Is gastric sleeve surgery reversible?

No, a gastric sleeve is a permanent, non-reversible procedure because a portion of the stomach is physically removed. However, it is highly effective and can be converted to other procedures, such as a gastric bypass, if medically necessary later in life.

How does the gastric sleeve help with weight loss?

It works in two primary ways: Restriction, by physically limiting how much you can eat before feeling full, and Hormonal Change, by removing the part of the stomach that produces Ghrelin (the “hunger hormone”). This combination helps patients lose weight while significantly reducing the constant urge to eat.

What exactly is a gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)?

A gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a surgical weight loss procedure that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by approximately 75-80%. The surgeon removes the outer portion of the stomach, leaving a narrow, sleeve-shaped tube about the size of a banana. This limits food capacity and reduces hunger-inducing hormones.

How much weight can I expect to lose with a gastric sleeve?

On average, patients lose between 60% to 70% of their excess body weight within the first 12 to 18 months following surgery. Success depends on following the nutritional guidelines and lifestyle recommendations provided by our clinical team in Toronto.

How long does the gastric sleeve procedure take?

The surgery itself typically takes between 45 to 90 minutes. It is performed under general anesthesia using laparoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques, which involves small incisions, less pain, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Bariatric Surgery or Weight Loss Medication: The Right Choice

October 29, 2025

Bariatric Surgery vs Weight Loss Medications: Which Path Is Right for You?

Diet & Nutrition • Post Operative Care

Deciding between weight loss medications like Contrave or Ozempic and bariatric surgery is a big step toward lasting health. Each path has its own benefits, costs and long-term considerations, making it important to choose the option that truly fits your goals. This guide will help you compare effectiveness, affordability, candidacy and support so you can move forward with confidence.

When it comes to achieving lasting weight loss, many people in Ontario find themselves comparing weight loss medications like Contrave, Ozempic, Saxenda or Mounjaro with surgery options such as bariatric surgery. Both approaches can support transformation, but they work very differently. Choosing the right path matters, not just for short-term results, but also for your long-term health, well-being and confidence.

At The Sleeve Clinic, we know this decision isn’t easy. Our goal is to provide clear, compassionate guidance so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your health goals and lifestyle.

A man sits at home, concerned as he considers weight loss options between medications and bariatric surgery.

Effectiveness: Medications vs Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss medications, including Contrave, Ozempic, Saxenda and Mounjaro, are designed to suppress appetite, influence metabolism or change how your body processes food. For some patients, these medications provide moderate weight loss. However, results can vary widely and weight often returns if the medication is stopped.

Bariatric surgery, particularly gastric sleeve surgery, consistently delivers more significant and sustained weight loss compared to medications. By reducing stomach size and changing hunger hormones, surgery addresses both physical and hormonal drivers of weight, helping patients achieve durable results that last.

A woman looks uncertain as she researches the effectiveness of weight loss medications vs bariatric surgery on her laptop

Cost Considerations

It’s natural to look at cost when weighing your options:

Medications: Drugs like Ozempic and Saxenda may seem more affordable upfront, but they require ongoing monthly expenses. Over years, these costs add up.
Surgery: While bariatric surgery involves a higher one-time upfront cost, many patients find it offers greater long-term value by reducing ongoing expenses of medication and improving obesity-related health conditions.

Think of it as the difference between renting and owning: medication is a recurring payment, while surgery is an investment in your future.

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

One of the biggest differences between surgery and medications is durability.

With medications, results depend heavily on continued use plus lifestyle changes. Stopping the medication often leads to weight regain.
With surgery, patients typically experience lasting weight loss, especially when paired with healthy habits and aftercare support.

Who Is a Candidate?

Not everyone is a candidate for bariatric surgery. Key factors include:

BMI and weight history
Other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnea

Medications may be a good fit for those not ready or eligible for surgery, or for patients seeking a less invasive first step.

The Sleeve Clinic Advantage: Support at Every Step

At The Sleeve Clinic, we believe support is just as important as the treatment itself. Our Aftercare Program is designed to help you:

Navigate the decision between surgery and medication
Build confidence before surgery
Stay on track for long-term success after your procedure

This ongoing guidance ensures you never feel alone, whether you’re exploring medications or preparing for surgery.

A smiling doctor on a video call provides aftercare support to a gastric sleeve surgery patient.

Choosing the Path That’s Right for You

Deciding between Contrave, Ozempic, Saxenda, Mounjaro or gastric sleeve surgery is deeply personal. Both paths can play a role in weight management, but surgery often delivers more transformative, long-term outcomes.

If you’re ready to explore whether bariatric surgery is right for you, contact The Sleeve Clinic today to speak to our Program Advisor. Together, we’ll discuss your goals, health needs and the path that best supports your journey.

Dr. Scott Gmora, Bariatric Surgeon, MD FRCSC FACS

Dr. Scott Gmora is a double board-certified weight loss surgeon. He is a bariatric surgeon at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, the designated lead Bariatric Centre of Excellence in the province. Dr. Gmora is also an Associate Professor of surgery at McMaster University where he serves a senior faculty member training future bariatric surgeons. He is the proud founder of The Sleeve Clinic which provides private, out-of-hospital gastric sleeve surgery to Canadians struggling with obesity.