What should I bring to my first visit with a bariatric and laparoscopic surgeon?

Bring your ID, a list of every medicine you take with the doses, all previous blood tests, scans and endoscopy reports, and notes from any operations you have had. These save time at the consultation and may spare you repeating recent tests.

If you are asking about weight loss surgery, write down your current weight and height, your highest weight, the diets or medicines you have tried, and any long-term conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnoea or reflux.

If you are asking about a gallbladder, hernia or tumour, bring the ultrasound or CT scan and any biopsy or pathology report. It helps to bring a family member if the decision needs discussing.