Obesity & Related Metabolic Conditions

If you've been struggling with obesity and the health problems that come with it, you know it's about more than just the number on the scale. Also, you are in good company. We know that obesity affects one out of three Canadians.
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What is Obesity?

A chronic disease that affects your metabolism, overall health, longevity, and quality of life.

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects nearly every system in your body and can lead to serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease. The first critical step in treating obesity is understanding it as a medical condition. Like many medical conditions the treatment of obesity must start by understanding how it affects the patient and what their personal priorities are. Only then can we start to work through all the various treatment options and match the right approach with the right patient.

Obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, while severe obesity is a BMI of 40 or higher. But obesity is much more than a weight issue. It's a complex chronic disease involving genetics, hormones, metabolism, environment, and behaviour.

Your body's weight regulation system involves dozens of hormones and signals between your brain, gut, fat tissue, and other organs. In obesity, these systems don't function properly, making it extremely difficult to lose weight and keep it off through diet and exercise alone. This isn't a failure of willpower. It's a medical condition that often requires understanding, expertise, and a personalized approach.

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Understanding Obesity and Your Health

If you're living with obesity, you know the daily struggles go far beyond appearance. It's the constant fatigue, the joint pain that limits your movement, the fear every time you check your blood sugar or blood pressure. It's avoiding activities with your family, struggling to find comfortable seating, dealing with sleep apnea that leaves you exhausted, and facing the judgment and stigma from others who don't understand.

While countless diets and programs promise short term results, they are not a modern or sophisticated approach to the underlying problem. The  reality is that obesity is a chronic disease requiring comprehensive treatment. Understanding your condition and the available medical solutions is the first step toward better health and reclaiming your life.

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What Causes Obesity and Related Conditions?

Obesity results from complex interactions between genetics, hormones, and environment

In simple terms, obesity develops when your body consistently takes in more energy than it burns. But why this happens is much more complicated. Genetic factors influence your metabolism, appetite, and how your body stores fat. Hormonal imbalances affect hunger and fullness signals. Environmental factors like food availability, stress, poor sleep, and certain medications all play roles.

The Health Consequences of Obesity

Obesity significantly increases your risk for numerous serious conditions. Type 2 diabetes develops when your body becomes resistant to insulin. High blood pressure and heart disease result from increased cardiovascular strain. Sleep apnea occurs when excess weight affects breathing during sleep. Fatty liver disease, joint problems, certain cancers, and depression are also closely linked to obesity.

Why Weight Loss Surgery Works

Weight loss surgery is not the only treatment option but for a large proportion of patients it is the most successful long term solution. Bariatric surgery works by changing the anatomy of your digestive system, which alters the hormones that control hunger, fullness, and blood sugar. These surgeries can result in significant weight loss and, remarkably, often resolve or improve type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and other obesity-related conditions, sometimes before significant weight loss occurs.
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How do you know when obesity requires surgical treatment?

  • High BMI: A BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35 or higher with serious weight-related health conditions.
  • Failed Conservative Treatment: You've tried multiple diet and exercise programs without achieving lasting results.
  • Obesity-Related Diseases: You're dealing with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, or joint problems caused or worsened by weight.
  • Quality of Life Impact: Your weight is significantly limiting your physical function, emotional wellbeing, or ability to participate in daily activities.

When You Know It's Time for Surgery

You've tried everything, and nothing has created lasting change.

Your diabetes medication keeps increasing. Your doctor is concerned about your heart health or liver. You can't play with your children or grandchildren the way you want. You're tired of feeling exhausted and limited. You just want something that works and lets you move on with your life.

These are clear signs that bariatric surgery may be the right medical treatment for you.

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Bariatric Surgery

If you're considering bariatric surgery, Windflower Bariatrics offers a structured program that supports you well before and long after the operation itself. Your care begins with a comprehensive consultation to review your health history, your goals, and which procedure fits your situation.  You'll receive comprehensive, personalized care from leaders in the field throughout your entire weight loss journey, not just the surgery itself.

Our bariatric team has extensive experience with procedures including gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery, and SADIS. We also offer expert advice and support in medical and dietary strategies. We understand that bariatric surgery is a tool, not a magic solution, and we're committed to supporting you with nutritional guidance, lifestyle coaching, and ongoing follow-up care. Our patient-first approach means we take time to ensure you understand the procedure, have realistic expectations, and feel fully prepared for the life-changing journey ahead.

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Bariatric Surgery Before and After

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    Patient Testimonials

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    Earl P profile picture
    Earl P
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    Had my Double knee replacement in April of this year. Can't say enough good things about this clinic and the treatment and post care i received. The only thing i could suggest is that the clinic should set up its own transportation from the clinic to the hotel as waiting for a taxi and trying to get in and out of it was very difficult. If they would have had their own transportation IE a shuttle bus this would have made it so much easier even if there was a charge it would have been worth it.
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    Doug D profile picture
    Doug D
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    I was a fit athletic senior, crippled by arthritis and ruptured meniscus. Best money I ever spent. Quality of life at 69 years is everything. Wait 3 years in Alberta health care or fly to Montreal next month for a knee replacement. NO brainer.
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    Randy H profile picture
    Randy H
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    I had a full knee replacement in Montreal on June 12/25. Everything went very well from a very short wait for the procedure to the excellent team that was in place. The facilities in Montreal were top notch, they were very thorough pre-op and took very good care of you post surgery. I am very happy with the results and highly recommend Dr Henderson and his team at Vital Surgical Specialists.
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    K. B profile picture
    K. B
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    I contacted Vital Surgical Specialists in July 2024 to inquire about getting my right hip replaced. I had been on the wait list in Red Deer for over 2 years with no idea how much longer it would take. My hip joint was bone on bone and extremely painful, limiting every aspect of my life. After a thorough vetting process with the Vital Surgical Specialists team, I was scheduled for hip surgery on September 12/2024 in Montreal at their clinic. I received all the necessary information and had tests done here as well as conversations with Dr. Henderson, Nicki, and the anesthesiologist in Montreal before flying to Montreal with my husband. Special thanks to Nicki, the wonderful Nurse Practitioner on the team who answered all my calls and questions immediately, and even visited with me in the clinic. Thanks also to Sarah, who was my contact for anything else I needed. Thanks also, of course, to Dr. Henderson, who made the surgery so painless. We stayed in the recommended hotel, which provided everything I needed for the first few days of my recovery. On September 12/2024 I checked into the Vital Surgical Solutions clinic, and had the surgery that afternoon. I had requested the “Anterior Approach” which is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. Everything went very well, and I was checking out of the clinic by September 14/2024. The clinic was very efficient, and well run. Even the food was good. As recommended, we stayed 2 more nights at the hotel in Montreal before flying home. Dr. Henderson and the team kept providing me with quality care after I returned home. I accessed physio therapy here in Red Deer and had a good experience. Within a few weeks I was walking without even a cane, and without pain. It was such a wonderful experience, and so worth it for my quality of life. My other hip has deteriorated unfortunately, and I have been on the list here in Red Deer for over a year with no idea when I might get surgery. There is no guarantee that I could get the Anterior Approach here either as only Dr. Henderson offers it, so I am considering another trip to Montreal to have Vital Surgical Solutions and Dr. Henderson who practices in both Red Deer and Montreal provide the same service as before. It is expensive, but I have to consider what my quality of life is worth. I highly recommend Vital Surgical Specialists if you need a hip replacement. All of the other patients in the clinic when I was there were from Central Alberta. They all had a good experience.
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    Marnie P profile picture
    Marnie P
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    I was well treated and cared for from my first phone call of inquiry, through the surgery period and home again. Thank-you so much to the Alberta team, the Montreal team and to Dr. Henderson.
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    Scott s profile picture
    Scott s
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    Nursing staff and surgeon were professional and preformed roles perfectly in addressing my hip replacement during and after surgery. No regrets
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    Rick W profile picture
    Rick W
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    Vital Surgical Specialists were a super group of professionals! I needed a new hip and was in a great deal of pain and having trouble walking!! My quality of life was extremely poor. I contacted Sarah and from then on was expertly cared for by the entire Vital Surgical team. Dr. Henderson replaced my right hip and I immediately knew that my quality of life had improved! With the aid of physical therapy I was soon walking without pain. Thanks to the Vital Surgical Specialists team I was able to regain my quality of life. The after surgical care and expertise has also been extremely helpful. I would recommend Vital Surgical Specialists to any and all that need a hip replacement and I understand they do knees and other surgeries too. R.A. (Rick) Wigmore
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    Denise T profile picture
    Denise T
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    I had a wonderful experience with Vital Care. I had my surgery in January 2025. Unfortunately I slipped the night before my surgery. The doctor took care of my ankle an also my knee. The staff were so kind, thoughtful as well as very good at there jobs. I would highly recommend them to anyone who does not have time to wait 2 or 3 years. I am so glad to be back among the moving and and painless.
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    Ewan B profile picture
    Ewan B
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    Excellent service, doing great in my recovery Highly recommend Vital Surgical Specialists.
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    Tracy W profile picture
    Tracy W
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    I had my left hip replaced 9 months ago by Dr. Henderson. I was incredibly impressed with the whole process! All of the staff, both at Vital Surgical Specialists and the clinic in Montreal, were extremely kind and helpful. I can't believe how good my hip feels now! Back to being able to teach Physical Education again!!! I would definitely recommend!

    Let's Get in Touch!

    Reach out to our team to schedule a consultation or get answers to your questions. We're here to help guide you through your surgical care journey and to improve access to expert care.

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