For Nicole Chaput, the decision to pursue bariatric surgery was about more than weight loss. It was about her health, her family, and her future.
Living in Parry Sound, Nicole expected that accessing specialized care would require travelling south. Instead, she found comprehensive, expert care closer to home through the Sudbury Bariatric Centre of Excellence at Health Sciences North (HSN).
“I didn’t want to go to the GTA,” Nicole says. “And after going through this program, I’m so grateful I didn’t. The care I received in Sudbury was incredible.”
Preparing for Success
At HSN, bariatric surgery is not a “quick fix”. It is a carefully guided journey designed to support long-term success.
Patients begin with a virtual orientation, making it easier for individuals across Northeastern Ontario to access care without the burden of travel. From there, they are supported by a multidisciplinary team including nurses, dietitians, a social worker, physiotherapist, pharmacist, and surgeons.
“The program really prepares you,” Nicole says. “They give you everything you need. I even made a binder with all the information. It set me up to succeed before I ever had surgery.”
Over several months, patients work closely with the team to build sustainable habits. This includes improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and addressing overall health needs. It is also a time for patients to reflect and decide if surgery is the right path for them.
“They’re very honest about what’s required,” Nicole says. “If you’re not ready, that’s okay. You can take the time you need. But if you are ready, they’re there every step of the way.”
A Team Approach to Care
Nicole describes the team as knowledgeable, supportive, and deeply invested in patient success.
From her first appointments to surgery day, she felt reassured and informed.
“Every person I met took the time to answer my questions and ease my fears,” she says. “You never feel like just another patient. You feel like a person.”
That support continued during her hospital stay, where staff focused on both clinical excellence and patient comfort.
“Even the small things stood out,” Nicole recalls. “Staff made sure I was comfortable, explained everything, and checked in often. I never felt alone.”
Accessing Care Across the Region
As a regional program, HSN provides care to patients from across Northeastern Ontario, including communities like Parry Sound, Timmins, and Sault Ste. Marie.
Virtual care plays a key role in making this possible. Many appointments, including follow-ups, can be completed remotely, reducing the need for travel while ensuring patients stay connected to their care team.
After her surgery, Nicole stayed briefly in Sudbury before returning home, with ongoing support available whenever she needed it.
“If I had questions or concerns, I could call and get answers right away,” she says. “That kind of support makes a huge difference.”
Life After Surgery
Following surgery, patients receive structured follow-up care for a full year, with regular check-ins to monitor progress, provide guidance, and help navigate challenges.
“It’s a big adjustment,” Nicole says. “You’re learning a completely new way of eating and living. But the team prepares you for that, and they’re there to help you through it.”
For Nicole, the results have been life-changing.
In one year, she lost over 130 pounds. But more importantly, she gained something far greater.
“It’s the non-scale victories that matter most,” she says. “I can play soccer again. I learned how to wakeboard. I can keep up with my kids. I’m not sitting on the sidelines anymore.”
Redefining Success
The Sudbury Bariatric Centre of Excellence focuses on more than numbers on a scale. It prioritizes overall health, quality of life, and long-term wellbeing.
Nicole’s experience reflects that holistic approach.
“This program changed my life,” she says. “But it’s not the easy way out. You have to put in the work. The difference is, they give you the tools and support to succeed.”
For patients across Northeastern Ontario, that support is making life-changing care accessible, closer to home.
And for Nicole, it has made all the difference.
“I’m enjoying my life in a way I never could before,” she says. “And I wouldn’t be here without this program.” ![]()
To learn more about the Sudbury Bariatric Centre of Excellence, including eligibility, referral requirements, and what to expect throughout the care journey, please visit Sudbury Bariatric Centre of Excellence.