Bariatric surgery is an essential component of bariatric care in Ontario. Good Caring Canada has published a comprehensive guide to help you navigate bariatric care in Ontario.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Referral to Ontario Bariatric Network
- Ontario hospitals with shortest bariatric surgery wait times
- Ontario hospitals with longest bariatric surgery wait times
- How to interpret surgery wait times
Introduction
Bariatric surgery, also known as gastric bypass surgery, is a medical procedure designed to support weight loss in individuals who are severely obese and have not achieved significant weight loss through diet, exercise, or medication. This surgery is an option for those facing serious health risks due to obesity, including diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The goal of bariatric surgery is not only to help patients lose weight but also to improve or resolve obesity-related health conditions and enhance overall quality of life.
In Ontario, access to bariatric surgery is provided through the public healthcare system, with costs covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents. This ensures that patients can undergo surgery without facing the financial burden it might otherwise entail. The eligibility for bariatric surgery in Ontario typically requires patients to meet specific criteria, such as a body mass index (BMI) above a certain threshold and the completion of a medically supervised weight management program.
Patients considering bariatric surgery in Ontario are required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation process. This includes consultations with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including surgeons, dietitians, and psychologists, to assess the patient's health, nutritional status, and psychological readiness for surgery and post-operative lifestyle changes.
Bariatric surgery options in Ontario include various procedures, such as gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding. Each type of surgery has its specific mechanisms for facilitating weight loss, either by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold, reducing the absorption of nutrients, or both. The choice of procedure depends on the patient's health status, weight loss goals, and the surgeon's recommendation.
The surgery is typically performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy, which involves making small incisions and using specialized instruments. This approach generally leads to shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications than traditional open surgery.
After the surgery, patients enter a comprehensive post-operative care program, which is crucial for achieving successful long-term weight loss and health improvement. This includes regular follow-up appointments, nutritional counseling, physical activity recommendations, and support for making and maintaining lifestyle changes. Ontario's healthcare system provides ongoing support to bariatric surgery patients, helping them navigate the challenges of post-surgery life and maximize the benefits of their procedure.
Referral to Ontario Bariatric Network
Good Caring Canada has published a comprehensive guide to help you learn more about the Ontario Bariatric Network.
The Ontario Bariatric Network is a coordinated network established to manage bariatric care across the province of Ontario, Canada. Its primary aim is to improve access to and the delivery of bariatric services, including both surgical and non-surgical weight management strategies. The network operates under the guidance of Ontario Health, which is responsible for healthcare delivery and services in the province.
Patients are typically referred to the Ontario Bariatric Network by their primary care providers, and they undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment path.
Ontario hospitals with shortest bariatric surgery wait times
Below are three hospitals in Ontario with the shortest bariatric surgery wait times:
- 🥇 Michael Garron Hospital has the shortest wait time at 14 weeks for bariatric surgery in Ontario. 89% of patients receive their surgery within the established target time
- 🥈 St. Joseph's Health Care System Hamilton - Charlton Campus, with an average wait of 17 weeks for bariatric surgery, ranks second for the shortest wait times. 65% of patients receive treatment within the target time
- 🥉 University Health Network - Toronto Western Hospital , with an average wait of 21 weeks for bariatric surgery, ranks second for the shortest wait times. 73% of patients receive treatment within the target time
Ontario hospitals with longest bariatric surgery wait times
Below are three hospitals in Ontario with the longest bariatric surgery wait times:
- 🐌 The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus has the longest wait time at 34 weeks for bariatric surgery in Ontario. 36% of patients receive their surgery within the established target time
- 🐢 Guelph General Hospital, with an average wait of 29 weeks for bariatric surgery, ranks second for the longest wait times. 70% of patients receive treatment within the target time
- 🦥 Humber River Health - Wilson Site, with an average wait of 28 weeks for bariatric surgery, ranks second for the longest wait times. 80% of patients receive treatment within the target time
How to interpret wait times
Emergency cases (Priority 1) receive immediate attention and are not included in wait time data. Priority 1 patients are those who face a life-threatening situation if the surgery is not performed immediately.
Surgeons, specialists, and healthcare administrators establish priority levels 2, 3, and 4, along with target times, using clinical evidence to guide treatment decisions and enhance patient access and outcomes.
For the above chart, we only display wait times for Priority 4 because data for priority levels 2 and 3 is generally incomplete.
For surgery wait times, two wait periods are assessed:
- Time to the patient’s first surgical or specialist appointment: This measures the duration from the moment a surgeon, specialist, or central intake office receives the referral from the patient’s family doctor to the patient’s initial surgical or specialist appointment.
- Time from the decision for the surgery or procedure to its actual completion: This tracks the time from when the patient and surgeon jointly decide to proceed with the surgery to the surgery’s actual execution.
Data also excludes patients who did not proceed with the surgery or procedure after their initial consultation with a specialist.
Learn wait times for other medical procedures in Ontario:
