Bariatric Surgery at Toronto General Hospital

Bariatric Surgery provides surgical treatment options for selected patients with severe obesity when lifestyle changes and other weight-management approaches have not provided sufficient results. Treatment involves specialist assessment, evaluation of medical conditions associated with obesity, surgical planning and long-term follow-up.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost varies according to the patient's medical condition, surgical procedure, pre-operative investigations, specialist consultations, hospital care, anesthesia, post-operative monitoring and follow-up requirements. A personalized cost estimate can be provided after specialist assessment.

Complete Description

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery refers to surgical procedures designed to help eligible patients achieve significant and sustained weight loss and improve obesity-related health conditions.

Common bariatric procedures may include:

• Gastric bypass

• Sleeve gastrectomy

• Other weight-loss procedures when clinically appropriate

The most appropriate procedure depends on the patient's health, weight history, medical conditions, previous treatments and surgical assessment.

Who May Need Bariatric Surgery?

Bariatric surgery may be considered for selected patients with severe obesity, particularly when obesity is affecting overall health or contributing to other medical conditions.

Assessment may consider:

• Body mass index

• Weight history

• Previous weight-management attempts

• Obesity-related medical conditions

• Nutritional status

• Overall health

• Surgical risks

• Patient's ability to follow long-term lifestyle recommendations

Eligibility is determined through specialist medical assessment.

Bariatric Surgery Assessment

Before surgery, patients may undergo a detailed assessment to determine whether bariatric treatment is appropriate.

Assessment may include:

• Medical history

• Weight and BMI assessment

• Previous weight-loss treatments

• Medication review

• Physical examination

• Nutritional assessment

• Psychological or behavioral assessment when appropriate

• Review of obesity-related medical conditions

• Pre-operative investigations

Obesity-Related Health Conditions

Severe obesity may be associated with various health conditions.

The surgical team may assess conditions such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Sleep apnea

• Cardiovascular disease

• Joint problems

• Fatty liver disease

• Gastroesophageal reflux

• Other obesity-related conditions

Management of these conditions may form part of the overall treatment plan.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass is a bariatric procedure that changes the digestive system to help reduce food intake and alter nutrient absorption.

The procedure may help eligible patients achieve significant weight loss and may improve certain obesity-related medical conditions.

Suitability depends on individual medical assessment.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy involves removing a substantial portion of the stomach to create a smaller stomach.

The procedure is intended to:

• Reduce stomach capacity

• Support reduced food intake

• Promote weight loss

• Potentially improve obesity-related health conditions

The suitability of sleeve gastrectomy depends on the patient's individual circumstances and specialist assessment.

Pre-Operative Bariatric Evaluation

Patients may require several assessments before bariatric surgery.

Pre-operative evaluation may include:

• Blood tests

• Nutritional assessment

• Medical evaluation

• Anesthesia assessment

• Imaging when clinically indicated

• Review of current medications

• Assessment of obesity-related conditions

• Other investigations when required

The exact evaluation depends on the patient's medical history and planned procedure.

Nutritional Assessment

Nutrition is an important component of bariatric surgery care.

Patients may receive guidance regarding:

• Pre-operative nutrition

• Portion sizes

• Protein intake

• Vitamins and minerals

• Hydration

• Post-operative dietary stages

• Long-term nutritional requirements

Nutritional requirements vary according to the surgical procedure and individual patient needs.

Weight-Loss Support

Bariatric surgery is generally part of a broader long-term weight-management program.

Long-term care may include:

• Dietary guidance

• Physical activity recommendations

• Weight monitoring

• Lifestyle support

• Nutritional supplementation

• Medical follow-up

• Management of obesity-related conditions

Following post-operative recommendations is important for achieving and maintaining treatment goals.

Post-Operative Bariatric Care

After surgery, patients require follow-up to monitor recovery and nutritional health.

Follow-up may include:

• Weight monitoring

• Dietary assessment

• Medication review

• Nutritional testing

• Vitamin and mineral monitoring

• Assessment of surgical recovery

• Management of potential complications

Bariatric Surgery Complication Management

As with any major surgical procedure, bariatric surgery may involve potential complications.

Specialist follow-up may evaluate concerns such as:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Digestive symptoms

• Dehydration

• Surgical complications

• Weight-related concerns

• Other post-operative issues

Patients should promptly report concerning symptoms to their healthcare team.

Revision Bariatric Surgery

Some patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery may require specialist assessment for persistent symptoms, complications, inadequate weight loss or other concerns.

Revision surgery is complex and requires detailed evaluation of:

• Previous procedure

• Current anatomy

• Medical history

• Weight-loss results

• Existing complications

• Nutritional status

• Overall health

A revision procedure is considered only when clinically appropriate.

Bariatric Surgery Second Opinion

Patients may seek a bariatric surgery second opinion regarding:

• Recommended bariatric procedure

• Surgical eligibility

• Choice of procedure

• Previous bariatric surgery

• Revision surgery

• Potential risks and benefits

• Post-operative treatment plans

Relevant medical records and previous surgical information can be reviewed by specialists.

International Patient Bariatric Surgery

International patients seeking bariatric surgery in Canada should provide relevant medical documentation whenever available.

Useful records may include:

• Medical history

• Weight history

• BMI information

• Previous weight-loss treatments

• Laboratory results

• Imaging reports

• Medication list

• Previous surgical records

• Reports related to obesity-associated conditions

• Current specialist recommendations

Complete documentation can help specialists evaluate the patient's condition and determine an appropriate treatment pathway.

Benefits of Specialized Bariatric Surgery

Specialized bariatric care may help:

• Evaluate severe obesity

• Assess eligibility for surgery

• Select an appropriate surgical procedure

• Address obesity-related medical conditions

• Develop individualized treatment plans

• Provide nutritional guidance

• Monitor post-operative recovery

• Identify potential complications

• Support long-term weight management

• Provide bariatric surgery second opinions

Why Choose Toronto General Hospital?

Toronto General Hospital is part of University Health Network in Toronto, Canada, and provides specialized surgical care through multidisciplinary teams.

Bariatric surgery involves collaboration between surgical specialists and other healthcare professionals according to the patient's individual needs. Comprehensive assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach for patients considering surgical weight management.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Bariatric surgery consultation

• Pre-operative assessment

• Laboratory testing

• Diagnostic imaging

• Nutritional assessment

• Anesthesia

• Surgical procedure

• Hospitalization

• Post-operative monitoring

• Nutritional follow-up

• Long-term follow-up care

A personalized cost estimate can be requested following specialist assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is bariatric surgery?

Bariatric surgery includes surgical procedures designed to help eligible patients achieve significant weight loss and improve certain obesity-related health conditions.

2. What types of bariatric surgery may be available?

Common procedures include gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. The appropriate procedure depends on the patient's medical condition, weight history and specialist assessment.

3. Is bariatric surgery suitable for everyone with obesity?

No. Bariatric surgery is considered only for selected patients after comprehensive medical assessment. Eligibility depends on factors such as BMI, health conditions, previous weight-management efforts and overall health.

4. Does bariatric surgery require long-term follow-up?

Yes. Long-term follow-up may include weight monitoring, nutritional assessment, dietary guidance, vitamin and mineral monitoring and management of obesity-related health conditions.

5. Can international patients request bariatric surgery in Canada?

International patients may request evaluation and treatment subject to the hospital's applicable international patient requirements, medical assessment and appointment availability.

Product Details

Product Name: Bariatric Surgery

Hospital: Toronto General Hospital

Brand: Toronto General Hospital

Country: Canada

Specialty: General & Complex Surgery

Service Type: Bariatric Surgery

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Subject to applicable eligibility and appointment requirements

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada