The struggle is real. Now you may be wondering if you are a candidate for bariatric surgery. Diets, gym memberships, medications and weight loss programs can work for some people. But for others, the weight returns, along with the frustration.
Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It is a medical tool designed to support long-term, sustainable weight loss when other methods have not worked. At MyLife Bariatrics, our team of weight loss experts in Toronto works closely with patients to determine whether surgery is the right next step and which option best fits their goals.
Understanding if you qualify starts with a few key medical and lifestyle factors. As bariatric surgeons, our team at MyLife Bariatrics has helped many patients with their weight loss journey through gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgeries.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into what you need in order to qualify for bariatric surgery and the different types that may be right for you.
What Makes You A Candidate For Bariatric Surgery?
In general, you may be a candidate for bariatric surgery if:
- Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or higher
- You have struggled with long-term weight management despite serious efforts
- You are committed to making lasting lifestyle changes
Your BMI is not the only factor. Overall health, medical history, eating habits, and readiness for change all matter. Bariatric surgery works best when patients understand that it is a tool, not a replacement for healthy behaviours.
What If I Have Tried Everything And Nothing Works?
This is one of the most common concerns. Many patients feel they have failed because traditional weight loss methods have not led to lasting results.
The reality is that obesity is a complex medical condition.
Hormones, metabolism, genetics, and gut signals all play a role. After repeated dieting, your body may resist further weight loss by slowing metabolism and increasing hunger signals.
Bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery work by reducing stomach size and influencing hunger hormones. This can help patients feel full sooner and stay satisfied longer.
It’s not about willpower. It is about changing the physiology that makes long-term weight loss so difficult.
Types Of Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery
If you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, the next step is understanding the different procedures available. While several types of bariatric weight loss surgery exist in Canada, MyLife Bariatrics focuses primarily on gastric sleeve surgery and Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG).
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric sleeve surgery, also known as sleeve gastrectomy, removes approximately 60 to 80 percent of the stomach. The remaining portion is shaped into a narrow tube.
This procedure:
- Restricts how much food you can eat
- Reduces hunger hormones such as ghrelin and increases GLP-1 and GIP
- Supports significant long-term weight loss
It is the most common bariatric procedure globally. It does not involve rerouting the intestines. It also has a strong track record for improving conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and weight.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
ESG is a newer, less invasive option. Instead of removing part of the stomach, sutures are placed endoscopically to reduce stomach volume. Patients are under general anesthestic throughout the procedure, the same as sleeve surgery.
Key benefits include:
- No external incisions
- Shorter recovery time
- Reduced stomach capacity
ESG may be suitable for individuals with lower BMIs or those seeking a less invasive approach. It can also be an option for patients who do not qualify for traditional surgery but still need medical support for weight loss.
Are There Reasons Someone Would Not Qualify?
Yes. Not everyone is automatically a candidate for bariatric surgery.
You may not qualify if:
- You have an untreated eating disorder
- You have uncontrolled substance use issues
- You experience severe gastro-esophageal reflux despite medical therapy
- Certain medical risks or extensive abdominal surgery can make surgery unsafe
That said, many barriers can be addressed. For example, patients may work with healthcare providers to stabilize medical or psychological conditions before moving forward.
The goal is not to exclude people. It is to ensure surgery is safe and likely to succeed.
What Is The Evaluation Process Like?
At MyLife Bariatrics, the evaluation process is thorough but supportive. It typically includes:
- A detailed surgical review by Drs. Dennis, Ari and Karim
- BMI and health assessment
- Discussion of previous weight loss attempts
- Education about procedure options
- Review of expectations and lifestyle changes
- Meeting with our Anesthesiologist and/or Internist
You will have the opportunity to ask all the questions you desire and discuss your concerns.
Surgery is a partnership. Our medical team wants to ensure you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
Common Questions About Being A Candidate
Am I Too Old For Bariatric Surgery?
There is no strict upper age limit. Health status matters more than age. Many adults in their 60s successfully undergo bariatric procedures after careful medical evaluation.
Will I Have To Follow A Special Diet Forever?
Not really.
After surgery, your eating habits will change. In the early weeks, you will follow a structured progression from liquids to soft foods to solid meals.
Long-term, you will focus on:
- Eating all types of food with some modifications – Variety is the key to success!
- High-protein meals
- Smaller portion sizes
- Limited sugar and processed foods
These changes support weight loss and protect your health.
How Much Weight Can I Expect To Lose?
Results vary depending on the procedure and individual factors. With gastric sleeve surgery, patients often lose 60 to 70 percent of excess body weight over time. ESG may result in slightly lower, but still meaningful, weight loss.
Your care team will help you set realistic expectations.
Will My Health Conditions Improve?
Many obesity-related conditions improve significantly after bariatric surgery. Some patients experience:
- Better blood sugar control
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved sleep
- Reduced joint pain
While surgery is not a guaranteed cure, it can create powerful metabolic changes that support better overall health.
How Weight Loss Experts In Toronto at MyLife Bariatrics Can Help You Decide
Choosing whether to move forward with surgery is a personal decision. Working with our experienced weight loss surgeons in Toronto ensures you receive individualized guidance based on your health, goals, and lifestyle.
At MyLife Bariatrics, the focus is on:
- Education and informed decision-making
- Minimally invasive techniques when appropriate
- Ongoing support before and after surgery
- Long-term success, not just short-term results
If you are questioning whether you are a candidate for bariatric surgery, the best next step is a consultation. You do not have to figure it out alone.
Are You A Candidate For Bariatric Surgery? Take The Next Step
If your weight is affecting your health, mobility, or quality of life, exploring whether you are a candidate for bariatric surgery may be worth considering. Procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery and ESG offer effective tools for long-term weight management.
Understanding your options is empowering. With the right medical guidance, clear expectations, and ongoing support, bariatric surgery can be part of a structured plan to improve your health and confidence.
The first step is simply asking the question. Book a consultation with the MyLife Bariatrics team and start your weight loss journey.
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