Weight loss surgery, or bariatric surgery, can be used as a treatment to help support people manage their weight long term. It can lead to significant weight loss and improve weight related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and sleep apnoea.
If you have struggled with your weight for many years, it can be difficult to lose a significant amount of weight through dietary changes alone. Weight loss surgery can be used alongside lifestyle change to help maintain weight loss long term.
The decision to work towards bariatric surgery requires careful consideration and a commitment to change your life. The operation helps reduce physical hunger, but does not always impact other reasons you might eat, such as boredom or habit. I will work with you to help you better understand your reasons for eating before you have surgery, giving you an opportunity to establish helpful habits which enable you to get the most out of bariatric surgery.
What to expect
An initial consultation is an opportunity for you to explain your weight journey and the impact it has had on your life. As well as your diet and medical history, I may ask about other health conditions and how you manage them. We will discuss the structure of your eating habits, and I will ask you to consider what things you feel make it difficult for you to manage your weight. Essentially, I will try to understand your relationship with food and the role eating has played in your life.
If you move forward towards bariatric surgery, I will advise you on how and what to eat to help you stay well afterwards and reduce the risk of side effects. I will also support you through the pre-operative (liver shrinkage) diet, as well as the gradual reintroduction of textures in the weeks following your operation.
Reviews offer you a chance to talk through how things are going, reflect on your progress and ensure you are staying on track. We can also discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
After bariatric surgery, it is important to have a varied and balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs. I support you in achieving and maintaining this, and advise on appropriate portion sizes to help prevent weight regain. I will also monitor your nutritional status through assessment and blood tests, and provide advice on what supplementation you require to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
*In some cases, I will request that you complete a food diary prior to your appointment.
Fees
I provide support for people considering bariatric surgery through the Winfield Hospital, Gloucester. For more information, please click here.
I am also happy to provide dietetic support for people who have had bariatric surgery elsewhere, or GPs requiring guidance. Please contact me for a quote.
Jen Credicott | Dietitian 