The surgical treatment for obesity is called bariatric surgery. A surgical procedure (Roux en Y Gastric Bypass or Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy) is completed to help improve obesity related health conditions, quality of life and long-term weight maintenance. The surgical program offers medical, nutrition and physical activity education, counselling, behaviour modification and psychosocial (social work/psychologist) contact to prepare for life after surgery. Patients are prepared for surgery by attending a series of sessions that focus on physical and mental health and nutrition. Through these sessions, patients are invited to reflect on their readiness and willingness to make important lifestyle changes as needed to support living well with bariatric surgery.
Services are offered in person and virtually, some in person appointments required.
TBRHSC offers two types of bariatric surgery procedures:
Sleeve Gastrectomy – Here, surgeons will remove most of the stomach, leaving only a banana-sized vertical “sleeve” of it in place.
Gastric Bypass – A small stomach pouch is created using surgical staples, which allows food to bypass some of the small intestine.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Bariatric Surgery
How Does Bariatric Surgery Help with Health and Weight Management?
REDUCED VOLUME – Less food can be held in a smaller stomach. This includes smaller portions at eating occasions as well as overall reduced volume of food throughout the day.
INCREASED FULLNESS – With a smaller stomach you will also feel fuller faster. There is an increase in fullness/satiety hormones.
LESS HUNGER – You may feel less hungry – this is because you produce fewer hunger hormones. (This changes over time).
CHANGE IN NUTRITION ABSORPTION – The small intestine is where most absorption of nutrients happens. With the small intestine being moved during RNY surgery there is a change in how your body digests and absorbs nutrition, you will not absorb 100% of every calorie/nutrient you eat.
There is less of a change to nutrition absorption and digestion with sleeve gastrectomy as the small intestine remains the same before and after surgery. However because the stomach is made smaller there is some change to absorption.
Eligibility for Bariatric Surgery
Eligibility criteria for bariatric surgery include:
- 18 years of age and older
- Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40
- BMI greater than or equal to 35 but less than 40. With at least one of the following co-morbidities (as determined by your family doctor or nurse practitioner):
- Coronary heart disease
- Type II diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diagnosed sleep apnea
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Ineligibility for Bariatric Surgery
You may not be eligible for surgery if:
- You have a current (or within six months of referral) substance use disorder, alcohol or other substances
- You have had major (life threatening) cancer within the last two years
- You are living with untreated or impairing mental health conditions
Bariatric Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
After Bariatric Surgery
Following bariatric surgery, patients are provided continued medical, nutrition, physical activity and psychosocial support by the interdisciplinary health care team.
Support Group
Virtual support groups are facilitated by team members and are offered throughout the year. The support group is an opportunity for patients to gain peer support. The support group is available to patients before and after surgery. Call our clinic at 807-684-6058 for more information.
