Our Program: Step-by-Step

Step 1

Do your research
We strongly encourage all our patients to thoroughly research bariatric and gastric banding surgery. A well-informed patient is more likely to achieve results that meet his or her hopes and expectations. Our goal is to provide you with the information required to ease the decision-making process. We hope that the information provided in this website helps you come to a decision with which you are comfortable.

Step 2

Contact Us
If you feel ready to discuss your options with us, we would love to speak with you. To request a free evaluation, contact us via this website or call 204-947-6842. Our bariatric surgical nurse coordinator will evaluate whether you are a candidate for the procedure, outline the costs of our program and answer any initial questions you may have.

Step 3

Surgical Consultation
One of our experienced surgeons will assess your suitability for Gastric Band Surgery, outline the surgical risks and answer any questions you may have about the procedure itself. Meet our Bariatric Surgeons and Program staff.

Step 4

Anesthetic Consultation
Modern anesthesia is extremely safe but surgery for obese patients presents special challenges for the anesthesiologist. Illnesses associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, can have serious implications for patients requiring surgery and anesthesia. Obesity-related changes in anatomy make airway management challenging. Anesthesiologists have to anticipate these difficulties and prepare for them accordingly. At this consultation, our anesthesiologist will outline the risks associated with your anesthetic and counsel patients regarding potential complications.

Step 5

Dietitian Consult
All patients are required to see one of our bariatric dietitians. This evaluation will cover your diet history and what you need to do to perioperatively. It is important to understand that pre- and post-operative dietary compliance is key to long-term success.

Step 6

Psychological Consult
All patients are required to be evaluated by a psychologist. This evaluation will outline the realities of the procedure and allow the psychologist to asses your expectations of the surgery itself. The psychologist will determine if you are capable and competent to comply with the postoperative regimen and life-style changes. Patients who are seeing another psychiatrist or psychologist are still required to undergo comprehensive bariatric surgical evaluation by our psychologist.

Step 7

Physical Fitness Assessment and Individual Program Design
Our exercise specialists will provide you with an assessment of your exercise abilities and create a safe exercise program that will combine strength and cardio exercises. Physical activity is an important component of successful long-term weight loss post-bariatric surgery. A consistent exercise program increases physical endurance before and after bariatric surgery and improves your ability to comply with post-operative medical treatment and healthy lifestyle changes. 

Step 8

Pre-operative Obstsructive Sleep Apnea Assessment
Obese patients are at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. The lingering sedative and respiratory depressant effects of general anesthesia can pose difficulty in sleep apneic patients. As a result, sleep apneic patients may require further monitoring post-operatively
 through one full natural sleep period. If you have not been previously assessed for sleep apnea and have sleep apnea symptoms, a sleep study will be arranged for you. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are being treated with a CPAP machine, bring it with you on the day of your surgery.

Step 9

Surgicial Procedure
Our nurse coordinator will make all the arrangements and provide all the details if you wish to proceed with the surgery. All pre and post-operative instructions will be provided at this time.

Step 10

Post-operative Course
Surgery is just the first step.. the initial tool to help you break that vicious cycle where weight gain leads to a progressively more sedentary life-style. The real work for you begins post-operatively. Although your weight-loss post-operatively is ultimately a solitary endeavour requiring dedication and commitment on your part to a healthier lifestyle, through continued contact with our dietitian, psychologist and exercise specialists, you are not alone… we will help you achieve your goals safely and with your best interests in mind.