Information for Patients

  • Mr Farid aims to see patients in as little as a few days and operated on in as little as two weeks.

    You can book online or by contacting his private medical secretary.

    • Via your GP — ask your GP to send a referral letter directly to Mr Farid's secretary

    • Self-referral — you're welcome to contact us directly without a GP referral if you'd prefer

    • Via your insurer — if you have private health insurance, contact your provider for a referral number before booking

    Once we receive your enquiry, you'll hear back within 24 hours.

  • Your first appointment with Mr Farid is a chance to talk through your symptoms, ask questions and understand your options.

    Consultations typically last around 20 minutes. Mr Farid will take time to understand your medical history, discuss any scans or test results you've already had, and explain clearly what the next steps might be.

    A few things to bring with you:

    • Any previous scan results or letters from your GP

    • A list of current medications

    • Your insurance details (if applicable)

    • Any questions you want to ask

  • Mr Farid sees private and insured patients.

    Self-pay Fixed-price packages are available for a range of procedures, estimate quotes can be provided upfront however, final quotes will be provided after your initial consultation. For a quote, please contact the secretary directly.

    Private health insurance Mr Farid is recognised by all major UK insurers including BUPA, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and Cigna. Please confirm your cover and obtain pre-authorisation from your insurer before your appointment.

  • Do I need a GP referral?

    No. While many patients come via their GP, you're welcome to self-refer and contact the practice directly.

    How quickly can I be seen?

    Most patients are offered an appointment within days. Where surgery is needed, Mr Farid's team works to ensure this is arranged as quickly as possible — often within two weeks.

    What conditions does Mr Farid treat?

    Mr Farid specialises in general, hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgery, covering conditions including hernias, gallstones and gallbladder disease, liver tumours and cysts, and complex abdominal surgery.

    Is my consultation confidential?

    Yes, completely. All consultations are conducted in strict confidence in line with GMC guidance and UK data protection law.

    What happens if surgery is recommended?

    Mr Farid will explain the procedure in full — what's involved, the risks and benefits, and what recovery looks like. Nothing will be booked without your informed consent.

    Can I bring someone with me?

    Yes. You're welcome to bring a family member or friend for support.

    Do you accept private health insurance?

    Yes. Mr Farid is recognised by all major UK insurers. Contact your insurer before your appointment to confirm your cover and obtain a pre-authorisation number.

An elderly woman smiling and looking at an elderly man in a cozy, warmly-lit room.

Find the right articles for you by clicking on the below categories

Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY

When to seek medical advice after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery

Laparoscopic (keyhole) gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed operations and, in the vast majority of cases, recovery is straightforward. Most patients go home the same day or the following morning and return to normal activities within a few weeks. However, like any operation, there is a small risk of complications. Knowing what is normal after surgery and when to seek medical advice can make recovery much less stressful.

Read More
Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY

Can stress cause gallstones?

It is a question I am asked more often than you might expect. Patients who have been diagnosed with gallstones frequently want to understand why and stress is often at the top of their list of suspects. Life has been difficult, work has been relentless, sleep has suffered. Could that really have contributed? The honest answer is: possibly, yes — though not always in the way people assume.

Read More
Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY

Weight-loss injections and gallstones: what you need to know

In recent months, I have seen a noticeable increase in patients attending clinic with gallstone symptoms after using weight-loss injections such as Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) and similar medications. These treatments can be highly effective for weight loss and diabetes control, but rapid weight loss itself is a well-recognised risk factor for gallstone disease.

Read More
Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY

After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: What to Expect

After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, most recover quickly, returning to normal activities in 1–2 weeks. Expect some incision soreness and temporary shoulder pain. Start with light, low-fat meals and follow your doctor’s advice. Watch for signs of complications and attend follow-up appointments.

Read More
Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY

Risks of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is generally safe but carries risks like shoulder pain, infection, bleeding, bile duct injury, blood clots, retained stones, and rarely, conversion to open surgery. Most patients recover well with minimal complications.

Read More
Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY Gallbladder ELEV8 AGENCY

Gallstones: An Overview

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain, nausea, or serious complications. While often symptomless, treatment may involve minimally invasive surgery to remove the gallbladder and restore normal bile flow.

Read More