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SmartShape™ has helped thousands of Canadians (from areas such as Toronto, Mississauga, and throughout Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta) experience significant and sustained weight loss with modern weight loss procedures, such as the gastric sleeve. Our primary goal is to ensure that you have all the information you need to make a confident and informed decision when determining if a gastric sleeve is right for you.
Below, we provide a comprehensive overview of the gastric sleeve procedure, so you can learn how it can help you achieve significant and sustained weight loss.
For more information about SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre and weight loss surgery, visit our FAQs page.
We encourage you to connect with us for a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and address any questions that you may have, so you can find out if the gastric sleeve is your best option.
The gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically and involves removing a portion of the stomach leaving a small sleeve or tube of stomach behind. This small tube of stomach is about the size and shape of a banana.
The gastric sleeve procedure works in two ways. One, is that when you eat, the small sleeve or pouch of stomach that’s left behind fills with each bite of food. Filling of that part of the stomach sends signals to the brain and your brain thinks you have eaten a larger portion of food than you actually have. As a result, you feel satisfied and comfortable with smaller portions of food. The second reason the gastric sleeve is so effective for sustained weight loss is that it removes the part of the stomach that produces a hunger hormone called Ghrelin.
Most gastric sleeve patients are ready to return to their daily activities, including work, within about 10 days. Strenuous activity can be resumed as directed in about 3 to 4 weeks. After an overnight stay in the hospital, patients are allowed to return home to recover. If needed, 24/7 after-hours support and a follow-up consultation with your surgeon are available. Learn more about post-op care.
Studies have shown that on average, a patient will lose up to 70% of their excess weight and that most of that loss will occur in the first year. Our SmartShape™ weight loss coaches will work closely with you to help you set and achieve your goals, both on and off the scale. Some additional successes you may achieve include improved:
The gastric sleeve procedure may be the right solution if you:
The gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically which is a surgical technique where only small incisions are made. Laparoscopic surgery is a low-risk, minimally invasive technique with many benefits including smaller surgical scars, less pain, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and reduced risks of infection.
During the first week after the procedure, you will feel some pain. The discomfort is usually restricted to the laparoscopic port sites and can be managed with oral pain medication. You may also experience mild “gas pain” that settles in a couple of days. Your doctor will give you instructions regarding pain management.
Following the procedure, you will be on a liquid-only diet. After a few days, you will be ready to begin trying some thicker liquids. The SmartShape team will explain when and how to increase the consistency of the food you eat during the first few weeks. You will likely be on solid food 3 to 4 weeks after your procedure. It is important you do not to rush the process of increasing your food intake. Always continue to follow the diet that has been provided to you.
We recommend that you start walking up to 30 minutes per day as soon as you are able. However, strenuous exercise is not recommended until 3 to 4 weeks after your procedure. We recommend that you do not lift more than 10 to 15 pounds for at least two weeks.
No, this procedure cannot be reversed. However, the part of the stomach that is removed does not affect the overall function of the stomach. Digestion and absorption of nutrients is not changed with the gastric sleeve procedure.
Bariatric surgery has emerged as an innovative alternative option in the management of Type 2 diabetes. Many 5-year studies are showing that the gastric sleeve, as well as other bariatric surgeries, showing that bariatric surgery leads to a profound and durable resolution of Type 2 diabetes.
These procedures can result in sustained body weight loss and significant improvement in obesity-related comorbidities. Surgical weight loss procedures are recognized by Diabetes Canada to lead to significant and sustained weight loss and remission of Type 2 diabetes.
Yes, it is safe to become pregnant after receiving the gastric sleeve procedure, although it is wise to wait a number of months. In addition, losing weight improves your fertility and makes pregnancy safer for both you and the baby.
Please visit our Cost & Financing page to learn more about the cost of a gastric sleeve procedure at SmartShape.
Yes, SmartShape welcomes out-of-town and out-of-province patients. The gastric sleeve procedure is performed at our Clearpoint Surgical Centre Toronto. After surgery, you will be monitored overnight in our facility and will be discharged the next day. Once you leave the facility, most patients are able to return to their normal activities in about 7-10 days.
Out-of-province patients may be eligible for funding from your home province health plan. Please contact your home province health department to see if you qualify, and if so, for what amount/elements of your procedure. (Coverage varies by province)
British Columbia – http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries-organizations/ministries/health
Alberta – http://www.health.alberta.ca/
Saskatchewan – https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/ministries/health
Manitoba – http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/
Quebec – http://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/en/outils/email.php
New Brunswick – http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health.html
Nova Scotia – https://novascotia.ca/dhw/
Prince Edward Island – https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/health-and-wellness
Newfoundland & Labrador – http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/Clearpoint Surgical Centre Toronto
Yes, SmartShape is able to accommodate International clients through our dedicated International Patient program. Please contact SmartShape directly for more details, by calling (888) 278-7952 to speak with one of our Program Advisors in this area.
The SmartShape Weight Loss Centre is happy to offer free consultations about our advanced weight loss procedures with a surgeon for patients from across Canada.
If you think that the gastric sleeve option is right for you, it’s important to find out if you meet the requirements for this procedure.
A gastric sleeve might be right for you if:
If you live outside of Ontario in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan — or even beyond Canada’s borders, SmartShape Weight Loss Centre welcomes you for surgery in Toronto. As a Bariatric Center of Excellence, our team of world-class surgeons and multi-disciplinary support staff, comprehensive offering of procedures, state-of-the-art surgical centre, and reputation for success attract men and women from across Canada and the United States who are ready for a lasting solution to obesity.
SmartShape has a multidisciplinary team of bariatric specialists who provide support for 5 years after surgery. Together, we help people achieve lasting weight loss and renewed quality of life. We serve patients from throughout Canada and Ontario, including Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Burlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and Niagara.
