Bariatric surgery is the only proven long-term weight loss treatment. More than 95% of people with obesity can’t lose and keep off more than 10 lbs., even in the best of scenarios. You are not alone, and the good news is that we are here to help.

For substantial and lasting weight loss, bariatric surgery combined with expert guidance in obesity management (i.e. diet, psychology, exercise) and the newest medications gives the single best chance at achieving your goals.

Let us provide an overview of bariatric surgery as a first step in making an informed decision.

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, today, remains the most effective treatment to achieve sustainable weight loss and resolves major health diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea within days. In addition, patients often lose 25-40% of their body weight.

Because of this, surgery is recognized as one of the three pillars of obesity treatment as identified in the Canadian Adult Obesity Guidelines, alongside medications and psychological treatment1.

Bariatric surgery is one of the most common procedures performed in the world and has an excellent safety profile on par with many other common procedures, such as gallbladder or appendix surgery.

Types Of Bariatric Surgery: A Brief Overview

There are several types of bariatric surgery available in Canada, each designed to support significant and sustainable weight loss. While some procedures involve rerouting the digestive system, others focus on reducing the size of the stomach to help patients feel full sooner and eat smaller portions.

At MyLife Bariatrics, the focus is on two proven, restrictive procedures: gastric sleeve surgery and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).

Gastric sleeve surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure that removes approximately 75 to 80 percent of the stomach, creating a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits food intake and helps reduce hunger hormones, supporting long-term weight loss.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical, incision-free procedure performed using an endoscope. Sutures are placed inside the stomach to reduce its size without removing any portion of it. ESG may be an option for individuals who qualify for a less invasive approach to weight loss.

Both procedures are designed to help patients achieve meaningful weight loss while improving overall health. The right choice depends on your medical history, body mass index, and personal goals, which your bariatric team will review with you during a consultation.

Bariatric Surgery As A Preferred Route For Long-Term Health And Weight Loss

Surgery is seen as a safe alternative that can offer, on average, 50-60% of excess weight loss within 1-2 years. It also resolves many weight-related health conditions, including diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure (60-80%, 60-65%,60-80% reductions, respectively). In addition, it can lower your risk of death, cancer and heart disease.

Beyond the direct health benefits, weight loss of this magnitude opens doors to other surgeries that patients may have been waiting for, including joint surgery, hernia surgery and gynecologic surgery.

Weight loss of this kind also makes it easier to remain active and do the many things we enjoy in life. We know that achieving a better quality of life is just as important as extending one’s quantity of life.

Surgery is seen as a safe pillar of therapy that can offer on average 50-60% of excess weight loss within 1-2 years and the resolution of many weight-related health conditions

Deciding On Bariatric Surgery: Your Next Steps

Before deciding to undergo bariatric surgery, it is important to better understand the risks and benefits of surgery. You also need to balance those against the health implications of living with obesity.

Remember, at MyLife Bariatrics, our surgeons are dedicated to helping you make the right choice. You may be better cared for at a regional hospital-based program vs. an out-of-hospital setting like ours. We will guide you in the right direction.

This part of the decision process for most patients is harder than it needs to be. We are here to help.

Let MyLife Bariatrics be part of your journey every step of the way. Contact us to learn more. You can also visit mylifebariatrics.com and follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

Related: Preparing For Gastric Sleeve Surgery In 5 Steps