Our History, Goals and Connections
The Bariatric Program at Windsor Regional Hospital began in September 2009 as an integrated surgical assessment program for the care of obese and morbidly obese patients. In the first year over 500 patients were assessed.
We collaborate with the Surgeons at Guelph General Hospital and the University Health Network in Toronto where the surgery is performed.
We are a centre that has established telemedicine links with northern Ontario to assist with assessment and follow-up in remote sites to enable patients to be closer to home, travel less and still meet their assessment goals.
Our Team
Our health care team consists of Endocrinologists, Nurses, Social Workers, Dietitians, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Physiotherapist and Administrative Clerks. The team meets weekly to plan programs offered, review cases, create education resources and ensure standards of care are being met.
Our Process
Each person who is thinking about having surgery must have a comprehensive assessment and screening completed by the interdisciplinary team before being accepted for surgery.
The criterion for surgery includes the following:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 40 and 60
- BMI above 35 if you have medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure
- Weight under 273 kilograms or 600 pounds
- Tried many diets
- Motivated and willing to make eating and lifestyle changes
- Psychologically and medically fit for surgery
- Must commit to post surgical follow-up for 5 years by the team
Your Role
If you are a candidate for surgery you must complete certain tests and come for many appointments to meet with members of the health care team. These appointments and tests are done to make sure you are safe and ready for surgery.
Some of the tests you may be scheduled for include:
You also attend 2 education classes. The first orientation class describes the Bariatric program and expectations that you need to meet. If you decide to have surgery you attend a surgical class that prepares you for surgery and the lifetime diet changes.
GUIDELINES:
Guidelines you must follow before surgery:
- Stop smoking 6 months before surgery
- 2 months before surgery:
- no caffeine
- no alcohol, beer or wine
- no carbonated beverages
- start taking multivitamin and mineral supplement
- 2 weeks before surgery;
- you follow a special diet
- you are given an education book to follow
Length of hospital stay:
- you stay in the hospital for a total of 3 days
Follow-up:
- In the first year after surgery, you are required to come to 4 to 6 appointments for comprehensive follow-up. This is very important to make sure that you are staying healthy and meeting your nutritional needs.
- You are seen once a year for 4 more years
Having bariatric surgery is not an easy decision. We believe in a person (patient/client) centered approach. Our focus is on helping each person take control of his or her life and making a commitment to a lifelong change in lifestyle.
Directions to Windsor Regional Hospital
1995 Lens Avenue
Windsor, ON N8W 1L9
Windsor Regional Hospital
WRH Bariatric Clinic:
1883 Turner Road
Windsor, ON N8W 3K2
Windsor Regional Hospital
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Programs and Services →All Departments→Bariatric Assessment and Treatment Centre