Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric Surgery at Guelph’s Centre for Bariatric Excellence

Support…Every Step of the Way

Every person has their own reasons for considering bariatric surgery and our compassionate team will help you achieve your goals.

Our holistic model of care means that you will be guided and supported throughout the process, from your first meeting up to one year following the surgery.

You will receive expert guidance, encouragement, and support so you can navigate the stages of the program with confidence.

The Centre for Bariatric Excellence is located at Guelph General Hospital, a community-based facility that is committed to quality, personal care.

Real Results

94% of people achieve greater than 20% weight loss in the first year (1) 

86% of people have maintained greater than 20% weight loss after 3-5 years (2)

4 weeks from referral to program orientation (3) 

1 overnight stay following bariatric surgery (4) 

  1. Ontario Bariatric Network, 2017-2018
  2. Ontario Bariatric Network, 2017-2018
  3. Guelph General Hospital, 2018
  4. Guelph General Hospital, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions About Bariatric Surgery

Download our brochure to find answers to questions from timing and process to post-surgical support.

Click here for additional bariatric surgery resources.

Download the Brochure

Bariatric Surgery Eligibility Requirements

  • BMI greater than or equal to 40
  • BMI greater than or equal to 35 + a secondary concern (including: Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, Heart Disease, GERD)
  • Age 18-65 (ages outside this range are considered on an individual basis)
  • Non-smoker (haven’t smoked for a minimum of 6 months)
  • Not using any alternate nicotine replacement therapies
  • No active substance abuse (alcohol or drugs)
  • Stable mental health
  • Cancer-free for a minimum of 2 years

How To Start Your Journey

Steps to enter the surgical bariatric program at Guelph’s Centre for Bariatric Excellence:

  1. Book an appointment with your doctor and request a referral to the Ontario Bariatric Network.
  2. Attend the Guelph Centre for Bariatric Excellence Orientation session.
  3. Complete the required blood work and medical questionnaires.
  4. Meet with your nurse, registered dietician, and social worker.
  5. Meet with your surgeon.
  6. Attend a dietary class and additional meetings, as required.

Bariatric Surgeons at the Guelph Bariatric Centre of Excellence

Dr. Reed

Dr. Ken Reed is the Guelph Bariatric Centre of Excellence’s Surgical Program Director. He has had a career-long interest in obesity. He has worked in bariatric surgery for 25 years and performed over 1,500 weight-loss procedures.

Dr. Reed obtained his Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1984 and attended General Surgical residency in Toronto, obtaining specialty certification in 1989.

Dr. Bhojani

Dr. Bhojani is a graduate of the University of Toronto medical program and completed his training in General Surgery at the University of Toronto. He then successfully completed a fellowship in Advanced Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at the University of Toronto, after which he joined the Division of General Surgery and Bariatric Surgery Program at Guelph General Hospital. He also currently serves as Chief of the Division of General Surgery. 

Dr. Foute Nelong

Dr. Foute Nelong joined the Bariatric Surgical team at Guelph General Hospital in 2010 after completing a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Toronto. To date he has performed over 1,250 bariatric cases.

He is a medical school graduate of the Beijing Medical University (BMU) and then went on to complete two surgical residencies, the first at BMU and the second at the Université de Montréal.

He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. As well, he is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, the Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery.

Dr. Pereira-Hong

Dr. Pereira-Hong is a graduate of the McGill University medical program and received her surgical training at McMaster University. In 2005, she completed a fellowship in Bariatric and Minimal Access Surgery in Portland, Oregon.

She has been with the Guelph General Bariatric Centre of Excellence since its early days in 2009. She is also the Guelph General Hospital lead for the ECHO OBN project.

Download our brochure here and start the discussion with your doctor.

Download the Brochure