Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You will be fully asleep under general anesthesia during the procedure. This ensures you're comfortable and feel no discomfort while the surgery is performed.

The duration of the surgery varies for each individual. With a highly experienced bariatric surgeon, the surgery itself often takes less than 30 minutes. When considering the time needed to administer anesthesia before the surgery and for you to comfortably awaken afterward, the total time spent in the operating room is typically between 45 to 60 minutes.

Gastric sleeve surgery is designed to be a permanent solution for weight loss and improved health. During the procedure, a significant portion of the stomach is removed, including the stretchy part that allows for expansion, so the surgery is not reversible in the traditional sense. In rare and unusual circumstances, it can be converted to another type of weight loss procedure, such as gastric bypass or duodenal switch, but those situations are exceedingly uncommon.

In gastric sleeve surgery, the stretchy part of the stomach is removed to form a smaller, sleeve-like shape. This new, smaller stomach, about the size of a small banana, lets you feel full after eating less food. The surgery also removes the part of your stomach that produces ghrelin, the hunger hormone, significantly reducing hunger and cravings.

The surgery is done laparoscopically, which means we make a few small incisions in your abdomen and use slender instruments and a special camera to carry out the procedure. This minimally invasive approach is less invasive and helps with a quicker recovery.

When performed by experienced medical professionals, the gastric sleeve procedure is considered quite safe. In fact, it carries a lower complication rate than other common surgeries like gallbladder removal and hip replacement. The risks associated with gastric sleeve surgery are generally far less than the risks associated with obesity and its related health conditions.

Recovery from this surgery is generally swift. Most patients are able to go back to work about a week after the procedure, although some may need up to two weeks depending on how they feel. Recovery is usually more about managing fatigue and adjusting mentally than dealing with pain or bed rest. Patients are typically up and moving within hours after surgery, and some can even handle light remote work a few days later.

The gastric sleeve and gastric bypass are both effective surgical weight loss procedures, but they differ in approach and overall impact on your body. The gastric sleeve removes the stretchy part of the stomach to form a smaller, tube-like shape, which limits food intake and reduces ghrelin production without altering the digestive tract. Gastric bypass is a more complex procedure that reduces stomach size and reroutes the intestines, which can also affect nutrient absorption. The choice between them depends on the patient's individual health profile.

The portion of the stomach that is removed during surgery is sent to a laboratory for a detailed examination under a microscope by a pathologist.

Yes. Since you'll be eating less, it's important to ensure you're still getting all the essential micronutrients. Think of it as an insurance policy for your health. The regimen is quite straightforward. Most patients take a bariatric multivitamin in the morning and two or three calcium chews with vitamin D in the afternoon.

Absolutely. Dining out can still be part of your social life after bariatric surgery. Our expert dietitians will guide you at every step, so whether you're going to a five-star restaurant or meeting friends at a local coffee shop, you can continue to enjoy ordering off the menu.

Some, but not all, patients may have excess skin after surgery. Whether this occurs depends on factors including the patient's weight before surgery, the amount of excess weight loss, age, and genetics. For patients with concerns, plastic surgery after the gastric sleeve can be a highly effective option. We typically recommend waiting 12 to 18 months from surgery to ensure weight has stabilized.

There aren't strict dietary restrictions after surgery, but you will need to adjust how you eat because your stomach will be significantly smaller. We'll guide you on how to make the most of this new, smaller stomach by prioritizing protein over other foods. The aim is not to keep you on a restrictive diet, but to help you eat normally and take control of your relationship with food.

You'll likely begin to lose weight shortly after surgery, with the most noticeable drop in the first few weeks and months. Generally, patients lose about 50% of their excess weight within the first six months, depending on how much they weighed before surgery. The total weight loss journey typically spans 12 to 18 months, and it's not uncommon for patients to lose between 15 to 30 pounds within the first few weeks after surgery.

Gastric sleeve surgery has been shown to be highly effective in helping patients achieve significant and lasting weight loss, as well as improvements in overall health and quality of life. On average, patients can expect to lose between 60 to 70% of their excess body weight within the first year following surgery. This transformational weight loss can lead to a reduction or even complete resolution of many obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. Long-term studies have shown that most patients are able to maintain a substantial portion of their weight loss over time, especially with strong aftercare support.

The surgery is performed laparoscopically and typically involves 5 tiny incisions. Four of these incisions are about 5 mm, roughly the width of a pea. One of the incisions is approximately 15 mm, which is still less than the width of a loonie.

Yes. Most people see dramatic improvements in obesity-related health conditions after surgery. Conditions like diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome, joint pain, and urinary incontinence often improve significantly and, in many cases, may even resolve completely.

Gastric sleeve surgery has been shown to provide numerous long-term benefits, including significant improvements in overall health and quality of life. Many obesity-related conditions can be greatly reduced or even resolved following the procedure. A small percentage of patients may develop heartburn after surgery, which can usually be managed effectively with antacids. Some patients may also require ongoing supplementation of certain vitamins and micronutrients to maintain optimal health. These considerations are generally minor and can be managed with support from your healthcare team.

Yes, you can have children after surgery. It is best to wait until your weight has stabilized and your body is receiving adequate nutrients to support both you and your baby's development. Current guidelines suggest waiting 12 to 18 months after surgery before trying to conceive.

Your gastric sleeve surgery will be performed in a private, state-of-the-art surgical facility in Toronto, Ontario. The facility is fully accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, and our expert surgical team uses leading devices, technology, and equipment to ensure your safety throughout the procedure.

You can return to the gym whenever you feel physically ready. Many patients begin light cardio exercises like brisk walking within the first week after surgery. By the end of the first week, activities such as jogging and biking can usually be added. We generally recommend waiting about 6 weeks before starting any strength training with weights.

The surgical staples used during the operation are small titanium staples that stay in your body permanently without causing health issues. They are safe and do not interfere with MRI scans or airport security systems. Within about a week after surgery, scar tissue forms around the staples, making them effectively undetectable during an abdominal exam.