Choosing to take control of your weight through surgery is a powerful, personal decision — one that deserves thoughtful planning and the right people by your side. This isn’t just about booking an operation; it’s about finding someone you can trust with your health, your hopes, and your future. The right surgeon will do more than just operate — they’ll guide, support, and empower you through every step of your weight loss journey. So how do you find the one who’s right for you? Let’s break it down together.
Learn About Treatment Options
Before meeting with a surgeon, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the main types of weight loss procedures available. In the UK, common options include the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, gastric band, and gastric balloon. Each procedure works in a different way and comes with its own benefits, considerations, and potential risks. Understanding these options in advance can help you feel more confident, ask the right questions, and take an active role in shaping your treatment plan. To explore these procedures in more detail, take a look at the weight loss treatments offered by Phoenix Health.
Decide Which Path to Take
If you’re considering bariatric surgery, it’s important to think carefully about how you’d like to access treatment. You can go through the NHS, or you may decide that going private is a better fit, especially if you’re hoping to avoid long NHS waiting times and take action sooner to improve your health.
At Phoenix Health, we support both NHS-referred and private patients across the UK. If you’d prefer not to wait, you can contact a private weight loss clinic directly. Phoenix Health offers private bariatric surgery at affordable prices, delivered with expert care and nationally recognised outcomes.
Whichever clinic or pathway you choose, it’s essential to evaluate your bariatric surgeon based on qualifications, experience, and long-term patient outcomes.
Check Surgeon Experience and Current Position
Bariatric surgery is a specialised field, so it’s important to choose a surgeon with the right background. Look into their current role, where they practise, and whether they have completed a dedicated bariatric surgery fellowship.
Check that they’re listed on the General Medical Council’s Specialist Register for general surgery and ideally hold a Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). Involvement in professional bodies like BOMSS or IFSO can also be a strong indicator of their commitment to ongoing professional standards.
At Phoenix Health, our surgeons are not only experienced in performing weight loss procedures—they also train the next generation of specialists. Our Royal College of Surgeons–accredited Bariatric Fellowship Programme, listed by BOMSS, reflects our commitment to clinical excellence and education.
Learn more about the Phoenix Health Bariatric Fellowship on the BOMSS website.
Evaluate the Clinic or Hospital
The hospital or clinic where your surgery takes place should be clean, fully equipped, and experienced in caring for bariatric patients. Facilities that regularly perform weight loss procedures are more likely to have dedicated equipment and specially trained staff to support safe recovery. Features like reinforced furniture, spacious rooms, and walk-in showers may seem minor, but they make a big difference in comfort and safety.
It’s also important that the hospital meets NHS or private healthcare standards and follows NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines when accepting patients for bariatric surgery. An added advantage is choosing a provider that works in partnership with the NHS—a sign of clinical credibility and consistent patient satisfaction. Phoenix Health, for example, is authorised by the NHS and has over 20 years of experience supporting both NHS and private patients with specialist bariatric care.
Read the Patient Reviews and Testimonials
When choosing a bariatric surgeon, hearing from others who’ve gone through the journey can be incredibly reassuring. Patient reviews and testimonials give you a sense of what to expect — from how the team communicates, to the support provided before and after surgery, and the overall experience of being cared for.
Pay attention to what people say about how they were treated, how clearly things were explained, and how supported they felt throughout the process. These insights can help you understand whether a weight loss clinic’s approach aligns with what matters most to you whether that’s compassionate care, good communication, or feeling listened to.
It’s helpful to read reviews from a variety of sources, such as the clinic’s website, Google Reviews, Trustpilot and other trusted online sources. Look for stories that describe the full journey, not just the outcome, this can help paint a more complete picture of what your own experience might be like.
At Phoenix Health, many of our patients choose to share their stories to help others who are considering weight loss surgery. Their reflections highlight the personal support, clear guidance, and dedicated care they received and often provide comfort to those just starting their own journey. You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook to learn more and hear directly from those we’ve supported.
Don’t Overlook Aftercare — It Matters
Support doesn’t end in the operating theatre. Aftercare is crucial, especially for procedures like gastric banding, which may need regular adjustments. Even surgeries like gastric sleeve or bypass benefit from structured follow-up to monitor nutrition, healing, and mental wellbeing. Confirm what’s included in the aftercare package, are there dietitian appointments? Mental health support? Emergency contact lines? Strong aftercare is a sign of a clinic that puts your long-term health first.
Weight loss surgery isn’t a shortcut, it’s a carefully planned journey that calls for expertise, trust, and ongoing support. Choosing the right surgeon isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about exercising your right to safe, personalised care. You’re selecting a partner who understands your current challenges and is committed to helping you reach your long-term health goals. By asking the right questions and knowing what to look for, you can make a confident, informed decision that supports not just weight loss, but lasting wellbeing .
Reference:
Kapała, J., Maroszczuk, T. and Dowgiałło-Gornowicz, N. (2023) ‘Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic bariatric surgery in patients of 70 years and older: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Obesity Reviews. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/obr.13867
Medically Reviewed by Mr. Qutayba Almerie, MD, MSc, FRCS
Consultant Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon, Medical Director at Phoenix Health.
