Liver, Gastroenterology & Endoscopy

Yes. The consultation includes the ultrasound in the same visit, you will not be sent out to have a scan elsewhere and come back the next day. And the doctor performs and reads the scan himself with you in the room, rather than reading someone else's report.

For an abdominal ultrasound, yes: fast for six to eight hours beforehand; water is fine. It also helps to avoid fizzy drinks and bloating foods the day before so the images are clear.

The consultation assesses whether your case genuinely needs an endoscopy. Endoscopies are performed in an equipped centre, and the doctor will agree the next step with you if that is what your case requires.

Because "IBS" is sometimes a label applied early to symptoms that have another cause, H. pylori, a food intolerance, a gallbladder problem, or a thyroid disorder. A thorough consultation, with the tests or ultrasound that are needed, helps tell these causes apart.

If your complaint is in the stomach, bowel, liver or gallbladder, start here. If it is diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid or a general workup, start at general internal medicine.

Possibly, but low weight alone does not prove malabsorption. Persistent diarrhoea, greasy stool, pain or bloating, anaemia, nutrient deficiencies or unintentional loss make assessment more important. Do not remove major foods before review because that can alter some test results.

Do not begin by banning a long list. Record the food, amount, timing of bloating and bowel pattern, and consider constipation, eating speed and fizzy drinks. Weight loss, blood in stool, persistent vomiting, anaemia or severe pain needs assessment rather than a home elimination experiment.

Fibre, fluid, movement and routine may help, but suddenly increasing fibre can worsen bloating, and some cases need treatment or investigation. Blood in stool, vomiting, severe pain, swelling with no wind, or weight loss needs prompt assessment.