Center for Bariatric Surgery

Why Choose Franciscan St. James Center for Bariatric Surgery?

We're the region's leading surgical weight loss experts

The Franciscan St. James Center for Bariatric Surgery, located on the Olympia Fields campus, offers morbidly obese adults the expertise of a board-certified surgeon with over 10 years of experience, a team of multi-disciplinary specialists, and a full array of support services to ensure lifelong success.

We're with you every step of the way

Losing weight can be one of the most difficult challenges you face. Being overweight is not simply due to a lack of will power or exercise; sometimes your family history may be to blame. You may be someone for whom  no amount of dieting or exercising will help. For you, working with  an experienced bariatric team is the best way to achieve  the healthy lifestyle you desire and deserve.

We care about the whole person

Obesity is a complex disease that involves all aspects of how we think and live. At St. James Health, we take a holistic approach to surgical weight loss. A variety of services are offered including monthly support group meetings, nutrition seminars and the New Life Program, a pre-surgical preparatory program. We help interested candidates learn about the safest surgical options, and help them with the psychological, social and behavioral changes involved in weight loss surgery.

Complication rate well below the national average

The complication rate for bariatric surgery at St. James Health is well below the national average. As with any surgery, there are risks asso­ ciated with each procedure. There may be additional risks depending on your medical history. It is important to discuss all your concerns with your surgeon during the consultation process prior to surgery.

The New Life Program

The New Life Program is  a pre-operative program that includes a personalized consultation with a registered dietitian, group education classes with the dietitian and personal trainer and regular behavioral health assessments. Classes are specifically designed to educate and prepare  you for the changes and to provide the keys to success after bariatric surgery.  

After surgery, psychological, nutritional and lifestyle counseling continues. Our bariatric team closely monitors each  patient's progress, and we encourage patients to participate in support groups-in many ways,a crucial part of their treatment.

Cost covered by most insurance

While all insurance plans are different, most plans cover bariatric surgery. The Franciscan St. James Health Center for Bariatric Surgery staff works diligently with the insurer to facilitate approval. The Center also offers pre-surgical programs to help meet insurance eligibility criteria. When insurance does not cover the procedure, Franciscan St. James has a financial counselor to help you learn about self-payment options.

Back to life in one week or less

Depending on the type of work you do, the average recovery time is one week or less. You will need to allow for this length of time to return to your daily activities. Increasing physical activity and exploring a new way of eating and living will also be part of your post-operative period.

Am I a candidate?

If you believe you would benefit from bariatric surgery, you owe it to yourself to explore the possibilities. Generally, candidates for bariatric surgery have:

• struggled with obesity for five or more years,
• a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 40 or,
• a BMI between 35 and 40 with obesity-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease or hypertension