Surgical Services

Bariatric weight loss surgery is an excellent decision for people who cannot lose significant amount of weight through previous diet and exercise attempts in addition to physical limitations based on his/her weight.

Do you feel limited in life because of your weight?

• Beginning to develop health problems?
  
• Unable to enjoy the activities, such as walking, because of bodily pain?
  
• Confined to your home, unable to travel and explore life comfortably?

Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery is a weight loss procedure designed to improve your health and jump start your journey into a healthy new YOU!

It is not a simple, quick, & easy weight loss method.

This will require a lifetime commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle through improved eating habits, consistent movement of physical activities you enjoy most days per week and a strong support system to ensure long-term weight loss success!

The benefits of our bariatric weight loss program at Mid Illini Surgical Associates is not only to help you lose weight, but to also help improve your overall health, well-being and self-esteem.

Please keep in mind that each individual’s body is special and our bodies can respond differently to each bariatric weight loss surgery procedure and technique. 

What is it and is surgery for me?

Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery is a surgical procedure performed on people who are overweight and/or severely obese for the purpose of losing weight permanently and significantly in order to start feeling better.

The National Institutes of Health recommends bariatric weight loss surgery for patients with a BMI of 40 or more are candidates for bariatric surgery. Patients with a BMI of 35 or more who are also experiencing weight-related health issues are also candidates for bariatric surgery.

The body mass index (BMI) measures both height and weight yet helps to determine whether patients are candidates for bariatric surgery.

Calculate your BMI www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

BMI                Weight Status
18.5 - 24.9        Healthy
25.0 - 29.9        Overweight
30.0 - 34.9        Obese
35.5 - 39.9        Obese     
40+                  Morbidly obese

The weight loss surgery is performed on the stomach and intestine causing a reduction of food intake.  The goal of surgery is to reduce the size of the stomach which will then limit the amount of food you can eat and digest. Resulting in a significant amount of weight loss!

You may return to a normal life after surgery, however for long-term weight loss success, you will be required to change your lifestyle through consumption of healthier foods choices, being physical activity most days of the week and have a strong support system.

Bariatric weight loss surgery does not remove fat.  Bariatric weight loss surgery is not only designed to decrease the amount of food intake and digested, but most importantly food choices. It is a choice to eat healthy & exercise! You must plan every meal to be committed to losing weight and to make certain your body is getting all the necessary nutrients needed to survive.

The results from weight loss surgeries are to ensure long-term weight loss yet improve but not limited to: risks for heart disease, recovery from diabetes, and reduce the rate of mortality that is associated with obesity.

It is very important for you and your support system (i.e. family) to consider the best surgical recommendations provided by our skilled surgeons, Registered Nurse, Registered Dietitian and Exercise Specialist. Each health care professional will evaluate your case and provide the appropriate recommendations just for "you"!

What are the requirements?

Prior to surgery you will be expected to:

1. Attend FREE MANDATORY INFORMATION MEETING - to learn about bariatric weight loss options, insurance/self-pay options and most importantly...meet the surgeons!  Pre-registration is required. Please call 309-672-5975.

2. At the information meeting, you will review insurance and self pay options, be given a list of the necessary preoperative testing and assessment forms to be completed prior to your consultations (with each health care professional).  In addition to receiving an informational packet you will receive education handouts.

3. Your bariatric surgeon may require further testing to ensure a safe effective surgery, such as, pulmonologist (i.e sleep study), cardiologist (i.e stress test) and/or endocrinologist (i.e diabetes or thyroid). *This is REQUIRED for surgery and must be completed prior to scheduling your surgery as well.

4. Contact Your Insurance - verify your have a benefit for bariatric weight loss surgery and what the qualifications are to be approved for surgery.

5. Consultation with Registered Dietitian and Exercise Specialist are REQUIRED.  The combined fee of $420 is your responsibility and is non-refundable.  This will provide you with one-on-one personal care from initial visit to one-year post-op for your success with diet and exercise...the key to permanent weight loss!

6. Consultation with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, or Psychiatrist.  This fee is your responsibility and non-refundable.  In most cases, your insurance will cover this consultation based on metal health benefits provided.  This consult is crucial for insurance approval and most importantly...your overall success! 

7. 30 days prior to surgery, you will need to see your Family Physician for preoperative clearance.

8. NO SURGERY date will be given unless all the above clearance of criteria has been completed and our bariatric nurse has contacted you to discuss a surgery date.

9. You will need to appoint a spouse, partner, or family member to be present the day of surgery. Please bring that appointed person to your 2-week Pre-Op appointment.

10. Please be aware that from the day of initial consultation to the date of surgery, there may be a wait of 3 - 6 months. We are extremely sensitive and mindful of your health and personal care needs!

When & Where are the FREE Informational Meetings?

The FREE Informational meetings are a great opportunity to gain knowledge of surgery procedures performed for weight loss, risks and benefits and most importantly...meet the Surgeon! 

Pre-registration is required. Please call 309-672-5975.

2nd Tuesday of each month
6 - 8 pm
Methodist Atrium ABC Conference Room 900 W. Main St. Peoria, IL
Presented by: Jayaraj Salimath, DO
Seminars Coming Up:

• May 8th
• June 12th
• July 10th

4th Thursday of each month
6 - 8 pm
Methodist North on Allen Road 2338 W. Sud Parkway Peoria, IL
Presented by: Subhash Nagalla, MD
Seminars Coming Up:

• April 26th
• May 24th
• June 28th
• July 26th
  

What are my nutrition & exercise goals starting today?

Lifestyle changes prior to surgery:

• Avoid empty calorie foods high in calories/sugar such as regular soda, sweet tea, coffee, juices/kool-aids, cookies, cake, candy, fried foods, fast foods, etc.
  
• Taking multi-vitamins daily
  
• Lose 1# - 2#'s per week
  
• Begin consuming 4-6 small meals/snacks a day
  
• Physically active most days per week of what is convenient, affordable & FUN!
  
• Quit smoking – permanently!
  
• Avoid consumption of alcohol
  
• Stop consuming carbonated beverages (i.e. soda pop) - permenently!
  
• You will be expected to complete a 2 week Pre-Op clear liquid diet before surgery recommendations will be given by the Registered Dietitian

Our bariatric surgeons & staff want to provide the best care for you!

What are my weight loss surgery options?

Roux-en-y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB)

• Restrictive & Mal-absorptive Procedure.
  

• Small intestines are bypassed, limiting the absorption of calories and nutrients.
  

• Food is delayed in mixing.
  

• Results in an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.
  

• Surgery is permanent and cannot be reversed.
  

• Requires a life-long eating pattern, physical activity most days per week and nutritional supplementation (multi-vitamins).

Expected weight loss is approximately 60 pounds in the first 3 months and 70% of excess body weight in 12 months!

Sleeve Gastrectomy

• Restrictive procedure.
  

• A portion of the stomach is removed permanently and cannot be reversed. A long slender pouch (about the size of a banana) is formed, reducing its capacity to hold food.
  
• Results in an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.
  

• There is no change in the small/large intestine anatomy.
  

• The pyloric sphincter, a strong ring of smooth muscle at the end of the stomach canal that lets food pass from the stomach to the small intestine, is preserved.
  

• This acts like a band allowing food to empty slowly into the small intestine for normal digestion.
  

Expected weight loss is approximately 40-50 pounds in first 2 months and estimated 50% of their excess body weight in 12 month period!

Lap-Band® 

• Restrictive Procedure.
  

• The gastric band is an inflatable silicone-type device that is placed around the top portion of the stomach creating a small pouch.
  

• The band can be adjusted to a person's needs after surgery during a visit to the surgeon’s office or under an x-ray machine at the hospital.
  

• The new, smaller pouch fills with food quickly and the passage of food from the top to the bottom of the stomach is slowed, resulting in an early sense of fullness, combined with a sense of satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.
  

• It is fully reversible and can be removed if needed.
  

Expected weight loss is approximately 60 pounds in 12 months and 50% of weight in 24 months!

Tips to Prepare for Surgery Day

Your surgery day is an important milestone as you continue pursuing your weight loss journey!  Patients often feel a mix of emotions ranging from excitement and joy to anxiety and fear.  These are all normal feelings to experience during this time.

Make Arrangements:

• Arrange for a responsible adult to be with you the day of surgery and next day after surgery. If you are unable to make those arrangements, your surgery may be cancelled. Arrange a support system of family/friends to visit and call during your hospital stay.
  
• Bring along one or two familiar items that are comforting (a relaxation CD, house coat, washable blanket).
  
• Establish a regular sleeping routine in the weeks leading up to surgery.
  
• Be sure at you 2-Week Pre-Op appointment to ask the bariatric surgeon to provide you with information regarding managing pain after surgery...very important!
  
• Hospitals do provide spiritual advisors, or hospital chaplains, to visit with you. Please make arrangements if needed.
  

Home Planning:

• Ask for help from your support system of family and friends.
  
• Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital.
  
• You will NOT be released to go home without transportation from a family/friend who is responsible for you. 
  
• A community bus, or cab, is NOT acceptable.
  
• Create a list of responsibilities that need to be taken care of during your recovery process (paying bills, children's carpool, yard work, etc.)
  
• Arrange for others to assist you with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, shopping and caring for pets as you recover.
  

Work Planning:

• Be sure to review your companies medical leave policy and any lifting restrictions prior to returning to work.
  
• You will be required to NOT lift more than 40#'s for 8-weeks after surgery. Let your company know you will be absent for 2 weeks to recover after surgery.
  
• A 2-Week follow up visit with the bariatric surgeon will need to be scheduled to be sure you are progressing and tolerating Phase 2 Diet, fluids and light physical activity.
  

 Want more?  Check out "In the News" to read article by Dr. Jay Salimath

*This information is not intended to substitute professional medical care, diagnosis or treatment. It is for informational purposes only.  All procedures have risk of complications. Please contact your healthcare provider for better guidance regarding your individual situation.

Support Group

When:
3rd Monday every month

Where:
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Where:
Methodist Atrium ABC Conference Room

Research has shown the people with the most successful weight loss surgery results regularly attend support groups. We want to offer you a place for continued support, education, and friendship with people who have similar experiences with weight loss surgery.

Our support group is for people who have had weight loss surgery or are seriously considering weight loss surgery and have already attended the mandatory orientation. Friends and family members, including spouses and/or children, are asked to stay at home. 

What comes to the Support Group, stays in the Support Group! 

We encourage you to share personal struggles and successes as you feel comfortable. Your sharing may help you find answers and provide valuable information to others that may have a similar issue as you.

Monthly topics will vary to include but not limited too:

• nutrition
• exercise
• behavior modification
• Multi-vitamin & medication usage and much more!

Want more? For additional details regarding dates & topics, go to In The News