Obesity is a significant health concern across Canada. According to a report by the Ottawa Hospital Weight Management Clinic, 15–19% of adults in British Columbia are obese, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
Individuals facing moderate or severe obesity often undertake extensive efforts to manage their weight through various diet and exercise plans and supplements. However, these conventional methods are often unsuccessful for many. Consequently, they may be exposed to severe health risks, illnesses, and complex diseases associated with their weight.
For these individuals, metabolic and bariatric surgery with Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC) offers viable medical options. While weight-loss surgery is not suitable for everyone, it can be highly effective for many patients. The crucial first step is determining the most appropriate type of procedure for the individual. The same report indicates that 20–30% of bariatric surgery patients achieve their total weight-loss goals within 2 years.
Obesity in British Columbia
Mexico Bariatric Center’s Procedures
– Gastric Banding Surgery
One of the oldest methods of weight-loss surgery is gastric banding. This is the process that divides the stomach into two parts with the help of a synthetic band. The band is adjustable and accessible through a cord that runs through the body to the outside.
By dividing the stomach into two parts, the patient can eat only a limited amount of food and certain types. The body will, therefore, begin to lose weight because of these two factors.
Gastric Banding (Lap-Band) is an outdated procedure.
– Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is a restrictive bariatric procedure that offers a rapid and long-term solution for obesity. This procedure works by removing a large portion of the stomach without changing the anatomy. The Gastric sleeve surgery shifts the body’s metabolic thermostat, reduces the hunger hormones, and limits the amount of food you can eat.
Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure is performed laparoscopically using 3-5 small incisions in the abdomen under general anesthesia. There are a variety of health benefits, such as reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea, as well as prolonging your life. Patients can expect to lose more than 72% of their excess weight in the first 12 months.
Who is a Candidate?
Patients who have tried other weight loss methods without success and who are in fair condition to withstand the surgery are good candidates for gastric sleeve surgery. They should be prepared for the changes they will need to make after the procedure to achieve success. This type of surgery is permanent, and the individual will need to change their approach to eating and exercise to keep the weight off.
– Gastric Bypass Surgery
The gastric bypass surgery is a permanent surgery that also divides the stomach into two parts, but by surgical methods. Once the division of the stomach takes place, the bariatric surgeon connects the upper stomach that has been created with the lower intestines. This is the bypass, a shortcut between the two that leaves no time for the body to absorb most of the calories in the food. The lack of calorie absorption and the smaller stomach will provide for weight loss.
Who is a Candidate?
Patients who are morbidly obese and who have tried other methods to lose weight are likely to be good candidates for the surgery. They should be physically able to withstand the surgery and they should be ready to change their habits of eating. The individuals should be carefully monitored to ensure they can handle the situation. Gastric bypass surgery is permanent and the candidate should be ready to deal with the outcome.
What to Expect After Surgery
All surgery should be carefully considered before attempting it, and weight-loss surgery is no different. You should understand that after the surgery, you may feel discomfort and pain in the area of the surgery. In addition, you will want to watch for fever or ill feelings to make sure you do not have an infection. The patient may experience some difficulty adjusting to the changes in food and the amount that they can take in.
You may need to completely adjust how you view food, and learn the basics of nutrition. With a small stomach, you want to make sure that you are only putting healthy items in so that your body can benefit from the nutrition.
Weight loss surgery has helped many people regain control of their bodies. You should make time to meet with one or two professionals in the Vancouver area to discuss what the surgery entails and whether you are a good candidate or not, and so that you can decide which type of surgery might be best for you.
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a vibrant, multicultural, western coastal city in British Columbia (B.C.). It’s strategically located on the west coast, bordered by the Burrard Inlet (BI), which serves as a major seaport facilitating trade with Asia and Europe. The Lions Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge, connects the city’s downtown core to the North Shore, including the municipalities of North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
The city’s spectacular natural setting—with mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west—is a defining characteristic. This location has a profound influence on its climate, culture, and economy.
The land that is now Vancouver has been the unceded ancestral territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations (Indigenous tribes) for over 4,000 years. The city and surrounding regions sit on land that was never formally ceded to the Crown, a fact that is central to Vancouver’s modern identity and political discussions.
The modern city grew rapidly following the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1887, quickly becoming a key port connecting Canada’s interior resources to the Pacific trade routes.
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most densely populated cities, known for its high-rise residential towers and commitment to dense, livable neighbourhoods. While the 2016 census showed over 600,000 people in the city and over 2,400,000 in the greater area, the most recent 2021 census data confirmed that the City of Vancouver population is 662,248, and the Greater Vancouver (Metro Vancouver) area surpassed 2.6 million people.
Vancouver is famous for its cultural diversity, with over 50% of its residents speaking a language other than English as their first language. The significant investment in real estate by global (including Chinese) investors has led to a severe housing affordability crisis. The local government has imposed various measures, such as a Foreign Buyer Tax and a Speculation and Vacancy Tax, to keep housing affordable for residents.
Vancouver Convention Center is a large, green-designed convention center on the waterfront located in the downtown area. It consists of the East and West Buildings at Canada Place, totaling 43,340 m² (466,500 ft²). The art gallery exhibits Canadian and international artists.
BC Place Stadium, a multi-purpose stadium with an air-supported roof, is home to the Lions football team and the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team. The Vancouver Monorail SkyTrain metropolitan rail system is fully automated, with no driver on board.
The Telus World of Science (TWOS) in Vancouver, built for Expo 86, is a dome structure that hosts a science center. It has 766 triangles and 391 lights that are scheduled to change color based on the event of the day/week.
Vancouverites are a friendly bunch and love outdoor activities. Best places to visit include Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Cleveland Dam, Capilano Salmon Hatchery, Capilano River, Granville Island Public Market, Gastown, Whistler …
The Capilano Suspension Bridge, suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River, is the third-frightening bridge in the world after the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and the Hongyagu Scenic Area glass bridge in China. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is bouncy and is always full of visitors.
The Fraser River, named after Simon Fraser, rising from the Rocky Mountains, joins the Thompson River to flow into the Strait of Georgia at the city of Vancouver. The Fraser River is the longest in British Columbia, flowing for 1,375 kilometers before it reaches Vancouver. Fraser River, Salmon Arm in the Shuswap Country, is a breeding ground for millions of salmon that eventually swim out to the ocean.
Hell’s Gate is an abrupt narrowing of the Fraser River, named after explorer Simon Fraser, who called it “awesome gorge” in his journal in 1808. This narrow passage, located downstream of Boston Bar in the southern Fraser Canyon, has become a delightful tourist attraction.
Vancouver is often cited for the healthy lifestyle of its residents. With an adult obesity rate of 17.4% (significantly lower than the national average), it is indeed one of the least obese cities in Canada, reflecting the general fitness and outdoor culture of B.C. (along with cities like Kelowna and Victoria).
Victoria, BC
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the flower-filled capital of British Columbia (BC) with British colonial roots, seafront parks, and ocean adventures. Victoria has a rich Victorian architectural heritage, including the Fairmont Empress Hotel, the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, and the stately Craigdarroch Castle.
Iconic Butchart Gardens, with 55 acres of floral display gardens, was created by Jennie Butchart in the depleted limestone quarry her husband had extracted. Located in the Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Butchart Gardens, with statuary, water features, and a carousel, is one of the most popular tourist sites in the greater Victoria region.
Bariatric Centers for Vancouver
– Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC)
855-768-7247
Contact Mexico Bariatric Center to see if gastric sleeve surgery is the right option for you!
– False Creek Healthcare Center
6th Floor – 555 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C. Canada V5Z 1C6
800-815-9338
www.falsecreekhealthcare.com
– Smartshape Weight Loss Centre
555 West 8th Ave., 6th Floor
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C6
1-888-278-7952
www.obesitysurgery.ca
– Pysimed Medical Center
6363 Trans-Canada Highway
Saint Laurent, Canada H4T 1Z9
1-866-263-4414
www.weightlosssurgery.ca