One of the questions many people ask about bariatric surgery at SmartShape™ is if weight loss surgery is permanent and if your results will last. In many cases, the answer is yes – you can expect your weight loss to be long-lasting and sustainable. But it’s important to follow healthy lifestyle and nutrition habits after surgery to maximize your weight loss results long-term.
Bariatric Surgery Options
We offer several types of bariatric surgery at our Toronto weight loss centre:
We also offer gastric sleeve surgery at OPMEDIC in Laval, QC.
Our experienced bariatric surgeons also perform revision surgery for some patients, depending on the type of surgery they initially had. Our surgeons typically perform either mini gastric bypass or gastric sleeve procedures for patients who undergo revision surgery to remove a Lap-Band. The Lap-Band procedure is an older weight loss surgery technique, but we can adjust Lap-Bands for patients who had their surgery at our SmartShape centre.
Today, the mini gastric bypass and gastric sleeve options are considered more advanced and effective techniques that offer sustainable, long-lasting weight loss. These two weight loss surgeries are the most popular techniques performed at SmartShape.
Is Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery Permanent?
A mini gastric bypass procedure can be reversed, but it requires an operation similar to the initial surgery. Surgeons perform the laparoscopically, meaning they insert a specialized device without having to make large incisions on the abdomen.
A mini-gastric bypass procedure involves 2 distinct parts. First, the surgeon separates approximately 25% of the stomach from the rest of the stomach. Second, the surgeon joins the remaining stomach section (the gastric pouch) to the small intestine. Bypassing most of the stomach and a portion of the small intestine reduces the absorption of a patient’s food intake.
A mini gastric bypass can help patients lose between 60 to 80% of their excess weight in the first year. Data also show long-term weight loss of 50% or more 10 years after the procedure.
Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Permanent?
Unlike the LAP-BAND® and mini gastric bypass surgery, surgeons cannot reverse a gastric sleeve procedure. The procedure, which is also performed laparoscopically, removes a significant portion of the stomach and creates a banana-shaped pouch, or sleeve, which holds much less food. This smaller pouch limits the amount of food a patient can eat. Removing a portion of the stomach reduces the body’s level of a hormone called ghrelin, commonly referred to as the “hunger hormone,” so the procedure also reduces a patient’s appetite.
Can You Regain Weight After Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is intended to help you achieve your weight loss goals permanently. Regaining a few pounds isn’t an issue as your body adjusts and changes over time, but to avoid significant weight gain after bariatric surgery it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes good eating habits and regular exercise. This is where SmartShape’s AfterCare Success team can help! Our clinician team of registered nurses and dietitians will offer customized support for 5 years after your surgery, so you can maintain your weight loss and learn healthy new habits.
Which Procedure Is Right for You?
If you’re considering bariatric surgery and want to learn more about your options, the best place to start is by requesting a consultation at SmartShape Weight Loss Centre using the online form or by calling us at (888) 278-7952 to schedule an appointment.