Our practice is proud to offer a comprehensive suite of primary weight loss surgeries to meet the diverse needs of our patients. This includes the popular gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures, along with SADI-S (Single Anastomosis Duodeno–Ileal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy) and the adjustable Lap Band surgery. Understanding that each patient's journey is unique, we also specialize in revision surgeries, providing options to revise previous procedures such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or Lap Band to other bariatric surgeries that might be better suited to the patient's evolving needs.

In addition to these surgical interventions, we are at the forefront of incorporating endoscopic techniques into our practice. These less invasive options include the gastric balloon, which is a temporary and reversible procedure, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, a sophisticated endoscopic weight loss procedure that reduces the stomach volume without external incisions. These advanced endoscopic procedures are designed to offer effective weight loss solutions with shorter recovery times and are an excellent option for patients seeking minimally invasive alternatives.

Eligibility for weight loss surgery in our practice hinges on a few key factors:

1. BMI (Body Mass Index) Requirements:

Candidates with a BMI of 35 and associated health issues like diabetes or a BMI of 40 without such conditions were traditionally eligible. The new 2023 guidelines suggest a BMI of 30 may suffice if serious obesity-related health problems are evident, though adoption of this threshold varies.

2. Age Considerations:

There's no absolute age cutoff, but risks and benefits are carefully weighed, with the ASMBS suggesting an upper limit of 65 years. Minors under 18 should be enrolled in a dedicated adolescent program.

3. Medical Assessment:

A thorough medical review is essential. Obesity-related conditions can bolster candidacy, while past surgeries, mental health issues, chronic diseases, or certain medications might complicate eligibility. Safe surgery and recovery prospects are paramount in evaluation.

4. Weight Loss History:

Proof of previous weight loss attempts through diet, exercise, or medical programs is required to ensure surgery is an appropriate option after other methods haven’t achieved lasting results.

Our practice proudly accepts a diverse range of insurance plans to ensure that you receive the care you need. This includes popular providers such as:

• Aetna (HMO, POS, PPO)

• Blue Care Network

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Advantage PPO, PPO, HMO)

• Cigna (HMO, POS, PPO)

• Coventry Health Plan (PPO)

• Humana (PPO, HMO)

• United Healthcare (Choice, HMO)

• TriCare (US Military Insurance)

• Medicare

For other insurance plans not listed here, we offer personalized case investigations to ascertain coverage and ensure that you can access our services with the support of your insurance provider.

Yes, our practice provides self-pay options for patients who may not have insurance coverage or choose not to use insurance. Specifically, the gastric balloon procedure is exclusively a self-pay option, as it is not covered by medical insurance in the United States. The comprehensive cost for the gastric balloon, which includes the endoscopic insertion, 6 months of follow-up care, and the removal of the balloon, is $8,000 USD.

Additionally, we offer self-pay arrangements for other bariatric procedures. The gastric sleeve is available for a cash payment of $14,000 USD, and the gastric bypass can be self-funded for $23,000 USD.

For those seeking financial assistance, we have established a partnership with a third-party provider, MDsave, which may offer financing options based on their internal criteria. This can be a valuable resource for patients needing a payment plan to manage the cost of surgery. description

Our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, including navigating the complexities of insurance coverage. As part of your enrollment in our program, we offer complimentary insurance verification services to determine whether your current insurance policy covers bariatric surgery. We meticulously review your benefits to ensure you have a clear understanding of your coverage.

Additionally, we encourage prospective patients to take an active role in this process. By clicking here, you can access our intuitive form designed to guide you through the necessary steps to inquire about your insurance coverage. This proactive approach empowers you with knowledge and facilitates a smoother journey through your weight loss surgery process.

Our bariatric procedures are conducted at the University of Chicago AdventHealth Bolingbrook Hospital, which has been recognized as a Center of Excellence and Distinction for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. At this facility, we are supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are committed to providing exceptional care throughout your weight loss journey.

We take great pride in utilizing the latest surgical technologies, including advanced robotics, laparoscopic, and endoscopic techniques, ensuring that our patients receive the most modern and minimally invasive surgical options available. Additionally, our collaboration with other medical specialties at AdventHealth Bolingbrook ensures that our patients benefit from a comprehensive approach to their care, from pre-operative preparation to post-surgery recovery and beyond. Our dedicated team and state-of-the-art facilities come together to create an environment focused on safety, quality, and successful patient outcomes.

The timeline for completing the preparatory program before surgery can vary significantly as each patient's case is unique. Historically, the duration can span from few weeks to a couple of months, contingent upon the complexity of the candidate's health status and individual needs.

It's imperative to recognize that the pre-surgery phase is not just a procedural formality but a crucial period for ensuring the safest and most effective surgical outcome. During this time, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation which includes preoperative testing, nutritional counseling, psychological assessment, and sometimes, medically supervised weight loss.

We encourage and guide every patient to schedule and complete their preoperative testing promptly. The efficiency with which these prerequisites are met can influence the speed of progression to surgery. Our team is dedicated to assisting patients through this process as swiftly and safely as possible, all while ensuring that they are fully prepared for the life-changing journey ahead.

The safety profile of bariatric surgery has improved significantly over the years, and it is now considered as safe as or safer than other routine procedures like gallbladder surgery. At our practice, safety is paramount. We adhere to stringent surgical standards and leverage the latest advancements in medical technology to ensure the highest levels of safety. Our surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which typically result in fewer complications, less pain, and faster recovery times. Our medical team, comprising besides Dr. El Djouzi as the surgeon , anesthesiologists, internists (hospitalists), nurses, and support staff, is highly trained and specializes in bariatric care, bringing years of experience and expertise to each procedure.

We conduct a thorough pre-surgical assessment to understand the specific risks for each patient, tailoring our approach to mitigate these risks. Postoperative care, a critical component of our safety protocol, includes close monitoring, pain management, and support for nutrition and physical activity, ensuring a smooth recovery. In addition, we provide comprehensive follow-up care to address any complications promptly and support long-term health and weight maintenance. Our commitment to safety and excellence has earned us the designation as a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery, reflecting our consistent track record of positive patient outcomes.

Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses are eligible for bariatric surgery. Their primary concern usually involves avoiding blood transfusions, aligning with their religious beliefs. To accommodate this, our medical team employs strategies like bloodless surgery techniques, reducing blood loss, and using medications to increase blood cell counts. Although bariatric surgery generally carries a low risk of bleeding, we emphasize the importance of preoperative planning and individualized care to respect the patient's beliefs while ensuring safety. It's important to note that while the likelihood of needing a blood transfusion is minimal, our policy requires all patients to consent to a transfusion of blood products if it becomes critically necessary.

Bariatric surgery, while beneficial for many, does have certain contraindications that must be carefully considered to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the procedure.

1.Absolute contraindications include:

• Severe Psychological Conditions: Untreated severe mental health disorders that may impair the patient’s ability to adhere to post-operative guidelines or understand the risks of surgery.

• Substance Abuse: Active substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, which can affect the healing process and the outcome of the surgery.

• Smoking tobacco: Significantly impairs the body's ability to heal and increases the risk of surgical complications. Patients are typically required to stop smoking well in advance (at least 4 weeks) of the surgery and commit to not smoking post-operatively.

• Medical Conditions with High Surgical Risk: Certain uncontrolled medical conditions, such as advanced liver disease with portal hypertension, severe heart failure, or other conditions that significantly increase the risk of surgery.

• Non-Compliance with Treatment: A history of non-compliance with medical treatment, as bariatric surgery requires a lifelong commitment to dietary changes and medical follow-up.

2. Relative contraindications, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, may include:

• Age Extremes: Patients who are very young or elderly may face higher risks and require special consideration.

• Chronic Conditions that Affect Healing: Conditions such as lupus or scleroderma that could affect wound healing and recovery must be evaluated.

• Previous Stomach or Intestinal Surgery: Prior surgeries in the abdominal area may increase the complexity of bariatric surgery.

Our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to assess these and other factors before recommending bariatric surgery. This assessment is crucial to ensuring that the benefits of surgery outweigh the potential risks for each individual patient.

Embarking on a transformative journey with our program begins with an initial consultation, which is conveniently conducted virtually, aligning with our current standard where nearly all consultations are held online. Upon scheduling your consultation, you will receive an email granting you access to our comprehensive preoperative educational materials. It is crucial to dedicate time to study these resources thoroughly, as they are designed to provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge about the entire process.

During your virtual meeting with Dr. El Djouzi, you will have the opportunity to have your questions thoughtfully addressed. Following this consultation, you will embark on the necessary preparatory steps, including a series of tests and clearances to ensure you are fully ready for surgery. Once your insurance pre-authorization is secured, a preoperative visit will be arranged where Dr. El Djouzi will review your chart in detail and discuss any final questions you might have.

In addition to these steps, you will be welcomed into our private Facebook group. This platform allows you to engage with our patient community, drawing inspiration and learning from the experiences of those who have already completed their journeys. Their successes serve not just as motivation but as a beacon of what's possible.

Prior to surgery, you will be guided through a two-week, medically supervised preoperative diet to optimize your readiness for the procedure. This structured approach ensures that you are in the best possible condition for a successful surgery and recovery.

If you feel prepared to take this life-changing step, please click the link at the bottom of this page to begin your journey with us.