How It Works.

When we sat down to create Vital Bariatrics we wanted to make it accessible to all Albertans. We wanted to fit into their schedules and give them a new kind of healthcare experience. We realized that a virtual clinic was the only way to do this. With new software capabilities we can connect directly to patients in their homes or on their phones via teleconference. Patients can connect with their Vital Bariatrics professionals through a secure portal and share information freely.  We can link in surgeons, dieticians, and mental health workers to assist our patients whenever required. Patients can schedule their own appointments and see their own results. 

​Vital Bariatrics can be accessed anywhere on any computer with internet access. Here's how it works:

Step 1

Review the information provided on the website and send us an email expressing your interest in becoming one of our patients.

Step 2

A Vital Bariatrics member will respond via email with answers to any questions you might have and an overview of the program you are interested in.

Step 3

You will receive a welcome package with a primer on bariatric care and Vital Bariatrics programs. Within your package will be instructions to help you complete our intake information forms through our secure platform.

Step 4

Your journey starts when you schedule your first intake visit with our Nurse Practitioner. Now you are on board and on your way!

We can't wait to meet you.

Obesity Facts.

Obesity is not a disease of willpower, nor is it the result of lacking a desire to be healthy. In Alberta, 67% of people have an unhealthy weight. 39% are overweight (BMI 25-30) and 28% are obese (BMI >30). That means that there are over 1.2 million Albertans struggling with obesity. Both the rates and severity of obesity are on the rise, suggesting that current strategies are failing. This problem cannot be attributed to the failings of individuals. It is a public health issue that must be addressed comprehensively, compassionately, and scientifically. While a healthy diet and regular exercise have numerous health benefits, studies continue to show disappointing long term results of diet alone in the management of obesity and its related comorbidities. The good news is that scientists have been busy unravelling the complexities of this disease and we are constantly seeing new ideas and enhancing our understanding of what works and what doesn't.

​Bariatric surgery has evolved greatly over the past 40 years. Improvements in procedure options and the technologies available to perform them have revolutionized obesity management. Surgery can now be performed with an excellent safety profile and efficacy.

​While surgery comes with risks, they need to be weighed carefully against the risks of maintaining an unhealthy weight. For most patients, there is a surgical option that offers a favourable balance of risks and benefits over non-surgical management. The keys to success are:

1. Choosing the correct operation for the patient

2. Preparing the patient appropriately

3. Attentive, evidence-based post-operative management. Surgery is a serious and life changing intervention. It is important to ensure everything has been done to minimize the risks and optimize the results.

​It is important to remember that there are medical, lifestyle, and emerging novel approaches to obesity management. Surgery is not the only effective tool we have available to us. Vital Bariatrics can look at your specific circumstances and develop a tailored approach that can include all of these approaches.