Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery or metabolic surgery, can be used as a treatment for people who are obese. It can lead to significant weight loss and help improve many obesity related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea and joint pain.
To find out more why don't you read : Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For Me.
Or Contact Me
Yes it does but you have to remember weight loss surgery is a tool to aid weight loss. You will need to eat a healthier diet, make lifestlye changes, improve your relationship with food and work with your surgery to achieve and maintain weight loss.
I always say the surgery does 30% of the work and you have to put in 70% with aftercare support.
To find out more about The Dietologist After Care contact me.
Weight loss surgery helps you feel satisfied on smaller portions.
With the sleeve, gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass you'll have a smaller stomach pouch, hence restriction and there's a hormonal effect from the surgery which means you will feel less hungry.
If you eat the correct food textures and eat slowly you'll feel satisfeid on smaller portions which will help you lose weight.
To find out more about Weight Loss surgery, give me a call.
In order to have surgery you need to:
You need to meet cirteria for surgery in the private sector accesss to bariatric/weight loss surgery starts at a lower BMI 27 whereas the NHS offer surgery from BMI 35 with health issues. NHS have budgets to keep to hence the surgery is only offered to patients with a higher BMI.
Private sector criteria:
Gastric Bypass/Mini Gastric Bypass: BMI 40 and above or BMI 35 with Type 2 Diabetes or other weight related health issues (Lower BMI considered for patients of Asian ethnicity.)
To find out more, contact me.
Weight loss surgery (bariatricsurgery) can cost from £3,500 for a Gastric balloon to £15,000 for a gastric bypass.
If you choose to have surgery abroad you'll expect to pay a third of the costs. Don't forget aftercare will not be included in the price hence its cheaper.
If you're thinking about having weight loss surgery aborad think about investing in aftercare support, it really can make a difference. Why don't you contact me to find out more.
Many UK residents travel abroad for weight loss surgery as it's a more affordable, accessible, and you escape both NHS and private waiting lists. I'm unable to access numbers but i predict more than 200 patients a month travel to Europe, Turkey (Istanbul), India, Thailand and Brazil. To find out more read the blog: Thinking about Weight Loss Surgery Abroad.
If you want the low down on surgery abroad, contact me.
If you choose to have surgery abroad be SAFE. Ideally I would recommend having surgery in the UK. If you have compliactions they can be managed here. Also surgery abroad does not include UK aftercare support which is incredibly important to help you work with your surgery.
If you choose to go abroad:
To find out more : Thinking About Weight Loss Surgery Abroad.
Or Contact me to find out more.
Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix to weight loss. Its a tool, if you don't work with it correctly you will not get the desired results. It's very improtant you understand this before you go ahead for surgery otherwise it will be a very expensive mistake!
As with most things in life we need to be educated and it's the same with weight loss surgery. If you crave sweet food all the time, theres no guarantee the surgery will stop this.
You can eat high calorie foods with most surgeries , however for some you may get an undesired effect called dumping syndrome which may stop you eating these foods.
Whats important is that you reach out and get good support before and after your surgery.
Read the blog: Invest in Yourself or contact me to find out more.
Bariatric/Weight Loss Aftercare is the support you need to help make the changes for long term weight loss. Without this you're likely to regain the weight you lose after a few years. The Dietologist Bariatric Aftercare includes:
To find out more about The Dietologist Support After Weight loss Surgery, contact me.
Gastric band 50% of your excess weight at around 18-24 months.
Sleeve Gastrectony, 60 % of your excess weight at around 18-24 months.
Gastric bypass and mini gastric bypass, 70% of your excess weight at around 18-24 months.
If you would like an explanation of the average weight loss post surgery and why patients may struggle to achieve the results, contact me.
Many of my clients don't tell their friends and family about the surgery as they feel embarrased or a failiure. THere really is no need to feel this way but i completely understand and support each and every patient with their choices. The scars are easy to hide as the surgery is perfomed laparscopically (keyhole). You'll have 5 small incisions which will fade over time.
You can keep weight loss surgery a secret, however you may be asked many questions such as:
So be prepared for the questions! if you need some secret support why don't you contact me and we can keep this little secret to ourselves!
The gastric balloon is the least invasive and infact we now have the Elipse swallowable capsule balloon which does not require endoscopy like the traditional gastric balloon.
The gastric band requires surgery however procedure time can range from 30-60 minutes in theatre. Don't forget the gastric band will need adjusting regulary for the first year to help you reach the green zone.
To find out more, why don't you contact me.
The gastric band is permanant however it can be removed due to clinical problems e.g. band erosion, slipped band or band intolerance.
Theoretically the gastric bypass and Mini Gastric bypass can be reversed but only if there is a clinical need e.g. too much weight loss.
The Sleeve cannot be reversed as 80% of the stomach is removed and discarded during the procedure.
In summary the sleeve gastrectomy is not reversible. The band, bypass and mini bypass are only reversible if there is a clinical need.
To find out more contact me for a friendly chat to find out whether further surgery is necessary. this surgery could save you thousands!
Before deciding on weight loss surgery you need to consider factors such as;
The Sleeve and Gastric/Mini bypass are known to have better weight loss results due to restriction (smaller stomach pouch) and the hormonal effect (less hunger). Don't forget results depend on your ability to manage your eating habits, lifestyle and emotional eating.
To find out more about emotional eating support and hoe The Dietologist can help you, book in for a friendly chat.
This will need to be a decision you make with the surgeon and pre su[port team.
If you have type 2 diabetes with a BMI>35 and uncontrolled blood sugar control the gastric bypass will be the preferred choice however other medical conditions such as heart problems may change this decision. It is best to dicuss this with the surgeon or your pre and post surgery team.
The Dietologist is happy to speak to you today.
Bariatric surgery can be an effective means of weight loss if you suffer with PCOS and weight issues.Surgical techniques have become safer and less invasive over time and have been found to be effective in achieving significant weight loss. Bariatric surgery may also have reproductive benefits in PCOS patients.
To find out more about fertility and weight loss read my blod.
or contact me for a chat.
If you struggle with sleep apnoea and are overweight, you are not alone. Studies have shown that bariatric surgery (also known as weight-loss surgery) is an effective tool for treating obesity, and for preventing, treating and even resolving sleep apnoea.
To find out more about sleep apnoea and weight loss why don't you book in for a chat.
As many as 7 out of 10 people with type 2 diabetes can achieve long-term diabetes remission by having a gastric bypass.
The surgery is not a cure for diabetes and if you regain the weight you lose you may need to recommence some of your diabetes medication.
To find out more why don't you give The Dietologist a call.
Weight-loss surgery may treat infertility in some obese women (BMI>30). Women who are obese are more likely to have irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome, trouble conceiving and miscarriage. But even modest weight loss improves fertility and reproductive outcomes. Acheiving a healthy BMI 20-25 will improve your chances of conceving.
To find out how The Dietologist can help improve both you and your partners fertiltiy, book in for a discovery call.
Hair loss after bariatric surgery is very common and very stressful. The hair loss associated with weight loss surgery is to do with the normal hair growth cycle. It usually starts abruptly and very seldom lasts longer than 6 months. Stress to the body, lack of nutrition and hormonal changes after weight loss surgery can excaserbate hair loss. Hair gorwth starts again 6 months post surgery but it will take time to see the results.
To find out more read the Blog- Hair loss after Bariatric Surgery or contact me for a chat.
Yes, you can stretch your stomach pouch after weight loss surgery. Over eating, drinking with your meals, binging, fizzy drinks can all help stretch the stomach. One off events wil not cause too much harm however continously overeating, dirnking and eating together and drinking fizzy drinks will eventually stretch your stomach pouch!
This is likely to result in weight regain.
To find out more why don't you contact me for a friendly chat.
Yes it's possible to regain some or all of your weight after weight loss surgery. Remember surgery is a tool. Making healthier lifestyle changes and working on over eating and emotional eating with support really can reduce the risk of weight regain after surgery.
Read the Blog Invest In Yourself
To find out how you can reduce the risk of surgery, contact The Dietologist.
Recovery times vary and It can take upto 6 weeks to heal after weight loss surgery. Most patients return to work 2-3 weeks post surgery.
The procedure with the shortest recovery time is lap band surgery. On average, lap band surgery patients return to work in one week and are fully recovered in just two weeks.
if you need support after weight loss surgery, contact me.
Yes, for every surgery a complete multivitamin and mineral is needed.
For the sleeve, gastric bypass and mini bypass we also advise additional calcium and vitamin D, Vitamin b12 and iron. Ideally you need to assessed and advised by your dietitian.
Read the Blog: Vitamin and mineral supplements
Or contact me to find out more
You should eat a healthier diet after surgery and work on your relationship with food. Ideally it's important to move away from "dieting & restriction" and think more along the lines of mindful/intuitive eating. Enjoying your food and eating more mindfully really can make a difference.
To find out more about how to successfully lose wieght without counting caloires and weighing your food, contact The Dietologist.
Weight loss, after bariatric surgery, is very significant early on; this typically occurs because the body is adapting to the less nutrition and is burning alternative energy sources. As a result your body burns muscle, your metabolism slows down and this is typically what causes you to hit a weight plateau.
Why don't you speak with The Dietologist and ask for a diet and lifestyle review.
Some patients may have problems with the primary surgery e.g. gastric band may have slipped or eroded so the patient will have the gastric band removed and opt to have further surgery e.g. gastric bypass. Revisional surgery is very limited on the NHS.
Before having revisional surgery ensure you speak to your dietitian for an assessment. You may just need to work with your surgery better.
To find out more call The Dietologist for a chat.
A high BMI and rapid weight loss can result in loose or sagging skin. If you don't have too much weight to lose and the weight comes off slowly it can help a little with the excess skin. The reality is that loose skin is inevitable with weight loss after surgery.
If you have any questions about weight loss surgery why don't you contact The Dietologist.
Got a question? We’re here to help.
I would recommend you sign up for the 12 month Super Value Support as it includes the Pre-op Diet E-book as a bonus and the Pre-op diet video module. Always helpful to be prepared and you can join the private community and ask other women about their experiencies.
The membership covers the foundations of working with your surgery and overcoming emotional eating to navigate your weight loss. The membership contains a module on regain and if you follow the guidance and attend Q&A sessions I am confident you will lose weight. Ideally one to one support would support you better.
Absolutely YES! This membership was created for you and for anyone seeking aftercare support on a budget.
Absolutely YES! Over 50% of women regain the weight they lose and more due to lack of aftercare. Surgery does not fix your relationship with food nor does it automotically change your habits. The bariatrics and beyond membership will support you with this.
Yes you can!
Your support may not be what you expected, hence why I have created the membership so you can access the video modules 24hrs a day, 7 days a week for as long as you are a member!
50% of the self paced video modules and worksheets focus on your relationship with food, mindset and habits, so you will gain insight into your triggers to eating and how to manage them. Attending monthly Q & A sessions with Van will provide further support and accountability to help fix your relationship with food.
In the last 10 months I have been speaking with Van; my experience with Van has been completely outstanding from beginning to end. In just one telephone call Van can pull all your emotions, challenges and thoughts together and guides me back onto my right path. She understands; listens and advises me to give me the reassurance I need to keep fighting for my dreams. Van has helped me realise I can be who I desire; can and want to be and I cannot thank her enough for that.
Natasha.
I am so thankful for finding Van. She has been a great support in helping me regain confidence with my gastric band. More importantly, she has helped me improve my relationship with food with her mind set coaching and positive nature. It’s a refreshing change to speak to a dietitian who understands your journey. Van puts her heart and soul into every consultation.
Thank you Van!
Julie B
Van has helped me improve my eating habits and kickstarted my weight loss after many years of trying. Van looks at things holistically, assessing sleep patterns, stress levels and your relationship with food. Since losing weight, I find that I have more energy and the walks are no longer tiring like they used to be. Over the past few months, with Van’s support, I have made positive changes with monitoring my weight and no longer weigh myself on a daily basis. She has made me realise, health improvement is more important than a number on the scales. I really feel great!
Rachel H
Had several sessions with Van she's very professional and very caring. She treats you not only as a patient but as a friend too. Would highly recommend Van to family and friends, shes a big loss at Heartlands Hospital.
Lisa Price
Van is fantastic, very knowledgeable and understanding with a vast amount of experience. Personally I'm a bariatric patient and have trusted Van for many years with adjusting my gastric band, which she has done successfully and helped me lose weight in a controlled and healthy manner.
Faye Rodgers
Van has helped me immensely, she has given me confidence to deal with my treatment after surgery, she has helped me to understand what I'm doing as far as what Is advisable to eat and quantities. She is a very warm, kind lady who makes you feel at ease,I am so pleased that I decided to consult with her and would advise anyone who has had this surgery to do the same.
Debbie Kirby
Just had my first consultation with Van, pre surgery. She is amazing! I feel totally empowered to do this, and cannot wait to start my journey. She tells it as it is and has a wicked sense of humour, something I feel I’m going to need in the coming months. Van is not a stuffy health professional, she listens as well as talks and takes a real interest in what you have to say. Thanks Van, for making me feel validated and helping me to start my day with a smile on my face.
Julie Young
Van is a fantastic dietitian, when I first met Van I thought how can she possibly understand my issues when she looks so amazing and petite and could never have possibly had a weight or eating problem. Well I was so very wrong, Van has studied & researched her chosen career, Van offers the tools needed to go forward & has a great understanding of weight issues, much deeper than most. Van makes a difference because she takes time to listen and gives you complete honesty which I have always valued as that is so important to anyone who has weight issues and needs help & support to gain/regain control of there lives. Van loves to see you gain your confidence & self belief which a lot of us lack for so long. Van will be with you when you have your highs & lows as she is totally committed to what she does, I totally recommend Van, she inspires you to want to be the best version of yourself.
Sue RIchardson
Van is so knowledgeable and she listens. She knows exactly what advice to give each step of the way and ensures you remain calm and arms you with the right information. No question is too silly and she responds quickly to messages. She is easy to get along with and celebrates your success with you. I feel like I have found a new friend. I truly could not have done this without her.
Sarah Quinn
I’ve had several sessions with Van and she really knows her stuff. She is so personable and really understands exactly what you need. Thank you Van.
Lisa Guscott
Van is a fantastic dietician and so motivational and helpful.
Carly Lancaster
Van is a committed and an extremely passionate dietitian. She is committed to providing the highest standards of care for her patients. She keeps up to date with her learning and provides most current evidence based treatments. I would thoroughly recommend Van.
Poonam Pradhan
Consultant
Where do I start with this five star review. I met Van in July 2017. I was in a right mess with my diet, no clue where to start or how to begin. Van listened to all my challenges and gave me just the best advice. She asked me what my goals were for losing weight and I explained how all I longed for was a baby and from a young age all I was told was try and lose weight , well it never happened as I could just never shift the weight... with every failed month I just piled on more and more weight. I don’t even know how to explain after meeting Van for the first time changed my mind set on the way I looked at life and of course food. She set weekly/monthly goals nothing was too much trouble she was there at every bad week or even better the good weeks.
She really has changed my life!! More so 14 months after our first appointment I lost a staggering 7stone and fell pregnant with my beautiful little daughter who’s three months old today!
To say Van changed my life in more ways than one is a total understatement.
I can honestly say she is truly an amazing woman inside and out and any one who chooses to work with her will not be disappointed I promise!!
Vicky Carter
I feel like In having my weight loss surgery, I’d bought this top of the range tool with no instruction manual. Having 1-1 sessions and being on Van's course has provided me with an instruction manual in how to use my tool that I can refer back to when stuck.
Vans approach to understanding the whys to weight struggle is, I believe, crucial. Weight gain for me hasn’t been simply move more and eat less. There are many underlying issues that Van is helping me discover about myself.
I sat with my husband a year ago and said I wish there was a dietician who understands the psychological side to weight loss. I can’t believe my luck that she actually exists in Van and I found her! Can never thank her enough for the realisations I’ve had since meeting her x
Gemma
Without Van I wouldn’t have been able to reach my goals as quick as I have! She has helped me face my emotional eating habits and guided me through adapting a brand new mindset towards food. This has truly changed my life and I have never felt healthier. I have reached my goal weight within 10 months, and I have never felt so confident in myself. The surgery was only a tool but without the correct habits and mindset it can only go so far. Van is brilliant with listening to my concerns and addressing them truthfully and with integrity. She is an amazing coach!
Amz
Fantastic, useful, practical advice. Makes it real. Understands the challenge of everyday living and working and makes useful suggestions based on your lifestyle.
Katie x
I'm a little late writing this review but I want to say that Van is wonderful! She is full of very practical and actionable information. Very professional, uplifting, friendly, and easy to talk to. A couple times I started veering off course and she helped set me straight - I'm forever grateful for that! Highly recommended. Thank you for your help.
Melinda x
I had private bariatric surgery to remove a gastric band revising to a gastric bypass. The poor eating habits I had developed from the band were inhibiting my weight loss. Working with Van 1-2-1, educated me to work with the bypass viewing it as a tool, not the cure.
Van built me up emotionally and intellectually, highlighting the stressors with work and life that were preventing my weight loss. Having Van to talk through this with me was such a lift, it generated great awareness.
On reflection, I wish I found Van pre-operative so I could have been fully educated and manage my expectations with secondary weight loss surgery. Her knowledge is inspiring, when the scales stand still, I accept it and that is because of Van.
If you are thinking of have surgery contact Van, if you have surgery contact Van. Van is the key in making bariatric surgery a healthy lifelong success.
Starting weight: 100kg BMI 34.5
Goal weight: 69kg BMI 24.1 Smashed it at 68kg BMI 23.5 (Feb 2021)
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