According to the Canadian Medical Association, more than 20% of all Ontario adult residents have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30. Weight gain is more than just a matter relating to the way someone looks; it is also a major health issue. For some individuals, obesity is killing them and without help, they will fall prey to many health issues such as Type II Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other co-morbidities.
Many people find that weight loss surgery is the only answer for losing the weight that they need to in order to become healthy. There is more than one type of weight loss surgery to consider and not everyone is a candidate for both. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 37% of all Canadian adults are overweight or obese.
RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery (Roux-En-Y)
Gastric bypass surgery is considered to be a permanent surgery because the process includes dividing the stomach into two parts surgically. After the division of the stomach, the surgeon installs a tube from the upper stomach to the lower stomach as a bypass or shortcut. This provides a way for the food to pass through without the body absorbing as many calories. The smaller stomach also helps to reduce the amount of food that the individual will be able to hold, minimizing the food intake.
Who is a Candidate?
Since gastric bypass surgery is a permanent surgery type, it is more suited for individuals that have significant weight gain and have the potential for severe health problems. The individual should be in good enough health to ensure safe passage through the surgery and they should have the support system in place to help them succeed with major life changes after the surgery.
Gastric Banding Surgery (Lap-Band)
The gastric banding surgery is similar to the gastric bypass surgery in that it divides the stomach, only with a less permanent solution. A synthetic band is put in place to divide the stomach effectively making it smaller and allowing it to hold less food. This causes the patient to feel fuller faster and stops them from continuing to eat.
The band is adjustable and is accessible by a lead that is placed outside of the body. The surgery is temporary and the band is removed when the desired amount of weight is lost.
Who is a Candidate?
Candidates for gastric banding surgery would need to be in fair health to withstand the surgery and be ready to make major life changes with proper diet and exercise. Results from the procedure can be dramatic but are only intended as a means of providing the patient with the opportunity to start with a clean slate. After bariatric surgery, they will need to be prepared for better eating habits and regular exercise to maintain their weight loss.
What to Expect After Surgery
There are a number of things that a patient should expect after the surgery has been completed. As in any surgery, patients should watch for signs of infection such as fever and illness. They should be prepared for some discomfort and should be ready to handle the upset of their stomach if they eat certain foods or eat more than their smaller stomach can handle.
This is a major adjustment and most patients should seek the advice of a nutritionist to set up a good diet that will work well with the new restrictions.
Individuals that have suffered from weight gain and an inability to lose weight may want to seek the advice of a professional in weight loss surgery to go over the options. There are a number of possibilities that could put them back on the right track for good health and help to regain control over their weight.
Weight Management and Bariatric Clinic
The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus
Maurice Grimes Lodge, 3rd Floor
1053 Carling Avenue
Ottawa ON K1Y 4E9
613-761-5101
Ottawa Weight Loss Center
Dr. Bishop
Suite 102, 1335 Carling Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8N8
613-761-8015
Slimband Clinic
1420 Blair Place, #104
Ottawa, ON K1J 9L8
800-298-0684
Dr. Bernstein Diet and Health Clinic
21 Kern Rd.
Toronto, ON M3B 1S9
1-888-372-3438