Deciding to pursue bariatric surgery is a big decision on its own. Add choosing a clinic to the challenge, and it can feel downright overwhelming. Keep these tips in mind as you start to explore your options.

The process of losing weight is a journey; so is the process of finding the right bariatric clinic. As the first key step, you need to do some basic research. Rest assured that we’ve tried to make the process as easy for you as possible.

You will probably use your time most wisely by getting information online or on the phone initially. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s important to visit the clinic(s) in person.

If your healthcare system requires you to get a referral from your primary care doctor before seeing a hospital specialist, you can also use the following suggestions to help guide your discussion with your doctor.

Here's how to start:

  • Seek recommendations from people you trust
    Start your search by asking trusted friends, family members and/or your primary care physician if they have recommendations – particularly if they have first-hand experience with bariatric surgery. If that doesn’t feel like an option, a simple online search using the term bariatric surgery clinic will bring up various options.
  • Check the clinic’s credentials
    Look for clinics that have a team of experienced and qualified bariatric professionals. How many bariatric procedures has the clinic done? Ask the clinic for its complication rate and, potentially, its statistics on long-term results.  
  • Make sure the clinic offers comprehensive support
    Bariatric surgery requires ongoing support before, during, and after the procedure. Look for a clinic that provides comprehensive care, including evaluations before surgery, counselling, nutritional support, and follow-up after surgery. A holistic approach to patient care is crucial for your long-term success. 
  • Explore insurance/financing
    If you have health insurance, it perhaps goes without saying that you should research clinics that your insurance provider covers. Check if the clinic has financial advisors who can help you navigate the insurance process. If you are paying for the procedure yourself, see whether the clinic has financing options.
  • Be aware of guaranteed weight loss results and promises.
    Individual results vary. Not everyone responds identically to different treatments. It's important to get a personal assessment of your situation and develop realistic expectations for different treatments including weight loss timelines, how much weight regain to expect, and what side effects to watch.  
  • See whether treatment is tailored to individual needs
    Every person is different, and every human body can require different things. Some people are dealing with other serious health conditions; some are not. Be sure the clinic does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. A personalised approach tailored to your needs and goals is key to your long-term success.  
  • Listen to your intuition and watch out for red flags
    You must feel comfortable, welcome, and in safe hands. All treatments must be backed up by credible, evidence-based science – not just a way for a clinic to make more money.  
  • Once you’ve narrowed down the options, ask these questions at your consultation
    We’ve put together a comprehensive guide you can use at your consultation to make sure you get the information you need. By serving as a handy checklist, it takes the burden of remembering everything off you.
Download the guide here (open in new window)
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