Bariatric Surgery at MacNeal Hospital
Join us for one Free One-Hour Weight Loss Surgery Seminar.
If You're Serious About Losing Weight…We're Serious About Helping You. If you are overweight and unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise, or if your weight is causing you medical problems, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery.
Seminar Dates:
- Thursday, February 16, 2012
- Thursday, March 15, 2012
Seminar Location: MacNeal Hospital - 3249 S. Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402
Room: A & A1 (lower level by cafeteria)
Registration is strongly encouraged. Please call 1-888-622-6325.
"Bariatric surgery simultaneously treats more disease conditions
than does any other single medical or surgical treatment"
Bariatric, or weight-loss surgery, are operations designed to treat obesity and the numerous medical conditions associated with it.
Our multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals are here to help inform and guide you through the process to determine if weight-loss surgery is right for you.
Meet the Surgeons
The surgeons who perform bariatric sugery at MacNeal Hospital specialize in minimally invasive bariatric surgery and comprehensive pre-op and post op care.
 |  | Mark S. Choh, M.D. Dr. Choh received his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA. and completed his residency in general surgery at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. He also completed a fellowship in minimally invasive laparoscopic, bariatric, and robotic surgery at the University of Illinois – Chicago, Chicago, IL. |
|
 | | Ryan C. Headley, M.D. Dr. Headley received his medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA and completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Chicago in Chicago, IL. |
Physicians are members of the medical staff at MacNeal Hospital, but are independent contractors who are neither agents nor employees of MacNeal Hospital; and, as a result, MacNeal Hospital is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.
Common Questions
Am I the right patient?
In general, you may qualify for surgery if your BMI is greater than 40, or if it is between 35 and 40 and you suffer from obesity-related conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and high blood pressure.
Weight loss surgery requires patients to be motivated and disciplined to make a drastic lifestyle change. It also requires the full understanding that surgery is not a quick fix, but a key part of the process in becoming a healthier person.
Download the BMI Chart
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive surgical approach performed through small incisions. Access ports are inserted through which operating instruments are used to perform the operation.
This surgical approach results in reduced pain, quicker recovery, improved appearance, and a smaller chance of wound-related complications. All of our surgeries are performed this way, although there is always a small chance of having to make a larger incision.
What surgeries do we offer?
 | | Adjustable Gastric Band The adjustable gastric band is placed around the top portion of the stomach. It contains an inflatable balloon that when tightened, restricts the amount of food you are able to intake. The balloon is attached to a small port which is placed under the skin on the abdomen, which can be adjusted in the office. |
 | | Sleeve Gastrectomy The sleeve gastrectomy is a newer procedure that entails dividing and removing a large portion (about 80%) of the body of the stomach, permanently removing the size of the stomach. This leaves a narrow sleeve or tube in the shape of a banana, restricting the amount of food that can be taken in. |
 | | Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involves dividing the stomach into a small pouch and a larger "remnant" pouch and than reroutes the small intestine, not only decreasing the amount of food taken in, but also the absorption of it. |
Where do I go from here?
Losing weight can be a very difficult and frustrating process. If you think surgery may be an option, our team is here to help!
- Call your insurance provider to see if you have bariatric coverage. Every plan is different in both their coverage and their requirements. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have and to help you through the process. Call Anna D, Bariatric Coordinator, (708) 484-0621 ext. 227
- Please attend one of our informational weight loss seminars where you can learn more about obesity, the different types of operations, and the risks and benefits of surgery. You'll have the opportunity to meet the surgeons and members of our staff who are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
- Make an appointment with one of our surgeons where we will determine if weight loss surgery is right for you, and which operation would best suit your needs.