a minimum of 2 consultations with your surgeon. A full set of blood tests will be carried out, along with any additional diagnostics your surgeon recommends.
If any of these tests yield a diagnosis not previously known about (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues, then further diagnostics and referral to the appropriate specialist in our team may be required.
- Review of your weight history
- Assessment of your current health picture
- Explore your motivation and goals
- Understanding your readiness and support structure
- Bespoke treatment pathway designed for you
- Build trust with your surgeon and care team
SURGICAL ASSESSMENT
This involves meeting your consultant bariatric surgeon in-person or online for an initial Metabolic Assessment. Your weight issues, medical history, surgical history, medications, allergies and other details are discussed.
Your surgeon will explore the possible surgical procedures available to you, along with the benefits and risks of each. They will explain how the surgery works in detail, and answer any questions you have.
This often takes up to 1-hour and is an important first meeting. It allows your surgeon to get to know you, and for you to get to know more about them and the MDT who will be supporting you.
We believe exceptional outcomes for our patients come from building a good connection, confidence and trust with their surgeon and the wider support team.
Weight & Health History
Current Health Status
Goals & Aspirations
Pros & Confs of Different Surgeries
Bespoke Surgical Pathway Created For You
PRE-SURGERY ASSESSMENT & PREPARATION WITH YOUR CARE TEAM
Your surgeon will work closely with your Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), a Bariatric Dietitian and Bariatric Psychotherapist . Together they will ensure you are fully prepared for your surgery.
All pre-surgery blood work is included in your bariatric package. In some instances we may require additional diagnostic tests, or refer you to a consultant in our wider MDT; Endocrinologist, Sleep Specialist, Bariatric Psychiatrist.
Your safety and care is at the heart of what we do. Exceptional outcomes come from good preparation and planning, and an integrated team that shapes your treatment to your individual needs.
Bariatric Dietitian Assessment & Pre-Surgery Diet Plan
Bariatric Psychotherapist Assessment & Motivation
Pre-Surgery Bloods & Other Diagnostics
Anaesthetist Care Call
Pre-Surgery Consultation With Your Surgeon
DIETETIC ASSESSMENT
This is a detailed assessment carried out by our Specialist Bariatric Dietitians trained to work with patients who have had long-term weight issues, who go onto consider surgery.
It is important to take the time to be open, honest and transparent about your diet history and weight issues, so we can help and support you in achieving the best outcomes from your weight loss surgery.
Your dietitian will discuss your weight loss expectations, and help you set realistic and achievable goals. They will also explain the pre and post operative diet in detail, and help you plan for the changes required to your eating patterns and behaviours.
If you are interested in receiving additional nutritional support, beyond the individual dietetic and group support included in your weight loss surgery package, you can discuss with your dietitian.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
This holistic and thorough assessment is carried out by an experienced bariatric psychotherapist, with an interest and background in weight gain issues and the potential causes of excess weight.
They will explore what factors may have contributed to your weight gain, and strategies that have been successful for you in losing weight historically.
It is important to be open about any existing or previous mental health challenges, and to tell us about any medication you are taking.
Your psychotherapist can then support you in creating a psychological resilience plan to manage any potential triggers post-surgery.
If you are interested in receiving additional psychological support, beyond the individual psychotherapy and group support included in your weight loss surgery package, you can discuss this with your psychotherapist.
SECOND OPINION
If you have already seen a bariatric surgeon or team, and would like a second opinion, please contact us to arrange an initial Metabolic Assessment.
In such cases you, ideally let the first clinician / team know that you are coming to see us for a second opinion.
For time efficiency, please send us your previous test results, medical reports and X-rays/CT scans etc prior to your appointment.
INTERNATIONAL PATIENTS
For patients who have been admitted to a hospital overseas, and would like a second opinion from Professor Purkayastha and his team, we can arrange an online consultation at your bedside via Whatsapp, Facetime, Skype, Tango or Viber.
For non-English speaking patients please let us know which language you speak, and we can arrange a translator at our end if you do not have someone who speaks English.