Get the Right Care

Bariatric Surgery in Manitoba

Many people struggle with different diets and exercise regimes for years, and unfortunately some of them never achieve their weight-loss goals.

If weight management has been a long-term challenge for you, it’s easy to understand how undergoing weight-loss surgery could be the best decision you ever make for your health and well being.

There are several bariatric surgery options at your disposal such as a gastric bypass or gastric band surgery, and they can bring about the kind of transformational weight loss you need to change the long-term course of your health.

For anyone who wants to take control of their life and make obesity part of their past, the right bariatric surgery is your springboard to a healthy future.

Obesity in Manitoba

Obesity is a growing problem in many places, and Winnipeg, MB is no exception. A large and growing segment of the adult population in Winnipeg - and throughout Manitoba - are considered obese. In 2019, in the 35-49 age group, 29.6% of people self-reported a body mass index in the obese range, and that proportion increases to 31.2% of people in the 50-64 age range.

This increasing trend puts many people at risk, as their chances of developing health problems like type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, add up over time. In fact, obese people are anywhere from twice to four times as likely to face these potentially life-threatening health problems than people with a healthy weight.

In order to minimize these risks, maintaining a healthy weight is essential. But, for people who struggle with chronic obesity, that is easily said but hard to do.

Anyone who has tried unsuccessfully to bring their weight under control through diet and exercise alone should strongly consider reaching out for help to explore other options. Rather than waiting until the problem gets out of control, use weight loss surgery as a way to finally exert the control over your health in a way you deserve.

Weight Loss Surgery

For anyone in Winnipeg, MB who has struggled with their weight, a bariatric surgery program is potentially life-changing. The rapid and lasting weight loss brought about by this type of approach provides a watershed moment for people looking to improve their health.

Keep in mind: Bariatric surgery is recommended only for people who suffer from relatively severe chronic obesity, a condition that is difficult, if not impossible, to treat with diet and exercise alone. In general, people with a body mass index greater than 35, which means about 100 pounds over “normal weight,” are those who stand to benefit the most from weight loss surgery.

Winnipeg residents have many possibilities at their disposal, as a bariatric surgery program could potentially include a variety of surgeries that effectively help obese people lose weight, and keep it off, by either reducing the volume of their stomach.

Dr. Michel Gagner

Dr. Michel Gagner is an internationally renowned pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery. He is widely credited with developing some of the field's most commonly used procedures, and generally hailed as one of the world's leading practitioners of bariatric surgery. Patients from all over the world seek out his services because they are minimally invasive to promote faster healing, reduce overall stress on the body and shorten recovery time.

By drawing his extensive experience and expertise, Dr. Gagner will develop a bariatric surgery program ideally suited to your needs and goals, no matter your current body mass index. Following your initial consultation, Dr. Gagner will identify your best bariatric surgery option and chart the course that is best for you and your health.

Should I travel to Montreal?

Absolutely! Patients travel to Montreal from all across Canada and the United States to have their weight-loss surgeries performed by Dr. Gagner. Having a life-changing procedure performed by one of the best bariatric surgeons in the world is well worth the trip!

For patients travelling to Montreal from other cities, we recommend that they are accompanied by a family member or caretaker, as they will need some assistance immediately following their procedure. Traveling patients usually spend a total of five nights in Montreal, two of which are already included in the operative fee. This time frame can vary depending on the program involved and the other related services the patient can opt for.

If taking control of your health and future starts with major weight loss, Winnipeg is only a short flight from Montreal! No matter where you live in Manitoba, a short trip across provincial lines could be your first step on a life-changing journey. Don't delay!

Search the answers that you want to ask. You can also call us by phone or send us a message.

Frequently asked questions

Your recovery from surgery will take place in the surgery center's recovery room for the first night, and then in our Westmount Square convalescent center for the following night.

When will I be able to return to work? Under normal conditions, patients are able to leave their recovery rooms and return home 48 hours after the surgery.

The time required before returning to work depends on the type of work. For desk work, return times are 1-2 weeks post-op. For physical work, return times are 2-6 weeks post-op.