How to Choose the Right Bariatric Surgeon

Choosing to undergo weight loss surgery is a life-changing decision, and selecting the right bariatric surgeon is just as important as choosing the right procedure. With many surgeons offering weight loss surgery across the UK, knowing what to look for can help you feel confident in your choice.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the best bariatric surgeon for your journey.

Treatments We Offer

At Tonic Surgery we offer a wide variety of bariatric surgeries:

Gastric Band

Gastric Bypass

Gastric Revisional Surgery

Gastric Sleeve

Mini Gastric Bypass

Treatments

1. Verify Qualifications and Experience

Your surgeon should be highly qualified, with extensive experience in bariatric surgery. When researching potential surgeons, consider:

GMC Registration – Ensure the surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) and is on the specialist register for general surgery.
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) – This professional qualification signifies a high level of surgical expertise.
Experience in Bariatric Surgery – Look for a surgeon who has performed a significant number of procedures, such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric banding.
Training in Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery – Many bariatric surgeons have specialised training in upper GI surgery, ensuring expertise in managing complex cases.

At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, our world-class bariatric surgeons, including Mr Simon Dexter, Dr Sherif Awad, and Mr Shamsi El-Hasani, have decades of experience and thousands of successful surgeries under their belts.

2. Look for Membership in Professional Organisations

A reputable bariatric surgeon will be affiliated with recognised organisations that ensure they stay updated with the latest surgical techniques and best practices. Look for memberships in:

British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS)
Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons (AUGIS)
International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO)

These memberships indicate a commitment to high standards and continuous professional development.

3. Assess Their Surgical Outcomes and Safety Record

Understanding a surgeon’s success rates and complication rates is crucial in making an informed choice. Ask potential surgeons about:

Expected weight loss results for each procedure
Complication rates, including mortality and leak rates
Steps taken to prevent complications and ensure safety

At Tonic, our surgeons, such as Mr Simon Dexter, have some of the lowest complication rates in the UK, ensuring patient safety remains a top priority.

4. Consider the Aftercare Programme

Bariatric surgery is just one part of your weight loss journey—comprehensive aftercare is essential for long-term success. When choosing a surgeon, make sure they provide:

Nutritional guidance – A dietitian to help with meal planning and supplement requirements.
Fitness support – Personal trainers to assist with post-surgery exercise plans.
Medical follow-ups – Regular check-ins to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Tonic Weight Loss Surgery offers a market-leading aftercare programme, ensuring patients receive lifelong support for sustained weight loss and better health.

5. Ensure the Hospital or Clinic Meets High Standards

The quality of the facility where your surgery takes place matters. Check for:

CQC Accreditation – In the UK, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates healthcare providers to ensure high standards.
Specialist Bariatric Equipment – Hospitals should be equipped with larger beds, appropriate surgical tools, and trained staff to cater to bariatric patients.
Emergency Support – Ensure your surgeon and clinic have robust emergency protocols in place.

6. Read Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Hearing from past patients can provide valuable insight into a surgeon’s expertise and patient care. Look for:

5-star reviews on independent platforms
Patient stories detailing their experience and results
Before and after photos showcasing real transformations

Tonic’s surgeons have received hundreds of 5-star reviews, with patients highlighting their professionalism, care, and life-changing results.

7. Choose a Surgeon Who Makes You Feel Comfortable

Your bariatric surgeon should be approachable, supportive, and willing to answer any questions you have. Look for:

Clear communication – Your surgeon should explain procedures, risks, and expectations in a way that is easy to understand.
A compassionate approach – Weight loss surgery is a personal journey, and you should feel heard and supported.
A dedicated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) – Surgeons should work alongside dietitians, psychologists, and fitness experts to provide holistic care.

Hi I'm Simon Dexter

I'm a specialist in laparoscopic and oesophago-gastric surgery.

Mr Simon Dexter believes that patient safety and quality of life are key goals amidst the changing face of upper GI surgery. These goals are reflected in his teaching and clinical practice.

Mr Dexter has been involved in laparoscopic surgery since its inception in the UK in 1990 and was the UK’s first laparoscopic surgery research fellow. His advanced surgical training took him through Leeds General Infirmary, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA, and the National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo.

Mr Dexter specialises in laparoscopic and oesophago-gastric surgery, and he has a particular interest in laparoscopic obesity surgery, both primary and revisional. Mr Dexter has performed over 1,000 laparoscopic gastric bypass, gastric band, sleeve gastrectomy and duodenal switch procedures. He also regularly undertakes hernia repair and colonoscopy procedures.

He has taught and mentored consultant surgeons across the UK in these techniques and is on the training committee of BOMSS, with responsibility for development of training programmes for UK surgeons. Mr Dexter’s complication rate is one of the lowest in the country for bariatric surgery.

Hi I'm Sherif Awad

I'm a specialist in laparoscopic (keyhole), upper gastrointestinal and bariatric (weight loss) surgery.

Sherif Awad is Consultant Laparoscopic Obesity & Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon. He qualified from the University of St Andrews (BMedSci) and University of Manchester (MBChB Hons), undertook his PhD at University of Nottingham and completed his surgical training in Manchester, the East-Midlands and London.

Sherif’s NHS post is based at Royal Derby Hospital, University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust and has worked with Tonic for the past 10 years. Sherif holds/has held numerous high profile and leadership roles including Trustee of British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS, Nov 22-Present), Council Member & Professional Educational Lead on BOMSS (Sept 20 – June 24), Service Lead of East-Midlands Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (EMBMI) at Royal Derby Hospital (2016-2021) and Honorary Associate Professor at University of Nottingham (2014-2021). Sherif has a passion for teaching and runs the Royal College of Surgeons of England approved senior Bariatric Surgery Fellowship at EMBMI (which teaches senior trainees to become Consultant Bariatric Surgeons).

To date Sherif has performed over 6000 surgical procedures that include over 2500 bariatric surgery procedures. Sherif is passionate about the care he provides to patients and has over 700 5-star reviews from his private patients. His clinical outcomes, protocols, patient letters and information sheets are exemplary. Sherif is recognised internationally as an expert speaker on improving bariatric surgery pathways and safety.

Click here to watch an interview with a patient of Sherif Awad with a BMI of 90.

Hi I'm Mr Shamsi El-Hasani

Consultant Bariatric Surgeon

Mr El-Hasani has specialised for the past 32 years in upper gastrointestinal, gallbladder hernia and weight loss procedures.

For the last 32 years Mr El Hasani has mainly specialised in upper gastrointestinal, gall bladder, hernia and weight loss surgery. Mr El-Hasani has long and structured training in laparoscopic/keyhole approach to surgery.

Mr El-Hasani began Private Bariatric surgical services in the year 2000 and currently he is the Director for this service. So far, he has performed in excess of ;1600 laparoscopic gastric bands, 800 laparoscopic gastric bypass, 200 endoscopic insertion of gastric balloon. Also, he performs regularly laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and undertakes the management of revisional bariatric surgery.

Mr El-Hasani is closely involved in the surgical management of type 2 diabetes, and he has recent international publication in this field.

Speak to a member of our team Online

Start Your Weight Loss Journey with Tonic

Choosing the right bariatric surgeon is a crucial part of your weight loss journey. At Tonic Weight Loss Surgery, we are committed to providing the highest standards of care, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Take the first step towards a healthier, happier future by booking a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our expert bariatric surgeons. Contact Tonic Weight Loss Surgery today to learn more about your options and start your transformation journey.

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