Bariatric Surgery
The Ontario government has improved access to treatment for Ontarians who are struggling with severe obesity by investing $75 million over the next three years to increase the provinces capacity for providing bariatric services; including surgery. St. Joseph's HealthCare Hamilton is a Centre of Excellence for this initiative and will provide up to 450 surgeries per year by 2012.High levels of obesity are leading to a rise in illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension and some cancers. Bariatric surgery has been proven to improve these conditions with weight loss.
Our comprehensive team consists of Surgeons, General Internal Medicine Physicians, Endocrinologist, Psychiatrist, Nurses, Social Worker, Dietitian, Clerks and other physicians as required. We accept patients through referral from a either a Family Physician or a Specialist (Link to the left has Referral form access).
Patients who are thinking about having surgery must have a thorough medical and psychological assessment and meet the following criteria:
- Meet the BMI criteria of greater than 35 with co-morbidities or greater than 40 and less than 50
- Have tried other weight loss programs
- Be motivated and willing to make eating and lifestyle changes
- Be willing to work with the multidisciplinary team
- Participate in long-term follow-up
- Have not had any previous weight loss surgical procedures
If you are a candidate for surgery you will be required to come to 4-6 appointments prior to surgery and will have regularly scheduled appointments after surgery.
Having Bariatric surgery is not an easy decision and requires a lifelong commitment to changes in eating habits and lifestyle. You play a vital role in ensuring the success of your surgery. It requires much preparation, many appointments before and after surgery, education, and long term changes to your diet and lifestyle.
Contact information for the program is below.
Bariatric Surgery Program
St. Joseph's HealthCare
50 Charlton Av. E.
Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6
Telephone: 905-522-1155 Ext. 33240
Fax: 905-521-6152
