What is Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery should be viewed first and foremost as a method for alleviating debilitating, chronic disease. In most cases, the minimum qualification for consideration for Bariatric surgery is that the candidate be a minimum of 100 lbs. above his or her ideal body weight or those with a Body Mass Index of 40 or greater. Weight loss surgery requires a great deal of commitment on the part of the patient in that he or she should be prepared, motivated, and dedicated to adhere to extensive dietary, exercise and medical guidelines that must be followed for the remainder of their lives after having weight loss surgery

The fact remains that morbid obesity is a complex, multi-factorial, chronic disease. For many patients, the risk of death from not having the weight loss surgery is greater than the risks from the possible complications of having the procedure. At the University of Illinois Medical Center, our highly-skilled team of specialists are ready to partner with you and take the first step toward leading a healthy life.