FAQs

What should I know about bariatric surgery? 
 

First of all, you should know that bariatric surgery is not the only way to lose and maintain weight. Diet, exercise, medicines, endoscopic options etc also have a role. There are many different types of surgical options too. 

 

• You can check if you meet the NICE criteria for bariatric surgery here. NICE guidelines evaluate the risks and benefits and generally meeting the guidelines means that the risks outweigh the benefits. NICE also does some cost-effectiveness analysis which may or may not be entirely relevant to self-funding patients

• The latest International (IFSO/ ASMBS) guidelines for bariatric surgery can be checked here. You will not fail to notice Prof. Mahawar is the only British surgeon in the guideline group. 

 

What should I enquire about my bariatric surgeon? 

 

You should research your surgeon very well as the outcomes of surgery mostly depend on your surgeon. You may want to enquire where your surgeon is based, whether they have professional indemnity from a UK provider (to cover for unfortunate mishaps – much like a car insurance), and how many bariatric procedures they perform in their usual NHS practice every month. It is also not rude to ask about their total experience, major complication rate, and mortality rate. 

​

Where can I check about surgical volumes and outcomes of bariatric surgeons in the UK? 

 

The National Bariatric Surgery Registry contains information on the surgeons and hospitals in the UK. You can check the information about British surgeons here. Please note Prof. Mahawar has been a member of the National Bariatric Surgery Registry Committee for nearly a decade, is an author of both its reports published so far, and was its chair in 2022-23. 

​

​

Why do Bariatric Surgeons ask about Mental Health? 

 

Bariatric Surgery is a major endeavour and though generally mental health is expected to improve with weight loss, some studies have shown an increased risk of self-harm and suicide after bariatric surgery. So, it is important that you are psychologically stable, have not attempted any self-harm in the last 12 months, and do not have current problems with addiction/ substance abuse. Please ask to see a psychologist before surgery if in doubt and also get help promptly after surgery. 

​

​

Should I tell my GP about it? 

 

Yes, you must tell your GP about this. They will need to support you before and after surgery. You will also need your GP to prescribe antacid medications, medications for prophylaxis of gallstones, and vitamin/ mineral supplements

​

​

What are the risks of bariatric surgery?

 

Bariatric surgery overall has more benefits than risks but it is a major surgery with a risk of major complications and rarely even loss of life. You should discuss this more with your surgeon as risks also depend on your health and the type of surgery. According to international literature, bariatric surgery has a 0.1-0.2% chance of risk to life, 6-7% risk of complications, and 1% risk of major complications. Risk also depends on the quality of your surgeon, their teams, facility, etc. It is a very important consideration before going for surgery particularly if you are intending to go abroad. Remember one successful outcome does not mean anything in the field of surgery – so word of mouth or reviews from a self-selected group of patients may not cover anybody and can be biased. 

​

What are your charges for bariatric surgery?  

 

Our charges are extremely competitive and vary somewhat from patient to patient. To explore more about your surgery with Prof. Mahawar, please email us at info@bariatricuk.com

​

Will I be looked after following surgery? 

 

Prof. Mahawar is based in the UK and will do his best to support your journey as much as he can. He is a very caring and compassionate individual. You will generally be able to speak to him within a week or two of making contact with us (there might be an additional small fee for this depending on where you are on your journey)

​

I have another question not covered here.

 

No problem. Just email us at info@bariatricuk.com