The bariatric surgery program at Rush is a multidisciplinary group of surgeons, physicians, dietitians and other health care professionals dedicated to the comprehensive treatment of morbid obesity. Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, with an estimated 60 percent of the adult population considered overweight. Along with the weight come a number of related medical conditions that decrease the life expectancy of people who are overweight. Recent projections suggest that more than $200 billion will be spent in this year alone to treat obesity-related health issues. The good news is that significant weight loss will improve and, sometimes, cure obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, hypercholestrolemia and even musculoskeletal pain. However, research shows that surgery is the only proven long-term weight loss maintenance intervention for patients who become morbidly obese.

The National Institute of Health Consensus Statement on Surgery for Obesity recommends that people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 or 35 for people with obesity-related medical problems (roughly 100 pounds overweight) consider surgical intervention. Use our BMI calculator to determine your BMI.

Operations being performed at Rush include:

• Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP)
• Laparoscopic Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG)
• Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB)
• Conventional (open) RYGBP
• Conventional (open) VBG
• Revision interventions for failed or unsafe operations

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the toll-free physician referral line for Rush: (888) 352-RUSH.