Weight-Loss Surgery To Help You Feel Your Best
In our bariatric program, we are passionate about elevating your quality of life through safe and effective weight-loss surgery. Our highly qualified and specially trained team of bariatric surgeons supports you by focusing on:
- Engagement: We partner with you to achieve your goals and help you feel whole. We create a collaborative system of care across multiple specialties to achieve the best possible outcomes. Our patient navigators provide personalized support just for you along the journey.
- Education: We offer a full spectrum of services, including nutritional counseling, physical activity, anti-obesity medication and mental health resources. You’ll receive lifestyle tools to help you maintain your health in the long term.
- Expectation: Success happens when communication and expectations are in alignment. We make sure to communicate with you at every step of your care.
Let's achieve and maintain your healthiest weight together through surgical weight loss.
We’re here to help you find the right bariatric surgeon or a location that’s convenient for you.
Bariatric Procedures Our Team Offers
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Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve surgery, also called sleeve gastrectomy, doesn't involve bypassing the small intestine and has minimal complications. It’s suitable for people with lower BMIs who can supplement the procedure with increased physical activity.
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Gastric Bypass
A gastric bypass procedure reduces the stomach’s size and reroutes food into the first part of the small intestine, increasing energy expenditure and changing digestive hormones.
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Duodenal Switch
A duodenal switch procedure reduces the stomach’s size and bypasses much of the small intestine, mainly reducing the absorption of fats and proteins.
La Grange Only
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Intragastric Balloon
An FDA-approved, non-surgical weight-loss operation, an intragastric balloon procedure limits food intake temporarily, helping maintain a healthy weight over time.
Bolingbrook Only
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Lap-Band® Surgery
A Lap-Band is an adjustable gastric band placed around the stomach's upper part, reducing the stomach’s size and restricting food intake.
Bolingbrook Only
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Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has long been considered the gold standard of weight-loss surgeries. It can help reduce body mass, medication use and the likelihood of needing additional surgeries.
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SADI-S
A type of duodenal switch surgery, SADI-S is a minimally invasive weight-loss procedure that involves removing less of the intestine than other types of bariatric surgeries.
Bolingbrook Only
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Revisions
We offer revisional procedures for Lap-Bands, gastric sleeve procedures, gastric bypass operations and other traditional bariatric surgeries.
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Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Techniques
Our bariatric surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive techniques for bariatric surgery, performing procedures laparoscopically or with robotic technology for fewer complications and a faster recovery.
How Our Bariatric Surgeons Help You Reach Your Goals
- Assessing Your Needs
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To determine if a surgical weight-loss procedure is right for you, we’ll look at factors like your age, your medical history, any previous attempts at weight loss, any related health conditions and your body mass index (BMI).
You could be a candidate for our program if you meet the following conditions:
- You are at least 18 years of age
- You have a BMI of 40 (approximately 100 pounds over ideal body weight for men and 80 pounds over ideal body weight for women) or a BMI of 35 or above, with an associated condition such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or obesity-related heart disease
- You have previously attempted weight loss in a program supervised by a physician, dietitian or nutritionist
- You have a willingness to commit to long-term medical follow-up care, as well as the lifelong changes in eating, exercise and lifestyle habits necessary to maintain weight loss after surgery
- Personalized Care at Our Facilities
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At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we understand that you’re an individual, and that’s reflected in our weight-loss and bariatric surgery care at our two campuses offering bariatric services: UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Bolingbrook and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth La Grange.
With a personalized approach, we'll determine whether you’re a good candidate for our minimally invasive surgical weight-loss procedures. We then develop a treatment plan that fits your exact needs and concerns.
Our caring, compassionate team will be with you at every step with support to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight for the months and years to come.
On Your Weight-Loss Journey, We’ll Be Your Guide
Weight-loss surgery is a big decision. We want to ensure all your questions are answered, so you can be informed, prepared and confident that you’re making the best decision for your health. Download our PDF of answers to frequently asked questions about bariatric surgeries to learn more.
See the Success: Antwuan’s Transformation
Motivated to honor his mother's memory and inspired by a newfound determination to invest in his body, mind and spirit, Antwuan embarked on a remarkable journey of transformation through bariatric surgery with our team.
Answering Your Bariatric Surgery Questions
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Q:Question: How much does the surgery cost, and will my insurance cover it?
A:Answer:The coverage related to bariatric surgery depends on the type of coverage your insurance plan provides. Our care coordinators will help you communicate with your insurance company to understand what coverage your plan requires and provides.
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Q:Question: Which bariatric procedure is best for me?
A:Answer:This will be determined at your consult visit when you sit down with your bariatric surgeon. The decision is based on various factors like your BMI and health history.
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Q:Question: What percentage of people can lose weight after surgery and keep it off long-term?
A:Answer:About 75% of people who undergo surgery can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.
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Q:Question: Will my hunger go away after surgery?
A:Answer:No operation eliminates hunger completely; hunger is a survival instinct and a necessary bodily function. However, weight-loss surgery will reduce your hunger, especially in the first few months after the operation.
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Q:Question: What is the average length of time for weight-loss operations?
A:Answer:Gastric bypass procedures typically take two hours, while gastric sleeve procedures take about an hour and a half.
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Q:Question: How rapid is weight loss after bariatric surgery?
A:Answer:Most patients will lose about 65% of their excess weight in 18 months (a year and a half), and most of the weight comes off in the first year.
Join Our Support Groups
If you’re considering or have had bariatric surgery, our free support groups are here for you to share your personal journey and experiences with others who understand and support your goals.
Our support groups are offered on the third Wednesday of each month from 5 to 6 pm CT. They are led by bariatric surgery and weight-loss professionals with in-depth knowledge of the clinical methods and emotional challenges involved in the weight-loss process.
No matter where you live or which UChicago Medicine AdventHealth program your surgeon is affiliated with, you can attend a group session virtually at any location. You decide how much support you need, and we will be here to help you along the way. If you have any questions about our support groups, please contact us at Call855-206-1443.