Bariatric Surgery

Is Surgery Right for Me?

Research supports the benefits of weight-loss surgery for those who meet the following criteria:

• Body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more
  • Calculate your BMI
• BMI between 35 and 39 diagnosed with morbid obesity and related health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and other obesity-related conditions.
• Unable to achieve a healthy body weight for a sustained period of time, even through medically supervised dieting
• Age 18+ 
• Willingness to make lifestyle and eating habit changes 
• Commitment to behavior modification, support groups and long-term follow up

Pathway to Surgery

Bariatric surgery is an important decision to make – and we’re here to help. We recommend taking the following steps when considering surgery:
 
1. Watch the three-part Bariatric Surgery Seminar Video Series linked below.
This short video series will provide you with details about weight-loss surgery and the Carle Bariatrics program. Our team explains the advantages and disadvantages of each type of weight loss procedure.
 
Video #1 (5 mins.)

Video #2 (12 mins.)

Video #3 (5 mins.)

2. Scheduling a consultation appointment.
Ask your primary care doctor to submit a referral to Carle Bariatrics or call (217) 902-2100 to set up a consultation appointment with the appointment scheduler. Please note the appointment scheduler will ask you for the video completion password prior to scheduling your appointment. This is to ensure that you have watched the video series and understand the risk factors associated with weight loss surgery prior to meeting with our team.

3. Verify your insurance requirements.
Although a staff member will review and verify your insurance carrier’s requirements when you schedule your first appointment, it is important to know how your coverage works beforehand. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine if your weight-loss surgery will be covered. Our team will work with Carle Financial Services to help answer questions and provide guidance as you work with your carrier. Contact the Carle Bariatric Surgery department at (217) 902-2100 for additional questions.

4. Join our Carle Bariatrics Facebook Support Group (optional).
This online support group provides an online community for individuals who are interested in or have completed the bariatric surgery process to come together with surgeons and medical professionals. This group enables patients to share stories, seek support, ask questions and gain knowledge in a low-pressure environment. For more information on the Bariatrics Facebook Support Group Page, click here. It is a great resource if you are considering Bariatric Surgery.

Additional Resources

• American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Helpful information on all aspects of bariatric surgery.
• Association for Morbid Obesity Support. An excellent website run by patients who have had surgery.
• The Obesity Society. For the public and health professionals. A reputable resource providing information regarding health effects of obesity and treatment. 
• Obesity Law and Advocacy Center. An excellent website for patients who do not have insurance coverage.
• Obesity Online. A very comprehensive site with  information regarding treatment for obesity.
• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Conducts and supports basic and clinical research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health.

Surgery Descriptions

Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
A gastric bypass is performed by introducing a laparoscope through small abdominal incisions. The entire operation is performed "inside" the abdomen and special stapling instruments are used to create a new small stomach pouch. The remainder of the stomach is not removed (99 percent), but is completely stapled shut and divided from the new small stomach pouch. This process allows for faster recovery.

Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
This type of restrictive weight-loss involves the reduction of the size of the stomach to about 60 cc in volume. As a result, patients feel full after a smaller portion of food, and therefore lose weight due to lower food intake. There are also significant effects on the hunger mechanisms with this method that lead to greater  weight loss with the sleeve gastrectomy than with just a small stomach pouch. Hunger is decreased because there is a reduced capacity to produce Ghrelin, a substance that plays a role in how you feel and relieve hunger. Weight loss with the sleeve gastrectomy ranges from 55 to 70 percent of excess body weight, depending on your circumstances.

Laparoscopic Banding
Adjustable gastric banding limits food intake by placing a constricting ring completely around the stomach below the junction of the stomach and esophagus. The small gastric pouch (the size of a golf ball) restricts the amount of food that can be consumed during a meal. Ingested food passes through the digestive tract in the usual order, allowing it to be fully absorbed into the body.