Weight Loss and Gallbladder Practice
Bariatric Surgery is a recognised, successful surgical procedure helping individuals who are extremely overweight, curtail many of the health problems associated with a high body mass index (BMI). While there are many benefits, it is not without risk and any individual wishing to pursue a weight loss procedure need to make themselves aware of the pathway of the surgery they decide upon. This can mean permanent changes to lifestyle and diet. There are many weight loss support groups out there and we would encourage everyone considering having surgery to do as much research as possible prior to their appointment. We have outlined some of the major procedures and what to realistically expect if you make the decision to go ahead with surgery.
All procedures carried out by Mr Whitelaw are either at The Cobham Clinic at The Luton and Dunstable Hospital, Luton, Bedfordshire or Spire Bushey Hospital, Watford, Hertfordshire. Clinics are held weekly and you can make an appointment at either of the the clinics here. Appointment Cobham Clinic, Luton, Bedfordshire or Appointment Spire Bushey Hospital, Hertfordshire.
Mr Whitelaw also offers virtual appointments on an Monday and Wednesday evening please email or call us if you want to arrange a virtual appointment please call us on 07715 346331.
We don't need a GP Referal but it's important that your GP knows you are having the surgery. If you live some distance from The Cobham Clinic in Luton it may be necessary if you are having Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Gastric Bypass Surgery or Gastric Revision Surgery to have an occasional blood test.
The first initial appointment at The Cobham Clinic will be charged at £150.00, this is fully refundable if you decide to go ahead with Surgery and will be deducted from your final bill. The next payment at the Cobham Clinic will be for £785.00 and this will be just before your appointment with the multidisciplinary team.
The final balance will be due just before your final pre operative assessment. The Cobham Clinic does not ask for one large upfront payment giving you space and time to review your decision and ensure it is the right one for you.
After an initial appointment with Mr Whitelaw you will be given an assessment prior to surgery. The assessment follows the National Institute of Excellence (NICE) guidelines and consists of a multidisciplinary team approach including dietician, specialist nurse, psychologist (at The Cobham Clinic only) and anaesthetist. The assessment reflects his NHS practice at The Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, Luton, which is one of the largest Bariatric Centres in the UK. The assessment allow you to discuss your care and expectations with each member of the team.
Mr Whitelaw also suggests you seek out additional support and information gathering from the many online Bariatric and Weight Loss Surgery support groups that are out there on Social Media.
More on Weight Loss Surgery Procedures
Mr Whitelaw specialises in the treatment of gallstones and all the problems that gallstones cause. These include biliary colic (the very painful passing of gallstones down the bile duct), cholecystitis (inflammation & infection of the gallbladder), jaundice caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct and pancreatitis (extremely painful inflammation of the pancreas). Every case of complicated gallstones is different and he has a comprehensive approach with expertise in all the different techniques available to deal with these situations such as; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (keyhole gallbladder removal), Laparoscopic bile duct exploration for stone removal from the bile duct, Endoscopic bile duct exploration (ERCP) and occasionally Laparoscopic bile duct bypass for strictures caused by gallstones.