Victoria Surgery Clinic Establishes LapBand/MIDBAND Progra

Another option is now available for patients wanting to access BC surgery alternatives to treat their obesity. Since March of this Year, the Victoria Surgery Clinic (privately operated) has completed 5 Lap Band/MIDBAND surgeries in their clinic.

Victoria Surgery Clinic has a long history of being a premium provider of privately paid surgeries. Founded in 1966, they have over 40 years experience providing patient paid and elective surgeries to British Columbians and Canadians far and wide.

Dr Lance Mitchell, head anaesthesiologist told us, “Victoria Surgery Clinic takes pride in providing the highest standard of medical care and surgery in a setting structured to minimize the “hospital” experience and maximize the warm, comforting care we are famous for.”

Their new gastric bariatric banding surgery program is based on meeting or exceeding the strict guidelines of the College of Physicians & Surgeons BC (CPSBC) for privately operated surgery facilities. “CPSBC policies in a private surgery facility require two certified bariatric surgeons in attendance during the actual surgery and two anaesthesiologists – one with the patient, and another within the building,” said Dr Mitchell.

Dr Mitchell said, “Adding bariatric banding surgery to our established surgery programs was a no brainer for us and a natural extension of our existing programs. As an example, for many years we’ve offered post bariatric cosmetic surgery through Dr David Naysmith  (well known and highly respected post-bariatric cosmetic surgeon). Being able to offer the actual bariatric banding surgery gives our clients a complete bariatric options program.”

Dr Brad Amson

Dr Bao Tang

Dr Mitchell said, “We’ve partnered with two of the leading gastric/bariatric surgeons in Western Canada, Dr Brad Amson and Dr Bao Tang” (Victoria Band Surgery). Dr Mitchell jokingly added that “So far the only challenges we’ve encountered is co-ordinating the schedules of these two busy doctors.” In reality even this challenge hasn’t been much of an issue as surgery dates typically are scheduled no more than 2 to 3 weeks after a patient’s referral to the clinic is received from Dr Amson or Dr Tang.

Patients can expect to be treated with services much like you’d experience in a 4 star hotel. Band surgery is done laproscopically and requires no overnight stay. Typically patients arrive in the morning and leave by mid afternoon. Every interaction at the clinic is geared to reduce or remove the stress associated with the usual medical procedure experienced in an institutional hospital setting. In addition prior to surgery, patients can expect to receive psychological evaluation, exercise and diet counselling. Post operatively, patients participate in a one year follow-up program and can request additional follow-up as needed.

Medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can limit a patient’s ability to have the surgery done in a clinic setting. Dr Mitchell was very clear in saying that, “We will not perform surgery in our clinic if there is any thought that a patient may need hospital level care, facilities or that their pre-surgery medical conditions make surgery at the clinic unsuitable.”

Typical cost for the operating room and clinic’s bariatric program run approximately $4300. For a complete estimate, you should add your surgeon’s fee plus 20% for misc costs like travel, hotels etc.

If gastric band surgery sounds like it’s an option for you, you can contact Dr Amson at (250) 220-8929, Dr Tang at (250) 220-8932 (Victoria Band Surgery) or call Victoria Surgery Clinic at (250) 595-1553 -Toll free (Canada and US): 1-877-715-1553.

Related posts: