What happens next?
Once you've called to book a consultation Dugal Heath will take you every step of the way - from your first meeting to your new healthy weight.

Your initial consultation
At your consultation Dugal listens to your story and your medical history. Following an examination he will then explain the different methods available to you for returning to a healthy weight. It is important to remember that when it comes to deciding which type of operation you prefer, we will give you plenty of time to ask questions and make up your own mind.

Your choice
You will receive a letter detailing your discussion with Dugal to ensure you have plenty of information and time to make an informed decision.

Your quote
If you are paying for the operation yourself, you will receive a quote on the total cost of your care. This will include the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetist’s fees as well as the cost of follow up appointments. This is a fixed price so that if you need to stay in hospital longer or require more follow up visits, you can be assured that there will be no additional charges. 

Before surgery
You will receive a letter containing details of what you need to do to prepare for surgery. For most patients this will include details of where to go, what time to arrive, when you will be able to leave hospital and of anything you will need to bring with you. You will also be informed of the last time you can safely eat and drink prior to surgery. You will also be given nutrition sheets preparing you for what you will be able to drink and eat when you come out.

The day of the procedure
On the day of surgery, before you go to theatre, you will be seen by Dugal and the anaesthetist. The anaesthetist is responsible for administering the anaesthetic (whether it is a local, regional or general anaesthetic). Dugal will explain the procedure and you can ask him any questions you might have. Even when you know you are in safe and experienced hands, you may still be nervous, and we do everything we can to help you feel safe and comfortable.  

After the operation
You will wake up in the recovery room (although some patients are not aware of their surroundings until they are back on the ward). Most gastric band patients will stay overnight and will be able to go home later the next day. A few patients (principally those having a gastric bypass) require a longer hospital stay. If this is the case, Dugal will see you twice daily until you are well enough to go home.

Experts around the clock
Following discharge, you will always have access to expert medical advice and can contact the hospital or Dugal at any time. If you have any concerns it is important you let us know since we can often reassure you over the phone or arrange for you to be seen, day or night.

Medical follow up
To help you get the best out of your surgery regular medical reviews with Dugal, nutrition sheets written by expert dieticians and up to X band adjustments are all inclusive your quotation – so your costs won't start to escalate.

You will receive a phonecall within the first few days after your surgery and a medical review with Dugal after 7 - 14 days. For many patients over-eating is not just physical, it is also an emotional issue. In these first crucial weeks Dugal's experience is invaluable. He will show you exactly how to work with the changes in your body to become healthy and lose weight.

Increase your activity gradually
It will take a while for you to be as active as you were before surgery. Both the surgery and small food intake will make you feel quite weak, but most people can return to work within two weeks. As you recover you will be able to eat more and you'll feel stronger. You'll gradually increase physical exercise: get off the bus a couple of stops earlier, walk up stairs rather than take the lift or escalator.

Adjustments
Your first adjustment normally takes place at 8 weeks. Some patients need 2 - 3 adjustments, others may need 5 or 6, every patient is unique. These adjustments will make sure your band is suited to your needs – so you feel full after you've eaten, get the nourishment you need and lose weight.

What next?
This is not a miracle cure, but it does offer you a very strong encouragement to eat less and to develop good eating habits. Throughout the journey Dugal will use his experience and expertise to keep you motivated and help you achieve your goals. As you lose the weight you will start to feel fitter, more confident and ready to take on new challenges. Why not read the stories of Dugal's other patients to find out more?