The region’s leading surgical weight loss experts
The St. James Center for Bariatric Surgery, located on the Olympia Fields campus, offers morbidly obese adults the expertise of fellowship-trained surgeons with over 20 years combined experience, a team of multi-disciplinary specialists and a full array of support services to ensure life-long success.
Complication rate well below the national average
The complication rate for bariatric surgery at St. James is well below the national average. As with any surgery, there are risks associated 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.
What patients say about St. James
"Choosing to have laparoscopic RNY gastric bypass surgery for my health was one of the most difficult, initmate and life-changing decisions I have ever made. I was a severe diabetic with other related issues and was taking 17 pills and over 300 units of U100 insulin and my body was rejecting everything. As a rsult, they switched me to U500 insulin with some results but I continued to have ongoing problems. I always thought I could manage my diabetes on my own but found out that no matter what I did or how hard I worked out, I was not seeing the benefits needed to alter my health issues. I felt like a failure.
After much personal reflection and 6 months of prep work, I had surgery on April 28, 2009. While I had complications as a result of my surgery, it was the best thing I have ever done in my life. I am now 1 year post surgery and have reached my goal. which was to be off all diabetes medicine including insulin. I just had my labs done and my results are excellent. My doctors have advised that I have achieved a result they never thought possible. In addition to the health improvements, I have reached my goal weight and am within my healthy BMI range. I lost 90 lbs and went from a 18-20 to a size 8. Some might say weight loss surgery is the "easy way out" but I beg to differ. It is a difficult decision with life altering changes but I feel great and am glad I have a new tool to help me fight a disease that was killing me slowly."
—DK
“At 371 pounds, I had diabetes and high blood pressure. I’d get tired just walking my dog, Mookie. A year after my gastric bypass surgery at St. James, I lost 135 pounds, I’m no longer insulin dependent, and I take less blood pressure medication. The surgery saved my life, I’m able to walk Mookie again and life gets better and better.”
—Mary Jo A.
“The biggest benefit that I experienced was the ability to come off of my diabetes, gastric reflux, and blood pressure medications. I am able to be more active and feel good about myself.”
—Cindy M.
“I must say that bariatric surgery has helped me come to terms that this is a life long journey and that having the surgery allowed me to be healthier and more active in my lifestyle that I live.”
—Sue K.
"I was 52 and 320 pounds when I was diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and allergies, all at the same time. After four years of dieting and exercising, taking off 85 pounds and gaining 40 back, I needed help. I researched bariatric surgery.
My initial consultation with Dr. Cahill was an eye-opener. He strongly recommended Roux-en-y Bypass surgery for me, stating that my diabetes would end! It didn't take long to decide, and on October 6, 2008, I had bypass surgery.
It's six months after, and I am happy to say that I am 63 pounds lighter (plus 57 lost pre-surgery, for a total of 120) and am no longer diabetic! This has changed my life considerably. I feel like a different person, I look like a different person. I don't have to worry about a multitude of diabetes-caused conditions. This fact alone has eased my mind and anxiety.
I can walk a flight of stairs without getting winded. I don't need an extension on a seat belt. I fit into my seat at the ballpark. I don't have to walk sideways to get through the turnstyle. I am wearing a size 14, down from 26, so I shop in the misses section and don't have to look at the back of the rack for the largest items.
I don't cringe when I look in the mirror, instead, pause longer than usual to admire the new me. Even my skin is better!"
—PH
