Top 10 Reasons to Choose SWLC

1. Surgeons – Experienced and available 24/7

• SWLC offers free patient consultations with the surgeon who will perform the Lap-Band or Gastric Balloon procedure.
• The surgeon is the most qualified member of the team to discuss the benefits and potential risks of the procedure.
• The surgeon will answer your questions, expand upon the educational series of videos, and ask questions that he feels are important to your care. Together, we can determine which weight loss procedure is right you.
• Access to an SWLC surgeon is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for urgent concerns.

2. Support Program – Tailored for you!

• SWLC provides long-term follow-up for our patients as often as needed.
• Since the Lap-Band is more than just the procedure we offer a comprehensive support program. Our experienced health care professionals will design a program to meet your needs and expectations.
• As part of our ongoing commitment to improve patient results, we have created specialized systems to monitor and analyze every patient’s progress.
• SWLC patients are invited to attend the annual educational and inspirational SWLC Symposium where internationally recognized weight loss and health care professionals lead workshops and roundtable discussions.

3. Lap-Band – Use highest safety rated device available

• SWLC uses the Allergan LAP-BAND® System approved by both Health Canada and the FDA.
• Many research studies have been published that show the Allergan Lap-Band is the most widely used gastric banding device and has a proven record of safety and efficacy.
• Over 600,000 patients around the world have the Allergan Lap-Band. If patients are away from home we can facilitate access to a trained Lap-Band surgeon.
• For patients who need to lose less weight, we also perform the gastric balloon procedure using the Allergan Orbera gastric balloon.

4. Experience

• Each year SWLC performs more Lap-Band and Gastric Balloon procedures than any other clinic in Canada.
• Combined, our surgeons have over 40 years of experience performing advanced laparoscopic procedures.

5. Our Staff - Team of experienced professionals

• SWLC has experience working with thousands of patients from across Canada.
• Our highly trained and experienced staff of weight loss specialists includes surgeons, anaesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, a dietitian, a wellness coach, and patient coordinators.
• We have one of Canada’s only certified bariatric nurse specialists.
• All our staff receive specialized training in the care of bariatric surgery patients. To maintain and upgrade our skills, all staff attend courses and workshops each year.

6. Long Distance Patient Support – More than 1/3 of our patients reside outside of Ontario

• SWLC provides free phone consultations with the surgeon who will perform the procedure to accommodate long-distance patients.
• Based on our experience we have established a comprehensive support program that is available to patients across Canada and in the Caribbean.
• Our patients have access to a broad network of affiliate physicians and nurses across Canada that SWLC staff have personally trained in Lap-Band adjustments. We carefully monitor your progress so we are able to provide our affiliates with specific instructions for your adjustment.

7. Excellence in Research and Publications – Internationally respected

• SWLC is the first Canadian clinic to have Lap-Band research published.
• We have published one of the world’s largest studies of the safety of Lap- Band surgery as an Out Patient procedure. This study was published in the world renowned bariatric journal, Obesity Surgery in April 2010.
• SWLC is the only Canadian clinic chosen to participate in a worldwide 5-year study documenting the long-term safety and effectiveness of the Lap-Band procedure.
• Our surgeons are frequently requested to speak at both domestic and international conferences on obesity treatment.
• Members of our surgical team serve on international advisory boards for the development of new surgical techniques, guidelines, and policies.

8. Culture of Care - We put you, the patient, first!

• You have access to a SWLC surgeon for urgent concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• We are dedicated to excellence in all that we do. This includes our patient support program and using the most advanced techniques and equipment available.
• Every aspect of our culture has been created to ensure we are patient focused and put you first.

9. Facility – Accredited and licenced

• Our clinic is located in a 10,000 square foot modern medical facility. It consistently meets or exceeds all of the quality standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
• The clinic is regularly inspected to main our accreditation with the Canadian Association of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (CAASF).
• SWLC surgeons participated in the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons Task Force to establish quality standards for Lap-Band surgery in independent health clinics.

10. Mission and Vision – Healthy and successful patients

• Our mission is to help our patients achieve sustained weight loss and improve their overall health and well-being. Examples of improved health include resolution of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.
• Our vision is to
  • provide the best possible treatment options and the highest quality of care,
  • offer the most comprehensive support program and patient resources which include forums, e-newsletters, symposiums, and educational videos to help our patients reach their goals,
  • participate in global studies, publish our results in respected medical journals and speak at Canadian and international conferences,
  • be recognized as the leading Canadian clinic that offers Lap-Band and Gastric Balloon programs.