At SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre, gastric sleeve surgery has helped thousands of people from across Canada experience significant and sustained weight loss. We offer the gastric sleeve at our Toronto and Laval locations to help patients from Ontario, Québec, British Columbia, Alberta, the Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland), and throughout Canada. Our primary goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident and informed decision when determining if a gastric sleeve procedure is right for you.
Request a free consultation to meet with our team to discuss your needs and learn if the gastric sleeve procedure is right for you.
What Is a Gastric Sleeve Procedure?
The gastric sleeve procedure is performed laparoscopically in about 60 to 90 minutes. The surgery involves removing a portion of the stomach, leaving a small sleeve or tube of the stomach behind. This revised stomach is about the size and shape of a banana.
How Does a Gastric Sleeve Work?
The gastric sleeve procedure is so effective for sustained weight loss for the following reasons:
You feel satisfied with smaller portions of food. When you eat, the small sleeve or pouch of the stomach that’s left behind fills with each bite of food, signalling to the brain that you are full. Because the stomach is smaller, your brain thinks you have eaten a larger portion of food than you actually have.
Your hunger level is reduced. The surgery removes the main part of the stomach that produces a hunger hormone called ghrelin, helping you to go longer between meals.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
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.
Our Patients' Success Will Inspire You
Sara's Story
"I was ready to change my life for the better!"
I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I was overweight as a child and never really grew out of it. I was always the "chubby girl" in school and carried this into high school and university. I lost weight before starting post-secondary school through intense calorie restriction and exercise but unfortunately packed it all back on (and more!) with the stress of studying… Read On
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. You may achieve some additional successes, including improved:
Overall health
Mobility
Confidence
Quality of life
Sleep patterns
Appearance
Energy levels
Does OHIP Cover Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Patients must qualify to have weight loss surgery covered by OHIP. Those who qualify do not have a choice of procedure; most receive the gastric bypass procedure if they use OHIP to cover their weight loss surgery. Learn more in this blog post.
How Much Does Gastric Sleeve Surgery Cost in Canada?
A variety of factors go into the cost of weight loss surgery at SmartShape. Please visit our Procedure Cost page and review this blog post to learn more.
Are You a Candidate for Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
If you think 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:
You are at least 18 years of age
Your BMI is 30 or higher with weight-related comorbidities or your BMI is 35+
You’re prepared to alter your eating and lifestyle habits
You prefer a procedure that requires minimal ongoing intervention
You abstain from excessive alcohol and illegal drug consumption
At SmartShape Weight Loss Centre, we also offer mini gastric bypass weight loss surgery. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your weight loss surgery options with you.
Smartshape Serves Patients From All Over Canada and Beyond
SmartShape welcomes out-of-town patients from other provinces and outside of Canada.
Out-of-province patients may be eligible for funding from their home province’s health plan. We serve patients from cities across Canada, including Calgary, Mississauga, Winnipeg, and Vancouver. Please contact the health department in your home province to see if you qualify and, if so, for what amount/elements of your procedure because coverage varies between provinces.
Patients from outside of Canada are served by our dedicated International Patient program. Contact us directly for more details by calling
(888) 278-7952 to speak with one of our Program Advisors in this area.
In an effort to reduce the need to travel, we have adapted our follow-up programs to meet the needs of our out-of-province and long-distance clients.
Post-Weight Loss Body Contouring: The Final Touch for Your New Physique
After your weight loss, you’ll feel healthier and more confident. Removing loose skin with body contouring surgery can take your confidence to the next level! Post-weight loss body contouring surgery removes excess skin on the arms, legs, abdomen, and breasts to help you fully enjoy your new, slimmer shape. Learn how we can help.
The gastric sleeve procedure is performed at our Clearpoint Surgical Toronto location. After surgery, you will be monitored overnight in our facility and discharged the next day. If needed, 24/7 after-hours support and a follow-up consultation with your surgeon are available. After leaving the facility, most patients are able to return to their normal activities in about 7 to 10 days.
Here is a general schedule for post-op care:
Day 1 – stay in the hospital overnight
Days 2-10 – stay home from work to recover
Weeks 1-2 – meet with your nurse and dietitian in person or virtually
Month 1 – attend post-weight loss webinar
Months 1-3 – meet with your dietitian and nurse
Month 6 – meet with your nurse for follow-up tests
Months 6-9 – continue meeting with your dietitian
Year 1 – meet with your nurse for follow-up blood work
Years 2-5 – continue meeting with your nurse and dietitian and have follow-up blood work
Years 5+ – blood work will be completed with your family physician
FAQs About the Gastric Sleeve Procedure at SmartShape
Will I feel pain after gastric sleeve surgery?
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 stays, faster recovery, and reduced risks of infection.
During the first week after the procedure, expect to 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.
Do I need to follow a special diet in the weeks immediately following the procedure?
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 rush the process of increasing your food intake. Always continue to follow the diet that has been provided to you.
What happens if I eat solid food after getting a gastric sleeve?
After surgery, the stomach needs time to heal because it contracts to digest solid food. Eating solid food too soon can cause problems like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain and can even rupture the staples resulting in leaking (fluids leak from the stomach into the abdominal cavity).
Can I resume physical activity after the gastric sleeve procedure?
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 2 weeks.
Can I lose 100% of my excess weight with a gastric sleeve?
On average, gastric sleeve patients lose up to 70% of their excess weight—usually within the first year.
How long does it last? Can the gastric sleeve procedure be undone?
This procedure permanently alters the stomach and 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 are not changed with the gastric sleeve procedure.
How does the gastric sleeve affect type 2 diabetes?
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.
Is it safe to become pregnant after having had the gastric sleeve procedure?
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.
Can you drink alcohol after gastric sleeve surgery?
The effects of drinking alcohol vary between patients and are not the same as before surgery. Because of the possible risks, patients should communicate with the dietitians and medical providers who are part of their 5-Year Aftercare Success Program before drinking alcohol. Learn more in this blog post.
Can I get a gastric sleeve after getting a gastric bypass?
Gastric bypass patients who are experiencing serious complications may have the option of gastric sleeve surgery as a revision procedure. The safety and benefits of this option would need to be explored at a consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons.
Can I still gain weight after getting this weight loss surgery?
It is possible to regain the weight lost after bariatric surgery. To avoid significant weight gain, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes consistent exercise and a healthy diet.
For more information about SmartShape Weight Loss Centre and weight loss surgery, visit our FAQs page. We encourage you to book a free consultation using our online form. At your consultation, we can discuss your specific needs and address any questions you may have so you can determine if the gastric sleeve is your best option.
