Information for New Patients

 

Thank you for your interest in the Weight Loss Surgery Program with the Minimally Invasive Surgery Group at the Humber River Regional Hospital.

Surgery for the treatment of morbid obesity is major surgery. The most important goal of these procedures is to improve your future health. We offer this kind of surgery only because the overall risk of surgery is less than the risk of living with severe obesity. Most patients benefit in numerous ways after this surgery, however the overriding goal is to allow our patients to live healthier and longer.

The decision to have surgery should be made after careful consideration of the the many advantages and the many potential problems that may occur. Your journey should begin with a frank discussion with your family physician or specialists. If he or she feels that you are a potential candidate for surgery, then a referral to our group can be made.

We highly recommend that you review the material on this website before coming for your consultation. Write down any questions that you have to ensure that they are answered during your initial interview.

Where to Begin

 

For patients who are potential candidates, we offer the gastric bypass and gastric banding procedures. We will also perform sleeve gastrectomy when indicated as well as revisional surgery for patients who have have had previous weight loss surgery. All procedures are performed laparoscopically.

In order to be considered for weight loss surgery, we require the following:

• Please ensure that you meet eligibility criteria here.
• All patients require a medical referral from your family doctor or specialist. Please have the referral faxed to our office at (416) 782-5899.
• Please carefully read through the information on this website
• Complete and fax or mail a Patient Questionnaire

Once we have received your medical referral and questionnaire, you will be given an appointment for a consultation with one of the bariatric surgeons.

What Happens Next

 

If you have already determined that your preference is for gastric banding, then we suggest that you call the office directly at 416 782-2616 and we will schedule an early appointment. Please understand that this procedure is no covered by provincial health insurance and patients are required to pay the full cost.

Once we have received your completed questionnaire and medical referral you will be given an appointment for an initial consultation with a surgeon. If weight loss surgery is your best option, then arrangements will be made for a consultation with a social worker, dietitian and medical internist where your pre-operative evaluations will continue. Once you have had these appointments, a second visit will be scheduled with your surgeon when the final decision to proceed or not will be made.