Weight loss surgery

The weight loss surgery service at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital was established in 1993 and has more than 30 years’ experience in providing specialist bariatric care.

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialist surgeons, dietitians, nurses, psychologists and other healthcare professionals who work together to support you throughout your treatment.

Please note that the Trust does not prescribe weight loss medications.

Referrals and eligibility

How to be referred

Your GP can refer you to our clinic through the NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS). You must meet the relevant NICE criteria for weight loss, or bariatric, surgery.

Contact us

For non-urgent enquiries:

E: chelwest.obesity.surgery@nhs.net

We normally respond within 72 hours.

Your bariatric surgery pathway

After your referral has been accepted, you will move through a number of stages to help the bariatric team understand your individual needs, prepare you for surgery and support you in making decisions about your treatment.

The average time on the pre-operative pathway is approximately 24 months. This can vary depending on your individual circumstances, including your attendance and engagement with appointments and groups, and whether you need any additional medical or surgical assessments or treatment.

  1. New bariatric assessment clinic: You will be invited to attend a multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic. During this appointment, you will meet members of the bariatric team, including a specialist bariatric nurse, dietitian and psychologist.

  2. Multidisciplinary team review: Following your clinic appointment, the team will review your individual needs and decide whether you need any additional medical or surgical assessments before continuing on your treatment pathway.

  3. Dietetic support and pre-optimisation: You will be invited to attend pre-optimisation groups and appointments with the dietetic team to help prepare you for surgery.

  4. Psychology assessment and support: You will also have appointments and other assessments with the psychology team as part of your preparation for surgery.

  5. Medical assessments: Depending on your individual needs, the team may arrange additional medical assessments or treatment before you can progress further along the pathway.

  6. Meet your surgical team: As you progress through the pathway, you will meet your surgical team. You will have the opportunity to discuss your treatment, the different surgical options available and any questions or concerns you may have.

  7. Multidisciplinary team review: Your progress will be reviewed by the multidisciplinary team as you move through the pathway and towards surgery.

  8. Pre-surgery group: Before your operation, you will be invited to attend a pre-surgery group session to help you prepare for your procedure and recovery. This usually takes place around four weeks before surgery.

  9. Pre-operative assessment: You will attend a pre-operative assessment to make sure you are ready for your operation and to complete the necessary checks before surgery.

  10. Bariatric surgery: Once you have completed the necessary stages of the pathway and the team is satisfied that you are ready to proceed, you will have your bariatric surgery.