Your Patient Journey

To begin your journey with us, you can call or email our team to book an initial consultation or ask any questions you might have.

We’ll give you all the details you need about pricing, locations and appointment availability.

We’re very happy to answer any questions you have before deciding to make an appointment.

On arrival at the hospital of your choice, your consultant will greet you and take you through to the consultation room.

During your initial consultation, your consultant will discuss with you your reasons for considering weight loss surgery, and go through a few questions to help determine which weight loss options might be best for you. You’ll have an opportunity to evaluate your options with your consultant.

If you decide that weight loss surgery is the right option for you, you’ll discuss more details about the specific procedures available to you.

Once you and your consultant have come to a decision about which treatment is right for you, Weight Loss Surgery Kent will arrange all of the details to book your operation. You’ll be provided with a fixed price quote and all of the information you need about how to prepare for treatment.

You’ll have the opportunity to think through your decision ahead of your treatment date. This is an opportunity for you to prepare and reflect on the upcoming process. Undergoing weight loss surgery is a big decision and takes commitment and determination. It’s important to be truly ready for the challenges ahead.

Prior to your surgery, you will meet either face to face or virtually with your dietician who will help you prepare for eating before and after your operation. You’ll need to eat a special diet for the two weeks prior to your surgery. You’ll also be on a liquid-only diet for a few weeks after your treatment and slowly transition back to solid foods.

Your dietician will go through everything you need to know, provide you with meal plans and recipes, and answer any questions you have.

Prior to surgery they will contact you and once after to discuss your eating patterns and behaviours. They will also explore coping mechanisms and  help to develop new behaviours such as “urge surfing” to deal with cravings. Some of our packages do not include pyschologist appointments, giving you a choice regarding your care.

On the day of your admission, you’ll be welcomed by the hospital reception team who will check your details and show you to your private en-suite bedroom.

You’ll be visited by your consultant before surgery to check in with you, obtain your consent and answer any final questions you have.

Your operation will be performed in state-of-the-art operating theatres. Your consultant will be supported by a consultant anaesthetist and a team of dedicated theatre practitioners. You’ll be moved to a recovery bay and monitored closely until you come around from your procedure.

You’ll then be taken back to your private room where you’ll usually spend at least one night.

While you’re hospital, the dedicated nursing team will take great care of you, managing your pain, monitoring you carefully and helping you with anything you need.

You’ll be visited by your consultant after your procedure. They will let you know how everything went and answer any questions you have.

You’ll need to be on a liquid-only diet for the first few weeks following your operation. The hospital team will be aware of this and provide you with your nutrition while you’re in hospital.

It’s important that you get mobile after surgery quickly, and the hospital team will help you get up and moving about slowly when you’re able to.

Most patients are discharged from hospital after their first night. You’ll be given medication to help manage pain and sickness for when you are at home.

It’s important to remain mobile at home, but avoid strenuous activities. You’ll continue your liquid-only diet for 2-3 weeks before moving on to soft, mashable foods for another few weeks.

Your dietician will be available if you have any queries or concerns during this time.

You’ll then be able to move on to normal food after this 6 week period and find you’ll need much smaller meals.

Most of our procedure packages come with 12-months of follow-ups with both your consultant and your dietician. You’ll usually have an appointment every 6 weeks, alternating between your consultant and dietician.

These first 12 months are an excellent opportunity for you to get used to your new way of eating, and use the support of Weight Loss Surgery Kent to develop your new lifestyle.