HSN’s Surgical Weight Management Program provides individuals throughout northeastern Ontario with pre-operative and post-operative care. Bariatric surgeries are not performed in Sudbury however HSN partners with other surgical bariatric centres in Ontario to provide bariatric surgery. Participants are followed by a bariatric team that consists of a physician, nurses, dietitians, social workers, physiotherapist, medical secretaries, and a pharmacist. The program is designed to help participants maintain weight loss and a healthy lifestyle by changing behaviours throughout the surgical process.

Who is Eligible?

• A physician referral to the Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN)
• 18 years of age or older
• Body Mass Index  greater than or equal to 40
• Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 35 but less than 40. With at least one of the following comorbidities:
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus 
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on treatment

Once you have been referred to the OBN, you will be required to attend an orientation class. Initial assessments with the interdisciplinary team will then be scheduled to determine whether you are a suitable candidate to meet with a bariatric surgeon. The surgeon will ultimately decide whether you will have bariatric surgery, and if so which bariatric surgery is right for you.

For how long are patients followed for?

Follow-ups occur at 1, 3, 6 months, and1 year after surgery. Initial and 1 month post-operative group appointments are done in person at HSN. Ontario Telehealth Network (OTN) appointments are available for patients who live outside of Sudbury for their 3, 6 months, and 1 year post-operative visits.

What is cost of the program?

The surgical program including the bariatric surgery is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). Patients will have to pay for travel and accommodations however travel grants are available for patients who qualify.  

Following bariatric surgery patients will need to purchase vitamin and mineral supplements for the rest of their lives.

For information on the bariatric surgeries available throughout the OBN please click on the following link: http://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/our-programs/surgical-program#tabs-5

Resources

Gastric bypass book
Webcasts

HSN’s Medical Weight Management Program is a 26 week non-surgical (medically supervised) program designed to help participants achieve a healthier lifestyle and lose weight by changing behaviours. The program uses a 900 calorie meal replacement (Optifast®) for 12 weeks with a 5 week transition period back to food. Group classes offer support and provide education on healthy living, proper eating, and physical activity. Participants are followed by a bariatric team that consists of a physician, dietitian, social worker, medical secretaries, and a physiotherapist.  

Who is Eligible?

• A physician referral to the Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN)
• 18 years of age or older
• Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 35
• Body Mass Index greater than or equal to 30 but less than 35. With at least one of the following obesity-related health issues
  • Complicated Type 2 diabetes
  • Poorly controlled high blood pressure
  • Inter-cranial idiopathic hypertension

Once you have been referred to the OBN, you will be required to attend an information session. The bariatric centre will also ask you to receive medical clearance for exercise by your primary care provider. An initial assessment with the team will be then scheduled to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the program. 

What is the program commitment?

The total length of the program is 2 years. To be enrolled in the program, you must be able to attend weekly 60 minute group classes, for a 6 month period. After the 6 months, you will be encouraged to attend monthly support group for 5 months. You must also attend any scheduled appointments with the nurse practitioner, and attend medical appointments at 1 year and 2 years.

Participants in the program can attend group classes and medical appointments at the Bariatric Regional Assessment and Treatment Centre in Sudbury. Ontario Telehealth Network (OTN) options are offered on a limited basis in the Northeast region.

How much does the Optifast® cost?

The cost of the Optifast ® is approximately $930 for patients in the Sudbury groups and $930.00 plus shipping and handling for patients at OTN sites. This cost is not covered by private insurance plans, ODSP or OHIP.

Resources

How to Refer to the Ontario Bariatric Network

In order to refer a patient to the OBN, physicians must first register and log on to the OBN’s Online Referral Systems. Patients can only be referred to one of the programs.  http://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/referring-physicians 

Contact Us

Bariatric Regional Assessment & Treatment Centre                                    
Sudbury Outpatient Centre
865 Regent Street 
 Sudbury, ON
705-671-5611 

Related Links

http://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca