What to Expect During Your First Consultation for Weight Loss Surgery
If you’re considering weight loss surgery, your first consultation with Dr Roy Hopkins is the first step on your journey. This appointment is an opportunity for you to learn more about your options, ask questions, and determine if bariatric surgery is right for you. Understanding what to expect during this initial meeting can help ease any worries or concerns you may have about taking this initial step.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what happens during your first consultation for weight loss surgery, so you know exactly what to expect.
1. A Detailed Medical History Review
Your first consultation will begin with a thorough discussion of your medical history. This is essential because bariatric surgery is a serious procedure, and Dr Hopkins will want to make sure that you meet eligibility criteria as well as determine if it’s the right option for your health needs.
During this part of the consultation, you will be asked questions such as:
Your weight history: How long have you struggled with your weight? What weight loss methods have you tried in the past (e.g., dieting, exercise, medications)?
Current health conditions: Do you have any conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, or joint problems that may impact your surgery or recovery?
Medications: What medications are you currently taking, including prescription medication and supplements?
Previous surgeries: Have you had any other surgeries?
Lifestyle and habits: Dr Hopkins will also want to understand your eating habits, physical activity level, and overall lifestyle to get a complete picture of your health.
2. Discussion of Weight Loss Surgery Options
One of the most important parts of your first consultation is discussing the different types of weight loss surgery available and which one might be the best fit for you. Dr Hopkins will explain the pros, cons, and potential risks of each option. He will help you understand which option is most appropriate for your medical history, weight loss goals, and personal preferences.
3. Understanding the Benefits and Risks
Every surgical procedure comes with benefits and risks, and bariatric surgery is no exception. During your consultation, Dr Hopkins will explain:
The benefits: Significant, sustainable weight loss, improvements in obesity-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnoea), and an improved quality of life.
The potential risks and complications: With bariatric surgery, there are potential risks, including infection, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, and complications related to the surgery itself (such as leakage or bowel obstruction). Dr Hopkins will discuss these in detail.
4. Setting Realistic Expectations and Goals
Weight loss surgery is only part of the journey. Dr Hopkins will help set realistic expectations for your weight loss and health improvements. This includes:
How much weight you can expect to lose: While weight loss varies from person to person, most patients can expect to lose 30-35% of their total body weight after 1-2 years following weight loss surgery.
Lifestyle changes: Bariatric surgery requires permanent changes to your diet, exercise, and eating habits that are necessary to achieve long-term success.
Support and follow-up care: Weight loss surgery is not a “quick fix” — it’s a lifelong commitment. Dr Hopkins will explain the importance of post-operative care including follow-up appointments with the team and monitoring of blood results, to ensure you get the support you need.
5. Discussion of Pre-Surgery Medical Investigations
Before undergoing surgery, there may be specific pre-surgery investigations that you need to undertake. The medical investigations that a person requires are unique to that individual. Some people may only need a few investigations, while others need more. You will be advised in your consultation which investigations are required for you. Examples are:
A Blood Test to examine any nutritional deficiencies you may have.
A CT Scan
A Gastroscopy
A Sleep Study
Respiratory or Cardiology Clearance
6. Answering Your Questions
Your first consultation is the perfect time to ask questions and voice any concerns. Some common questions to ask include:
What’s the typical recovery time for this surgery?
Will I have to take vitamins or supplements after surgery?
What kind of support will be available to me throughout the process?
What happens if I don’t lose as much weight as I hope?
Your first consultation for weight loss surgery is the first step to a life long journey. It’s your chance to get a full picture of what bariatric surgery entails, to ask questions, and to determine the best course of action for your health. By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your options, the risks of surgery, what’s involved in the surgery process, and how to prepare for the life changes that lie ahead.
The information provided on this website is of a general nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualised medical advice. It is essential to consult a qualified medical practitioner for personalised advice regarding your health, diagnosis, and management. The content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
