Medical Bariatrics Canada/ HEAT Preventive Health (Dr. Francis Vala)

Dr. Vala has been a great source of information and support. He is straight forward, kind and very knowledgeable. He takes the time to listen and give feedback. I have had great success with Dr. Vala and would recommend him to anyone looking to get healthier.

Dr Vala offers a preventive health program in a manner that keeps me motivated to achieve my current health goals (weight loss and overall health). Great job Dr Vala!

Dr. Francis Vala is a great doctor I lost around 30lbs when starting his program with him. He cares about his patients and is always there every step along the way. I am at the 3 months mark and I’m happy with my results with him and will continue to working with him.

Dr. Vala and his team have helped me transform my life. I have been morbidly obese from childhood and I have weighed over 250 pounds since grade 10. I have never had a “normal” or healthy body as a realistic goal as I never understood what that could possibly look like for me. When I started Dr. Vala’s program over six months ago, I was desperate for bariatric surgery, thinking the only way I could achieve that “normal” body would be through surgery as I couldn’t possibly achieve that without pills, a miracle or another quick and “easy” fix. After our initial consult, I was afraid. Dr. Vala had said that bariatic surgery might not be the answer. He confirmed that it was most definitely a possibility and that he refers all the patients that need it and for whom it would work. I was still scared: I had been waiting for this “fix” all my life and that was the only reason I was signing up for this program. At our second meeting, I was more insistent that I wanted this surgery and that this HAD to be a realistic possibility. Dr. Vala once again confirmed this was more than possible and so we started on this journey. At this point I was still afraid to lose weight – fearing that if I could lose weight without the surgery, it would be denied. Dr. Vala’s program has helped me become honest and understand my relationship with food, my health and for the first time I believe I have started to understand the link between my mind and body.
I have also used other support systems and sources from time to time and Dr. Vala has always been supportive. I am provided counseling services through my work and I find it has worked well along with this program. I am also attending regular overeater support group meetings and Dr. Vala has supported me with anything that helps. Dr. Vala has assembled an awesome team, which starts with Nusrat who organizes, communicates and offers a kind word and friendly smile at the beginning of each appointment. The professionals he has brought on board are exceptional. So far, I have worked with Jessica Wang, a dietitian who has helped me find foods to enjoy and keep me feeling full. She spent as much time with me as I needed, going well over and above. My Kinesiologist, Naomi Gilligan, has worked with me and started small as she could tell just how scared I was to do some very simple movements. Having been big for my entire life I have made sure over my life to make it comfortable. I have created a life that is easy for a big person, so I am never uncomfortable or embarrassed because I can’t bend over. Naomi, never let me give up even though I missed a few appointments. She seemed to understand just how bad I needed her even if I didn’t know. I started this journey on January 29th, 2020 by journaling my food, blood sugar and weight. At 5’ 5” (and a half 😊) in height I weighed 321 pounds. I have been journaling ever since and now I keep track of my steps and blood pressure as well. I was taking 120 units of Insulin (long lasting) per day as well as 3 other diabetic-related medications and my A1C started at 11.2. I did my 6-month blood work on July 14, 2020, and even after ending my use of insulin entirely, my A1C is now 5.9. On July 28th, 2020 I weighed in for a regular check in, and I now weighed 221 pounds. Since tracking my weight, food and blood sugar on January 29th, I have lost 100 pounds.
I am working on figuring out new goals, likely no longer needing bariatric surgery. I never thought I would ever be able to do this on my own, and it turns out that I was right. I needed help, I needed Dr. Vala. Dr. Vala gave me the help that I didn’t know I needed, and he is continuing to help me to make this a long-term solution. I know it was me that did the work, but I could not have done this without Dr. Vala and his team.
Thank you Dr. Vala. I didn’t know how badly I needed you, but I am so glad I have you

I initially saw Dr. Vala for gout but Dr. Vala went the extra mile to enrol me for the weight loss program. Now I not only got rid of gout but also got in a better shape than ever!

Dr. Vala and his team have been life changing for me. I have been seeing him for over a year and my health has significantly improved as a result. He, the dietitian, and kinesiologist have helped me make the changes I needed to make. I live in Northern BC, and have appreciated the virtual appointments and accessibility. Seeing Dr. Vala has improved the relationship I have with myself, and I am grateful for his support. :)

started meeting with Dr Valu Jan 2019 weight at that time was 263 ib..he has been a GOD SENT TO ME. helping me not only to loss 75 lb and keep it off. but also during these hard times we are in with cobrot 19.HE HAS ALSO HELP ME AS i have beeing losing weight redused my medications to make me feel even better. would not have made it without him. Thankyou DR VALU. sandra. As of May 14 2024 I, am continuing to loose weight. Have lossed another 8 lb. Only 21/2 lb to go to get to my goal weight of 180. Thanks again Dr Valu. And your staff. Sandra Cragg

Thx to Dr Vala I lost 55 lb , in 4/5 months , Dr Vala And his team Are the great . If it wasn’t for Dr Vala I would probably be diabetic by now , having all this issues, with my health, before I met Dr Vala , I never believe that I can change that , and Yes I did , with his help anything is possible. Thanks Dr Vala for bringing my life back my happiness and my health, thank you for all your time and best advice. So anyone having a problem with weight , talk to Dr Vala , best Doctor you can get it . Thank you again Dr Vala .
Alma

I have been working with DR. Vala for 1 year now, not only did I shed 45 pounds but have been able to maintain the weight loss while working with the included Kinesiologist and dietician. My original weight loss goal was set to allow me to have hip replacement surgery which was completed on July 30, 2020. My recover has been excellent largely due to the weight loss and the direction from Dr. Vala and his associates. I have also been able to reduce and in some cases eliminate prescribed medications for high blood pressure and diabetes with guidance from Dr. Vala. I can only highly recommend Dr. Vala and his associates.

I've been working with Dr Valas and his team for over 6mo now and couldn't be happier with my results. I'm down from a size 22 to 16 so far and feel healthier and stronger thanks to the diet and exercise prescribed.

I've tried to lose weight like this on my own, and ultimately failed, but the support and regular check ins really help keep me on track.

I had osteoarthritis in my knee and was in constant pain but no surgeon would help me because I was obese. I went to Dr. Vala at first to prepare myself for bariatric surgery and stayed because with his support I lost enough weight to get a new knee. I know I did the work but Dr. Vala was crucial to my weight loss and the reason I was able to have total knee replacement. My life is so much better now that I'm not in constant pain!

Dr. Vala helped me become much more aware of the things I was doing that were not supporting a healthy lifestyle. He supported me to lose weight, exercise more, get more rest and gain more energy. My visits with him were always positive experiences. If better health is your goal Dr. Vala is your man.

Six months and 40lbs later (and still going), Dr Vala and his entire team are amazing to work with. Truly life changing. My blood pressure is normal now and my body doesn't hurt all the time. Highly recommended.

I am so thankful for Dr. Vala and his team. The structure of the program really sets you up for success. I have tried Noom, Keto, and My Fitness Pal; nothing worked. I am finally seeing results for the first time in my weight loss journey.

I am so thankful for Dr. Vala and his team. For the first time in my life I finally have control over my weight. I tried Keto, Noom, and My Fitness Pal, all failed. I love the accountability and resources to help me in my journey.

Dr. Vala and his team/program have completely changed my life.
When I came to the clinic I was at rock bottom, having tried everything to lose weight after gaining 120 pounds in a short time due to illness. I could not lose more than 20 pounds. I didn't understand why. I was always fit and healthy before the weight gain. I was always in pain, could not walk more than 500 meters at a time. I was beginning to not be able to work full time anymore. I could not put my shoes on, was unable to kneel, much less get back up.
I have now lost close to 50 pounds with Dr.Valas help. There are sciences involved in obesity, and through his program and patience and my trusting the process, I am succeeding.
I can now walk at a very fast pace for up to 10 km walks. I am strength training again and can even put my own shoes on!
I have mentioned to Dr. Vala that I don't even care what I look like anymore, I just feel so great! And for the first time in four-five years I look like a "normal" person again.
Thank you Dr. Vala and the whole team. You have saved me.

He is the best doctor I have ever seen!!!! Giving all his attention to the patient. Very knowledgeable and friendly.

Edit to add - 1 year update: Dr. Francis Vala is very well spoken and polite with his patients. He treats his patients with a lot of respect which is rare. He’s a pleasure to work with.

Very thankful for your weight loss program. Dr Vala is very easy to talk to and very helpful. I have been successful so far and hope to continue. Thank you Dr Vala for all your help.

I have worked with Dr. Vala in Medical Bariatrics Canada since September 2018. He is very kind, patient, and understanding. He is also a very hardworking doctor and takes his job very seriously. He cares so much for his bariatrics patients and makes sure they are well taken care of.

I met Dr Vala 6 mths ago. He is a very pleasant, encouraging, and informative Dr.
Im pleased to have been referred and continue to look forward to further success in my wellness jouney. Thanks Dr Vala.