When it comes to weight loss surgeries, your St. James team has exceptional experience under their belts. They deeply care about the success and wellbeing of each patient and provide excellent, personalized care to you in achieving a realistic goal weight, a positive attitude toward health and an overall improved lifestyle.
Dr. Shayani is one of the foremost experts on Lap-BandŽ surgery in the country. He began performing gastric banding soon after its FDA approval in 2001, making him one of the first surgeons in the United States to perform this procedure. His extensive experience and successful outcomes have led to his status as a Proctor for the device manufacturer, wherein he trains and qualifies other surgeons in Lap-BandŽ surgery.
Dr. Shayani is board-certified in General Surgery, has published numerous articles in peer reviewed journals, and has presented his research at several medical and surgical meetings. He is a primary investigator on a number of FDA trials. He is a member of several regional and national medical societies including American College of Surgeons, American Society for Bariatric Surgeons, Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, Midwest Surgical Association, Illinois Bariatric Society, Chicago Surgical Society, and holds leadership positions in many of these organizations.
Dr. Gerald A. Cahill has been a practicing physician for more than 20 years. He has extensive experience in weight loss surgery having completed over 800 procedures including open and laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass, laparoscopic Gastric Sleeve and laparoscopic Adjustable Band. He has not had any surgically-related deaths and the complication rate for all of the procedures is well below the national average. Dr. Cahill is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has been recognized by Castle and Connolly as among America's Top Doctors in Chicago Metro Area 1st and 2nd editions.
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Dr. Sidney Rohrscheib is a board certified general surgeon. He has extensive weight loss surgery experience having successfully completed over 1,200 weight loss procedures which include both open and laparoscopic Roux en Y Gastric Bypass as well as the Lap-Band. He is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Rohrscheib is a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. His philosophy in developing an obesity surgery program is to ensure that patients have access to obesity surgery services without travel to a distant, urban area. Dr. Rohrscheib is currently building the first surgery center in Central Illinois dedicated to weight loss surgery.
Tina Musselman is a registered dietitian and certified clinical nutritionist. Tina has been helping individuals achieve personal health and weight loss for over four years utilizing a multidisciplinary approach. She is dedicated to a holistic approach to the treatment of obesity, recognizing that obesity is not a one dimensional disease. Her role extends from patient education to coordinating our team of professionals. She ensures that your needs are met throughout your treatment program. Tiffany Davis, RMA assists Tina and the physicians in the coordination of patient care.
Tina received her Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition, she is certified in adult weight management by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
The St. James behavioral health team is a dedicated group of professionals working under the direction of Dr. Mark Conrad. They understand that issues involving weight management are complex and challenging and they will assist you as you progress through this life-changing process.
The behavioral health team works with you during the initial pre-surgical assessment and helps you devise an individual strategy to enhance your outcomes after surgery. In addition to working with you on an individual basis, they are committed to your long-term success by actively participating in the post-surgical support group. Dr. Conrad and his team are dedicated to your long-term success and will help support you during this time of change.
Upon your admission to the hospital, you will be escorted to your room on the 2900 Unit where Robin Alvarado, RN, Patient Care Manager, and other staff members will be assisting you and your family. Both your pre-surgical and post-surgical care will be provided on this unit.
Robin leads the patient care team with a strong focus on patient satisfaction and the desire to make a difference. In the 17 years she has been at St. James, Robin has continued to seek out challenges in nursing. She has a special interest in bariatric surgery and, along with all of the staff members, is excited about the opportunity to work with you and your family during this important time in your life.
When it's time for surgery, you will be taken to the surgical suite where a team of highly skilled nurses and technicians join with the surgeon in assuring an optimal surgical outcome. The perioperative team provides direct patient care during the immediate preoperative period (when you arrive in the surgical suite), intraoperatively (during your procedure), and postoperatively (in the recovery room).
St. James is fortunate to have a number of Registered Nurses and Surgical Technicians with significant operating and recovery room expertise, all of whom have committed to delivering the high quality of care you expect and deserve. In addition, all members of our perioperative team bring to bear a broad scope of knowledge, skill, and judgment in meeting your needs.
