Tell me, What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery, is a surgical procedure designed to help individuals with obesity achieve significant and sustained weight loss while also improving their overall health and quality of life.

Today, most, if not all bariatric surgery is performed via small incisions, or laparoscopically and most patients go home the same day or the next.  

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In Canada, candidates for bariatric surgery typically include individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher or a BMI of 35 or higher with obesity-related health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.

The most recent guidelines from the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity (IFSO) however now recommends that surgical weight loss therapy should be considered an option for patients with a BMI 30 or higher if they have associated obesity-related health conditions or BMI 35 or higher alone¹. 

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It was once believed that bariatric surgery solely was involved in changing the digestive system to limit the amount of food that can be consumed or absorbed.

Today, however, we understand that a much more impactful change is underway, with these procedures altering key brain processes that govern our appetite and metabolism.

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Today, however, we understand that a much more impactful change is underway, with these procedures altering key brain processes that govern our appetite and metabolism

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Changing the biologic drivers that affect hunger (including GLP-1, Ghrelin and Leptin) and their impact on the brain has been shown to lead to many more beneficial changes in one’s body leading to better sugar control, lower fat deposits in blood vessels and of course, weight loss².

Types of bariatric surgeries offered in Canada include Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery, Sleeve Gastrectomy surgery, Mini-Bypass surgery and Single/Double Duodenal Switch Surgery.

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Leveraging our best understanding of bariatric surgery today, combined with medications and psychological therapies and supported by healthy food and lifestyle choices is the secret to the care offered at MyLife Bariatrics.

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MyLife Bariatrics is one of the only places where you will have access to all of these therapies.

Ask our team of surgeons how the interplay of all these factors can lead to life-changing results for you.

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Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts about types of bariatric surgery, common myths, key components of quick recovery and the impact of bariatric surgery on fertility and pregnancy among many exciting topics!

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