Download your procedure booklet
What are you looking for?
Thank you for booking your surgical procedure with Streamline. You have now taken the first steps towards a healthier you!
Meet your pre-surgery coordinator
My name is Vickie, I’m your pre-surgery coordinator, and I’m here to walk you through your treatment journey.
If you are having weight loss surgery, we really want you to get the most out of this procedure and achieve the best possible weight loss outcomes. If you are planning to have gallbladder removal surgery or a hernia repair, our aim is to get you pain free as soon as possible.
We have found that one of the best ways to help you get the most from your planned surgery is through education and preparation beforehand.
We have put together these pages to ensure you have access to all the information you need, prior to your surgery, so you can focus on the most important part of this process – you.
Before your surgery
Your procedure information booklet
Following your initial consultation with your surgeon an email was sent to you with a copy of your clinic letter and Procedure Booklet (PDF document). The aim of this document is not only to provide you with information about your procedure, but also to give you a detailed step-by-step guide on your treatment journey with us. Please keep your Procedure Booklet safe, as you may be instructed to refer to it if you have any questions.
If you do not have a digital copy, you can download one above.
Getting your consent
We cannot operate on you without your informed consent.
For you to give informed consent we need you to have a good understanding of the operation you are going to have, the benefits of your procedure, the possible side effects, plus the potential risks and complications.
You will receive a secure, procedure specific, online consent form from us. This document is detailed and highlights some of the potential risks and complications of surgery. You must read this document, complete, sign and submit this to us.
We cannot conduct your procedure if we do not have a signed copy of your consent. If you haven’t received an online link or need some assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me on the details below.
Paying for your surgery
You will receive an invoice for your planned surgery, and we do require a minimum deposit payment of £500 upon receipt. We are unable to reserve your procedure date or offer any pre-surgery appointments until a deposit payment has been made.
If your treatment is covered in full or in part by your health insurer, we do need funding approval before we can offer you a date. Any shortfall in funding is your responsibility, please ensure you have the relevant documentation to support your insurance claim.
Any outstanding balance must be settled before your procedure date, at least 20 days prior. Failure to make a full settlement within this timescale will result in the cancellation of your planned surgery.
To make payment, simply call or email our finance team at finance.office@streamline-surgical.com or, call us on 0333 016 2929.
Pre-surgery appointments
In preparation of your planned procedure, we will need you to undertake several video consultations, plus attend your treating hospital for a pre-assessment appointment. It is really important you attend all pre-surgery appointments otherwise we will be unable to proceed with your planned procedure.
Details about your video appointments will be sent to you via email or from our patient management system, known as ‘ClinicYou’.
Please note your invitation link for these appointments will come through at your appointment time and not in advance, so be sure to look out for this e-mail or text at the time of your appointment.
Weight loss surgery
If you are having a weight loss procedure, you will need to have video consultations with the following clinical specialists who will help you to prepare for surgery, plus assess your suitability:
Nurse specialist assessment
During this video call one of our nurses will start to help you prepare for your planned procedure. We will cover your current and previous medical history, plus focus on any specific care requirements.
Dietician specialist assessment
This appointment will give you the opportunity to meet your dedicated dietician who will support you throughout your weight loss journey with us. During this initial assessment they will cover the pre-operative diet, plus explain about your dietary requirements post-surgery including the need for vitamin and mineral supplements. Recipes suitable for bariatric patients can be downloaded at the top of this page.
Psychology specialist assessment
To help you mentally prepare for surgery, you will engage with one of our consultant psychologists. During this video call you will be provided with practical support and advice to support your weight loss journey.
Gallbladder removal and Hernia repairs
If you are planning to have a gallbladder removal or hernia repair, you will need to engage with one of our nurse specialists before attending your treating hospital for a pre-assessment appointment.
Pre-existing conditions
Some of our patients may have pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnoea. It is important that you ensure your conditions are well controlled in the run up to your surgery. If you are not sure of the current status of any pre-existing condition, please contact your GP or specialist.
Hospital pre-assessment
All patients
Approximately two weeks before your surgery, you will need to attend a pre-assessment appointment at your treating hospital, where they will conduct a number of pre-surgery tests. These tests will be individualised and based on your own medical history but will certainly include blood tests. It is really important you attend this appointment as we need to ensure you are fit and well enough to proceed with your planned surgery.
Please be aware this pre-assessment appointment will need to take place at your treating hospital and cannot be arranged at any other location.
Depending on your tests results you may be required to attend a second follow-up appointment prior surgery at the treating hospital.
This appointment will be arranged directly by the hospital staff themselves, and if you haven’t heard from the hospital within 2 weeks of procedure date, please contact me on the details below.
The pre-operative diet
Weight loss patients only
Generally, all patients will be required to undergo a 14-day pre-operative diet, unless otherwise instructed by your treating surgeon. This diet is vital in order to help reduce the size of your liver allowing for a safer procedure. Detailed information on the various pre-operative diets are set out in your Procedure Booklet. We would recommend you take the necessary time to review this pre-operative diet information and plan well in advance of your start date.
If you are having gallbladder removal and your body mass index is 35 or above, you will be required to complete a pre-operative diet as outlined in your procedure booklet.
Making plans on the day
Getting to the hospital, what to take, and what to expect
As we get closer to your procedure date, you will start to receive information about your hospital admission time and where to go on the day of surgery. Normally, the local hospital administration team will be in contact to confirm these final details.
Within your procedure booklet, we have provided additional information on your procedure, what to expect on the day, your initial recovery and discharge from hospital.
What to bring with you
What to bring
- Slippers or comfortable shoes
- Comfortable nightwear and a dressing gown
- Personal toiletries
- All current medication*
- Phone, charger and other personal belongings
- Loose fitting clothing
- Any X-Ray and blood test results that you may have
- CPAP machine if used for sleep apnoea
*including homeopathic and herbal medicines in original packaging and labels, please also bring sufficient medication to last throughout your anticipated length of stay
Other
- Book, magazine or other belongings to pass the time
What NOT to bring
- Tight-fitting clothing
- Personal towels, the hospital will be equipped with these
- Remove all nail varnish, extensions and cosmetics
- Please do not bring any valuables
Please note
You may be required to remove any jewellery and body piercings and suggest these are kept safely at home.
If you are unsure on items to bring for your procedure, please contact Vickie.
Discharge from hospital
Getting home from hospital
You will be discharged from hospital with some medication, which you should take as prescribed. Generally, you are provided with two weeks worth of these medications. A discharge letter from your surgeon will be sent to your GP, with a copy to you, which will include a list of any medications your treating surgeon feels you should continue to take beyond two weeks.
It is important that you make plans to have someone to collect you from the hospital following your discharge
You cannot drive yourself.
Out of hours assistance
Medical advice line
Once you have been discharged from hospital, if you need assistance or advice you can contact our Medical Advice Line on 0845 838 5516.
If your call is not answered immediately, please do leave a message and we will return your call as soon as we can.
Please note this should not be used in cases of clinical emergencies.
Emergency Assistance
We always recommend that if you require urgent out of hours medical assistance that you go to your nearest local hospital A&E department. This way, we can be sure you are getting the most appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
Aftercare
Prior to your surgery, we will arrange any immediate post-surgery appointments for you. A couple of weeks after you are discharged from hospital, my colleagues within the Aftercare team will start to look after you. Reena and Sarah, will book all follow up appointments for you, in line with your aftercare package.
Additional support
Within your procedure booklet we have tried to cover as much information regarding your planned procedure. However, if you have any queries or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact Vickie.
