What to expect from your first appointment with a Weight Loss Surgeon

Mr. Perchiester, say you've been referred to see a weight loss surgeon like yourself, what should you expect from the first consultation, the first appointment? The first appointment is very important. It's a chance for the patient and the surgeon to get to know each other and it's a chance for the surgeon to evaluate exactly which comorbidities the patient have, i.e. which medical problems because of their weight are the most oppressive. It's also a chance to gauge the expectations for the patient's weight loss and to understand what their weight loss history, and more important, what their lifestyle and weight gain history has been in the past. It also allows me to understand your previous medical problems, your surgical history, your medications that you take currently. It also allows me to speak to you about any psychological issues that you may have which have led to your weight issues. For example, if you have depression or anxiety, if you've been put on any pharmacotherapy or any tablets to help you with your mood or your depression. These can often lead to weight gain. It also allows me to understand whether your family is supportive, how you also wish to undertake the surgery and also an introduction to what sort of surgery may be best suited to you. After the first appointment, if you're considering surgery, we normally do a full panel of blood tests which is included in the package and we go on to give you some homework to do and this homework is in the form of reading a bit more about the procedures, benefits and risks, watching our videos and animations online and coming back and asking any pertinent questions that may affect your care. Thank you.