Bariatric Surgery

Safe, effective surgical options to overcome obesity and restore quality of life

Obesity impacts health, independence, and confidence, but bariatric surgery can help patients regain mobility, reduce medical risks, and enjoy life more fully. At Windflower, we provide personalized care and proven surgical solutions for lasting results.
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What Our Patients Have To Say

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Everything about Vital Bariatrics; the incredibly amazing team, seamless communication and process, just wow! I recommend this place in a heartbeat. Sarah has been extremely helpful, fast and easy to talk to with any concern or question by phone and email. Thank you. Nicki & Autumn are very personable and you really are treated like a no. 1 priority all the time. Dropped around 80lbs in 6 months and never felt better. I've also never been so well informed on the benefits and need for vitamins. Thanks again!
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Airam S
390 days ago
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Just over 10 months since having the gastric sleeve and 200 plus pounds down, Everyone on the vital bariatrics team made sure they set you up to succeed and feel good about the process. I can honestly say I have my life back and loving my new lifestyle and most importantly my self again. Thank you everyone at vital much appreciated.
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Kyle L
404 days ago
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I am currently 19 months post-op and this was by far the best decision for my health by far! I am down 140 lbs overall and still going. From Dr. Schofield, my nurse practitioner & front end staff I couldn't be more appreciative on all the support I have received. Simply amazing!!!
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Paula B
405 days ago
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Approachable, professional yet friendly. They treat you like you are the number one patient and they never rush. Responses to questions are fast and well thought through. This private clinic has been well worth the cost.
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Sherri F
406 days ago
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I had my surgery in sept of 2023. I have lost 150 pounds and am so happy I went with vital. The whole team was amazing and supportive from the start. They even helped me when I was discharged from the program but needed help. Would recommend to everyone. Thank you for helping me change my life!
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Jaime K
406 days ago
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Two and a half years post op and very happy. Had a great experience and great care!
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Jennifer B
424 days ago
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My experience with the Vital group was top notch, the detail, care and support was amazing.
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Jessica M
428 days ago
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I am over 2 years post bypass. And all I can say is this is the best decision I ever did for myself. All the staff at Vital were the best. I could not have had the surgery through AHS because of my age,but Dr Schofield did not see a problem.He is a great surgeon. I have recommended your clinic many times. Before my surgery i could hardly go up a flight of stairs, now I don’t even think about it.I have no trouble doing anything. This gave me my life back.
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Judy F
438 days ago
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Nurses, Doctors and everyone I dealt with were amazing. they made sure that I was informed and that I was comfortable with every step of the procedure. The trip and the operation were all well handled and I never felt that I was anything less than important. The follow up care was excellent and frankly much more than I was expecting. I would definitely recommend Vital Bariatrics.
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Victor S
438 days ago
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+1
Bitter sweet day for me. 11 months post op and officially released from Vital Bariatrics. I can’t say enough about this team, their staff, the kindness and support I was given. This will forever be one of the most amazing teams I’ve ever had cheering for me. Nicole, I’ll never be able to express the gratitude I have for you and what you’ve given me the last year. Thank you! It’s a journey, I don’t think it’s ever “over” but having the bypass was the single best decision I have ever made for myself. If you’re on the fence, my advice is do it. You will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Now, to spend the rest of my life advocating for the benefits and focusing on breaking down the stigma of WLS.
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T&J P
679 days ago

Your Surgeon

You're in the Hands of one of Canada's Most Experienced Private Bariatric Surgeons

Dr. Adam Schofield MD, FRCSC, is the Program Lead for Windflower Surgical and the highest-volume private bariatric surgeon in western Canada. He trained at the University of Calgary, completed a two-year sub-specialty fellowship in upper gastrointestinal surgery at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in South Australia, one of the world's leading centres for bariatric and upper GI care, and holds a Master's degree in Minimally Invasive Surgery from the University of Adelaide.

Dr. Schofield is the leading provider of the SADI-S procedure in Canada, and his depth of experience spans the full range of primary and complex revisional bariatric operations.

He currently serves as an attending surgeon with the Central Alberta Bariatric Specialty Clinic alongside his role at Windflower Surgical. When you come to Windflower Surgical, Dr. Schofield leads your care personally, from your first consultation through your recovery.

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Dr. Adam Schofield MD, FRCSC

  • MD, FRCSC
  • Upper GI Surgery Fellow — Royal Adelaide Hospital
  • Master's in Minimally Invasive Surgery — University of Adelaide
  • #1 Volume Private Bariatric Surgeon, Western Canada

Rediscover Life Beyond Obesity

Obesity is a medical disease shaped by many complex factors, but with new research and dedicated care teams, there are effective treatment options for people struggling with the diagnosis

Obesity affects more than physical health, often limiting the ability to enjoy everyday activities. Over time, these limitations can undermine independence, motivation, and overall well-being. Bariatric surgery helps lift many of these barriers. It offers a path toward greater comfort, renewed confidence, and a more fulfilling daily life. Through improved mobility, reduced discomfort, and relief from weight-related health concerns, patients often regain the freedom to experience what matters most. At Windflower, we are committed to delivering safe, personalized care that supports long-term improvements in health and quality of life.
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Types of Bariatric Surgeries

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Gastric sleeve Windflower Surgical Calgary

Sleeve Gastrectomy with hiatus hernia repair | Windflower Bariatrics

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Windflower Bariatrics offers the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as one of our surgical options due to the excellent safety profile and well-established results. There are pros and cons to the various bariatric surgeries (including bypass, mini-gastric bypass, etc.). Not all patients are best served with a sleeve and all our patients start with a comprehensive evaluation of their individual needs and goals to make this decision together.

Good candidates for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy through Windflower Bariatrics:

  1. Motivated, educated, and ready (we can help with this part)
  2. Willing and able to participate in their own health
  3. No unmanaged mental health diagnoses
  4. No active eating disorders
  5. Age 18+
  6. Non-smoker
  7. BMI 35-55
  8. Minimal or no acid reflux
  9. No severe illnesses that would compromise the safety of the surgery
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Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

gastric bypass Windflower Surgical Calgary

We also offer laparoscopic Roux-en-y gastric bypass, which is considered to be the gold standard procedure against which other weight loss operations are measured. Gastric bypass surgery leads to a greater amount of weight loss and more sustained results, as well as more profound impacts on metabolic health problems associated with obesity such as type II diabetes and hypertension, as compared to sleeve gastrectomy. During gastric bypass, a small pouch is created out of the top of the stomach, restricting the amount of food able to be ingested. The small bowel is then joined to the stomach pouch, bypassing the remaining stomach and a portion of the small intestine, thereby decreasing the amount of calories absorbed from the ingested food. Similar to the sleeve gastrectomy, there are also impacts on the hormones that control hunger and sensation of fullness.

Indications for gastric bypass are similar to that of sleeve gastrectomy, but should be more strongly considered in the following patients:

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
  • Metabolic syndromes
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SADI-S Surgery

diagram Windflower Surgical Calgary

The SADI-S procedure, also known as the modified duodenal switch, loop DS, or SIPS (Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing surgery) is an innovative procedure that is proving to be the most effective bariatric and metabolic operation. During this procedure, a sleeve gastrectomy is performed. The first portion of the small intestine (duodenum) is then divided. A single loop of down stream small intestine is then attached to the cuff of duodenum, effectively bypassing about half of the small intestine. Studies show that two years post-SADI-S surgery, patients can lose over 95% of their excess body weight, with more than 90% achieving complete remission of diabetes.

Comparing SADI-S to Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

The SADI-S procedure offers several benefits over gastric bypass surgery (RYGB), including:

  • Patients can safely take aspirin, NSAIDs, and steroids without the risk of developing marginal ulcers.
  • It is the most effective surgery for diabetes management.
  • It facilitates the greatest weight loss among bariatric procedures.
  • Decreased risk of dumping syndrome.
  • Decreased risk of bowel obstructions compared to both traditional DS and RYGB.
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Learn more about Hip Replacement Surgery for Albertans

Considering bariatric surgery after trying a GLP-1 medication?

GLP-1 medications have changed how many Albertans approach weight loss. For some patients, they work well. For others, results plateau, side effects become difficult to manage, or the ongoing cost of $200 to $400 per month is unsustainable.

If you've been through that experience, you're not alone. A growing number of patients coming to surgical consultation have already tried a GLP-1 medication. That lived experience often makes for a more informed patient.

Bariatric surgery and GLP-1 therapy are not competing approaches. They address obesity through different mechanisms, with different outcomes and different commitments. Understanding both helps you make a decision that fits your situation.

Learn more about GLP-1 medications and bariatric surgery
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Bariatric Surgery Before and After

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Patient Testimonials

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    Earl P profile picture
    Earl P
    Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
    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!

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