weight-loss.ca

Best Bariatric Surgeons in Montreal, Quebec

If you're considering bariatric surgery in Montreal, you're taking a serious step toward lasting weight loss and better health. This guide walks you through Montreal's leading bariatric surgeons, what to expect, costs, and how provincial insurance covers these life-changing procedures.

📍 Local context: Montreal is home to several world-class medical centers and bariatric specialists. Quebec's healthcare system covers medically necessary bariatric surgery through RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) when strict criteria are met. The city has seen growing demand for these services as obesit

Our Top Picks

1

Montreal Bariatric Surgery Centre (MBSC)

Comprehensive bariatric care with experienced surgeons

✓ Insurance coveredCovered by RAMQ (public); private consultations $200–400

MBSC is a dedicated bariatric facility in downtown Montreal offering gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and lap-band procedures. They provide pre- and post-operative support with nutritionists and psychologists on staff. Surgeons are fellowship-trained and have performed over 5,000 procedures.

Gastric bypassSleeve gastrectomyLap-band surgeryRevision surgeryNutritional counselingPsychological support

Pros

  • ✓RAMQ-covered procedures
  • ✓Multidisciplinary team
  • ✓Excellent patient reviews
  • ✓Experienced surgeons

Cons

  • ✗Long public wait times (6–12 months)
  • ✗Limited private appointment availability

Best for: Patients seeking comprehensive, covered bariatric care with strong post-op support

Downtown Montreal (Plateau Mont-Royal area)Visit website ↗
2

Wharton Medical Clinic – Montreal

Canada-wide bariatric expertise with local presence

$300–600 for private consultation; surgery costs vary

Wharton Medical is a nationally recognized bariatric clinic with a Montreal location offering consultation, pre-surgery assessments, and post-operative follow-up. They work with local surgeons and emphasize personalized weight loss plans before and after surgery.

Bariatric surgery consultationPre-operative assessmentPost-operative nutrition planningBehaviour coachingSupplement guidance

Pros

  • ✓Personalized approach
  • ✓Experienced across Canada
  • ✓Flexible scheduling
  • ✓Evidence-based protocols

Cons

  • ✗Private pay only
  • ✗Not directly performing surgery

Best for: Patients who want comprehensive pre- and post-op coaching from a trusted national provider

WestmountVisit website ↗
3

Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) – Bariatric Surgery

University hospital bariatric program with research backing

✓ Insurance coveredCovered by RAMQ (public); private consultations $250–500

CHUM's bariatric surgery program is part of a major teaching hospital. Surgeons are faculty members with extensive research and clinical experience. They offer all modern bariatric procedures and are involved in clinical outcomes research.

Gastric bypassSleeve gastrectomyDuodenal switchRevision proceduresResearch-based care

Pros

  • ✓University-affiliated excellence
  • ✓RAMQ-covered
  • ✓Latest techniques
  • ✓Strong research program

Cons

  • ✗Very long public wait lists
  • ✗Tertiary care (may require referral)

Best for: Patients seeking cutting-edge, research-backed bariatric care through the public system

Saint-Luc Hospital (Quartier Latin)Visit website ↗
4

Ideal Protein Montreal – Bariatric Support

Medically supervised weight loss and bariatric prep

$150–300/month for program; varies by intensity

Ideal Protein offers a medically supervised weight loss program designed to help patients prepare for bariatric surgery or achieve results without surgery. Montreal clinics are staffed by nurses and nutritionists who coordinate with local surgeons.

Medical weight loss programPre-bariatric surgery prepNutritional counselingProgress monitoringPost-op support

Pros

  • ✓Medically supervised
  • ✓Multiple convenient locations
  • ✓Flexible pricing
  • ✓Good pre-op preparation

Cons

  • ✗Private pay only
  • ✗Not a surgery provider
  • ✗Requires commitment to program

Best for: Patients who want structured medical support before or instead of bariatric surgery

Multiple locations (downtown, Westmount, Laval)Visit website ↗
5

Dr. Jean-Marc Lavoie – Private Bariatric Practice

Experienced private bariatric surgeon with personalized care

$8,000–15,000 CAD for surgery (private); consultations $400–600

Dr. Lavoie is a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon with 20+ years of experience. His private practice in Montreal offers consultations, surgery, and comprehensive follow-up. He specializes in sleeve gastrectomy and revision cases.

Sleeve gastrectomyGastric bypassRevision surgeryPrivate consultationsOngoing follow-up care

Pros

  • ✓Highly experienced surgeon
  • ✓Personalized attention
  • ✓Faster access than public
  • ✓Excellent outcomes

Cons

  • ✗Expensive (private pay only)
  • ✗Limited availability
  • ✗No group insurance coverage typically

Best for: Patients seeking premium private bariatric surgery with a renowned local surgeon

OutremontVisit website ↗
6

Herbal Magic – Montreal Weight Loss Centers

Natural weight loss support before or after bariatric surgery

$100–250/month depending on program

Herbal Magic operates multiple Montreal locations offering natural supplement-based weight loss programs. While not a bariatric surgery provider, they support patients preparing for or recovering from surgery with nutrition and natural health products.

Natural weight loss programNutritional supplementsDietary counselingPre-bariatric prepPost-op nutrition support

Pros

  • ✓Natural approach
  • ✓Convenient locations
  • ✓Affordable
  • ✓Good for pre-op prep

Cons

  • ✗Not medically supervised
  • ✗Limited evidence for supplements
  • ✗Not a surgery provider

Best for: Patients looking for natural supplement support alongside bariatric surgery planning

Multiple locations across MontrealVisit website ↗

What to Look for in a Weight Loss Clinic

💰 Cost Context

In Quebec, RAMQ covers bariatric surgery when medically necessary (BMI >40 or >35 with comorbidities). Private surgery costs range from $8,000–20,000 CAD depending on the procedure and facility. Pre-op and post-op support services add $200–600 per consultation.

🏥 Insurance & OHIP

RAMQ (Quebec's provincial health insurance) covers bariatric surgery for eligible patients, but requires a referral from your family doctor and approval based on strict BMI and health criteria. Wait times for public surgery are typically 6–12 months. Private surgery is not covered by RAMQ but may be covered by some employer group plans. Nutritional follow-up is not always covered and may require private payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, RAMQ covers bariatric surgery if you meet strict criteria: BMI >40, or BMI >35 with obesity-related health conditions (diabetes, sleep apnea, etc.). You need a referral from your family doctor and approval from a bariatric surgery center. Public wait times are typically 6–12 months.

Related Articles

Ready to explore bariatric surgery in Montreal?

Whether you're considering public or private options, taking the first step is crucial. Sign up for our Montreal weight loss guide to get expert tips, local resources, and insider advice on navigating bariatric surgery in Quebec. We'll send you actionable information straight to your inbox.

Information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any weight loss program.