Patient Journey

At 360 SURGERY, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss and health goals. Our team of experts uses their knowledge and experience in obesity and obesity treatment to design a personalised program for you.

We will support you throughout your journey and ensure your safety before and after surgery. We aim to help you lose weight and promote long-term health and well-being. Let us be your partner in improving your health and quality of life.

Beginning Your Weight Loss Journey

Here are some key steps to consider as you embark on your weight loss journey:

• Set clear goals
• Seek professional guidance
• Assess your current lifestyle
• Make dietary changes
• Incorporate physical activity
• Practise mindful eating
• Stay consistent and patient
• Build a support system
• Monitor your progress
• Maintain a positive mindset

It’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalised guidance and support as you embark on your weight loss journey. Our team can provide tailored advice and monitor your progress to ensure your approach is safe and effective.

Preparing For Weight Loss Surgery

Preparing for weight loss surgery involves several important steps to ensure a successful procedure and optimise outcomes. Here are some common aspects to consider when preparing for weight loss surgery:

• Medical evaluation
• Preoperative consultations
• Lifestyle changes
• Smoking cessation
• Medication review
• Preoperative testing
• Family planning
• Setting up your support system
• Preoperative education
• Preoperative very-low-energy diet
• Planning for postoperative recovery
• Emotional preparation
• Informed surgical consent
• Informed financial consent

It's crucial to follow the specific instructions your healthcare team provides. Our team will regularly communicate with you during this phase to address any concerns or questions you may have.

Day Of Weight Loss Surgery

The day of weight loss surgery is an important milestone in your journey towards improved health and well-being. Here's an overview of what you can generally expect on the day of your weight loss surgery:

• Arrival at the Hospital:  You will arrive at the hospital at the designated time provided by your healthcare team. Check-in procedures, including registration and paperwork, will be completed.
• Preoperative Preparation:  After check-in, you will be taken to a preoperative area to change into a hospital gown. You may receive an intravenous (IV) line for fluids and medications. The nursing staff will monitor your vital signs and prepare you for the surgery.
• Meeting with the Surgical Team:  Your surgeon, anaesthetist, and nursing staff will visit you to review the surgical plan, answer any last-minute questions, and address any concerns. They will also confirm your consent for the procedure.
• Anesthesia Administration:  When it is time for your surgery, you will be taken to the operating room. The anaesthetist will administer anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortably asleep throughout the procedure. The type of anaesthesia used will be determined based on the specific surgical technique and your medical history.
• Surgery:  Once you are under anaesthesia, the surgical team will perform the weight loss surgery according to the predetermined plan discussed with you during the preoperative consultations. The duration of the surgery depends on the specific procedure and individual circumstances.

Recovery

Here's an overview of what you can generally expect during the recovery period:

• Hospital admission:  You’ll stay overnight for most bariatric surgery operations. You will be admitted to a regular room in the surgical ward unless there’s a specific reason to go to intensive care.
• Hospital Stay:  Most patients will stay one night and go home the following morning. Your healthcare team will see you to ensure you’re comfortable and safe for discharge. 
• Pain Management:  You may experience pain or discomfort in the days following surgery. Your healthcare team will prescribe analgesia to help manage any postoperative discomfort and antiemetics for nausea if needed.
• Dietary Changes: Following weight loss surgery, you will be on a high protein, liquid diet. You’ll be able to drink immediately after surgery. You will progress from clear liquids to pureed foods and eventually to solid foods in the weeks after surgery. It's important to follow the dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare team to support healing and adjust to your modified digestive system.
• Physical Activity:  You will be up and moving immediately after your surgery. Your healthcare team will guide when and how to incorporate exercise and physical activity into your routine, but you’ll be able to start walking from your day of surgery. 
• Follow-up Appointments:  After your discharge from the hospital, you will have scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare team. These appointments are crucial for monitoring your progress, evaluating weight loss, managing complications, and adjusting your treatment plan. Attend these appointments as scheduled and communicate any concerns or questions you may have.

Aftercare

Aftercare is a crucial component of your weight loss journey. It involves ongoing support, guidance, and monitoring your healthcare team provides to ensure successful outcomes and long-term weight management. Here are some key aspects of weight loss surgery aftercare:

• Follow-up Appointments:  Your healthcare team will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, assess your weight loss, and address any concerns or questions you may have. 
• Nutritional Guidance:  Proper nutrition is vital after weight loss surgery to support healing, optimise weight loss, and prevent nutritional deficiencies. Your healthcare team, including our bariatric dietitians, will provide ongoing nutritional guidance, meal planning, and education.
• Physical Activity and Exercise:  Regular physical activity is important for maintaining weight loss, improving fitness, and supporting overall health. Your healthcare team will guide you on gradually increasing your activity level, provide recommendations for exercise programs, and support you in finding physical activities you enjoy and can sustain long-term.
• Behavioural and Lifestyle Modifications:  Weight loss surgery often necessitates significant behavioural and lifestyle changes. Your healthcare team, including our weight management psychologists, can provide counselling and support to address emotional eating, develop coping strategies, manage stress, and promote positive behavioural changes. 
• Support Groups and Community:  Engaging in support groups or connecting with others who have undergone weight loss surgery can benefit emotional support, sharing experiences, and exchanging helpful tips. Your healthcare team will offer access to support groups or refer you to local or online resources to help you connect with others on a similar journey.
• Monitoring and Adjustments:  Your healthcare team will monitor your progress, assess your weight loss trends, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This may involve modifying your dietary guidelines, adjusting medications, or exploring additional interventions if needed.
• Long-term Maintenance:  Weight loss surgery is a lifelong commitment. Your healthcare team will guide long-term weight maintenance strategies, ongoing dietary management, and continued engagement in a healthy lifestyle. They will support you in setting realistic goals and maintaining your weight loss achievements over time.

Active participation in your weight loss surgery aftercare is essential for long-term success. Stay connected with your healthcare team, attend follow-up appointments, adhere to recommended lifestyle changes, and seek support whenever needed. Open communication with your healthcare team is crucial, as they can address any concerns, provide ongoing guidance, and help you navigate any challenges that may arise during your weight loss journey.