The focus of this program is the non-surgical treatment of obesity and obesity-related health conditions, safe weight management, and healthy lifestyle change. Comprehensive medical care led by an interdisciplinary team is provided to patients in this program stream.
The purpose of the medical program is to help patients achieve medically acceptable weight loss to improve their co-morbidities and quality of life. We aim to help patients achieve a healthier state of wellness by providing knowledge and life skills to change their eating and coping behaviours, and develop alternative lifestyles that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and healthy living.
The appropriate treatment for each patient is determined by our interdisciplinary team of bariatric experts. While program duration varies depending on the treatment plan, patients are most frequently followed for a period of one year.
What to expect
The Ontario Bariatric Network (OBN) has established standardized care paths based on current evidence and best practice that outline the minimal tests/assessments required for all Medical Program bariatric patients in Ontario.
Assessments, appointments and treatment plans may vary from person to person, depending on the individual and their health-care needs. Attendance for all required sessions, classes and appointments is mandatory and some of these will be virtual/telemedicine based. Visit the Virtual Care site to learn more about virtual visits at LHSC.
For all patients, the program requires:
- Program Orientation (Group Session)
- Interdisciplinary Bariatric Team Assessments
- Behavioural modification/education classes (up to 15 people) are closed groups for patients only and are facilitated by the clinic’s social worker, dietitian, and kinesiologist; as appropriate
- A low-calorie meal replacement at patients own expense for up to 12 weeks depending on BMI, after which time, patients are slowly reintegrated back onto food
- Routine blood work
- Weekly weight and blood pressure measurement
Based on individual patient need, the program may also require:
- One-on-one intervention
- Additional diagnostic testing based on patients' individual medical needs
For all patients, in addition to close medical supervision throughout the duration of the program, follow-up assessments are conducted at the six-month and one-year timeframes.
