Virtual Bariatric Support
Virtual Bariatric Q&A Session
We would like to answer any questions you may have as you consider this next step in your weight loss journey. We are offering a virtual Q&A session with a member of our Bariatric Surgery team. The pre-recorded information session, an 18 minute video must be viewed prior to attending the Q&A.
When: 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-7pm.
How: Register, and receive instructions on how to connect via Zoom.
Register for a session
Virtual Bariatric Support Group
To better serve you, we are now offering our monthly Bariatric Support Groups online. The groups are for individuals contemplating bariatric surgery for weight loss. All new patients, friends and families are welcome to attend. Our bariatric team highly recommends that all new bariatrics patients attend. Sessions are free of charge.
When: 1st Monday of the month and 3rd Thursday of the month.
How: Register, and receive instructions on how to connect via Zoom.
Register for a session
Weight Loss Surgery Options
At NorthShore we specialize in gastric bypass Roux-en-Y, considered the gold standard of weight loss surgery. Our bariatric surgeons perform the gastric bypass procedure as a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
Other procedures we specialize in are laparoscopic adjustable gastric band surgery (lap band), an adjustable and reversible minimally invasive surgery, sleeve gastrectomy which does not require that a foreign object be implanted and gastric balloon, a new FDA-approved minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. In addition, NorthShore is proud to offer Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG). We are the only institution in Chicagoland currently performing this minimally invasive procedure.
With a highly trained team of surgeons, nurses, nutritionists, exercise therapists and psychologists, NorthShore is able to provide patients with safe and effective weight-loss surgery options, comprehensive pre- and post-operative education and ongoing aftercare.
Gastric bypass surgery is performed at Evanston, Glenbrook, and Highland Park Hospital. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is performed at Evanston and Glenbrook Hospital.
Why Should I Consider Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is indicated for patients with documented failed dietary attempts and patients who have:
1. A BMI of 40 or over and
2. A BMI of 35-40 with significant co-morbidity.
The surgical treatment of morbid obesity (bariatric surgery) has been the only therapy that has been proven to provide consistent weight loss. In a NIH consensus statement concerning obesity, medical treatment was considered ineffective in 95% of patients. While some patients can lose weight with diet and exercise, these are very few in number. The conclusion of this statement was that surgery is the only way to obtain consistent, permanent weight loss for morbidly obese patients.
Who Qualifies for Surgery?
To qualify for bariatric surgery, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You have failed repeated attempts at losing weight and controlling your obesity
- You are 100 pounds over your ideal body weight and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater or equal to 40 or a BMI of 35 (approximately 80 pounds over ideal body weight if you have an associated medical complication or co-morbid factor)
- You have had a consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons and been determined to be a surgical candidate