Your questions,
answered with care.

Bariatric and metabolic surgery may be considered for people with a BMI of 35 or higher, regardless of associated conditions, and for some people with a BMI of 30–34.9 who have metabolic disease or have not achieved lasting improvement with nonsurgical treatment. Your health, treatment history and goals matter as much as any single number.

There is no single best procedure for everyone. Reflux may favour Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; higher BMI and significant metabolic disease may make SADI-S worth discussing; and ESG or sleeve gastrectomy may suit other patients. The final choice follows an individualized assessment.

The referral and consultation process for Solstice will be confirmed before services are launched. We will explain the steps clearly when booking becomes available.

Coverage depends on the specific service and Alberta’s applicable rules. Solstice will clarify what is publicly insured, what may be privately funded, and any costs before treatment. This is a Canadian coverage question, not something established by ASMBS guidance.

Travel may be possible when clinically and logistically appropriate. Your team must consider preoperative assessment, travel after treatment, access to urgent care, and a reliable long-term follow-up plan.

Your assessment may include bloodwork and nutritional testing, review of medical conditions and medications, and selected investigations such as gastroscopy or sleep-apnea evaluation. Testing is individualized.

Some patients are asked to follow a short preoperative diet to reduce liver size and make surgery safer. Your team will provide instructions specific to your procedure and health.

Anti-obesity medications can be useful before or after a procedure. Medication plans, including around anesthesia, should be individualized by your treating team; do not stop prescribed medication without instructions.

Nicotine increases the risk of healing problems and other complications. Your team will discuss cessation requirements and support before treatment.

ESG and the surgical bariatric procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia. Your anesthesiologist will review the plan and your individual risks.

ESG is commonly a day procedure. Surgical procedures may involve an overnight stay or, in carefully selected patients and appropriate programs, same-day discharge. The plan depends on your procedure, medical history and recovery.

Many people begin walking shortly after treatment. Return to work and more strenuous exercise depends on the procedure, how you recover, and the physical demands of your activities. Your team will give specific instructions.

Risks vary by procedure and can include bleeding, infection, leak, blood clots and anesthesia-related complications. Bypass procedures also have specific nutritional and intestinal risks. Your surgeon will discuss the risks most relevant to you.

Average weight loss differs between ESG, sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and SADI-S, and results vary substantially between individuals. Your surgeon will discuss realistic, procedure-specific expectations rather than promises.

Many patients experience improvement in obesity-related conditions, including type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea. Improvement or remission is not guaranteed, and ongoing medical assessment remains important.

After bariatric surgery, lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation and periodic laboratory monitoring are important. Requirements are particularly significant after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and SADI-S. ESG does not bypass the intestines, but dietary and nutritional follow-up remains important.

Yes. Eating habits and portion sizes change, but the goal is a sustainable approach that works in everyday life. Dietitian support can help with food choices and tolerance.

Pregnancy is possible after bariatric surgery. Pregnancy is generally delayed during the rapid weight-loss phase, often around 12–18 months. Discuss contraception, nutrition and pregnancy planning with your clinical team.

Yes. Obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease and weight regain can occur. Long-term follow-up can identify contributing factors and support treatment through nutrition, behaviour, medication or selected revisional procedures.

Alcohol may be absorbed more quickly and have stronger effects after some bariatric procedures, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Bariatric surgery can also increase alcohol-related risks for some people. Discuss alcohol use openly with your team.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is often favoured when clinically significant gastroesophageal reflux disease is present. Sleeve gastrectomy may cause or worsen reflux, making preoperative assessment particularly important.

SADI-S may be attractive for selected patients with BMI 50 or higher, especially when substantial weight loss or metabolic improvement is a priority. It is not automatically the best choice: nutritional risks, bowel function, reflux and long-term follow-up must be considered.

At Solstice, we particularly consider ESG for selected patients with BMI below 35, no significant reflux and a favourable response to anti-obesity medication. This is a preferred local selection profile, not an ASMBS eligibility rule. ASMBS supports ESG primarily in the BMI 30–40 range for appropriately selected patients.

Further treatment may be possible. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, SADI-S or another approach may be considered depending on reflux, anatomy, weight trajectory and nutritional health.