By Dr. Jihad Kudsi, double board-certified in General Surgery and Obesity Medicine
If you live in Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Downers Grove or nearby, you have plenty of choices for weight loss surgery, from major hospitals to small practices. That is good news, but it can make the decision harder. This guide explains what a bariatric surgeon does, how to compare surgeons, and how to begin the process close to home.
What a bariatric surgeon does
A bariatric surgeon performs operations that help people with obesity lose weight and improve related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and joint pain. But good bariatric care is more than an operation. It includes evaluating whether surgery is right for you, preparing you, performing the procedure, and following you for years afterward.
Common procedures
- Sleeve gastrectomy, which reduces the stomach to a narrow tube.
- Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, which creates a small pouch and reroutes the intestine.
- Duodenal switch and related operations, for select patients.
- Revision surgery, for patients who regained weight or had complications after a prior operation.
You can see our full list on the bariatrics and weight loss page.
Who may qualify?
Guidelines commonly consider surgery for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or above, or 30 and above with certain weight-related health problems, though rules differ by insurer and continue to evolve. A candidate should also be ready to commit to nutrition changes, vitamins and follow-up. Your insurance requirements may add steps such as a supervised diet period or psychological evaluation. Our insurance information page explains how we help.
What to look for when comparing surgeons
Whether you are in Oak Brook, Hinsdale or Downers Grove, consider these questions:
- Credentials. Is the surgeon board-certified? Dr. Kudsi is double board-certified in General Surgery and Obesity Medicine. Read his bio.
- Accreditation. Does the surgeon operate at a hospital or center accredited by MBSAQIP?
- Volume and experience. How many bariatric operations do they do each year?
- Approach. Do they offer laparoscopic or robotic surgery, and can they explain why they choose one over the other?
- Team. Are dietitians, psychologists and medical weight loss doctors part of the program?
- Long-term follow-up. What happens after the first year?
- Honesty about risks. A good surgeon talks about complications as openly as about benefits.
You can also read what patients have said on our patient reviews page.
Getting to your visit
Our offices are close to where many DuPage County patients live and work. Dr. Kudsi sees patients in Oak Brook and Glen Ellyn, and at UChicago AdventHealth’s Bariatric and Obesity Medicine Clinic in LaGrange, which is convenient for patients coming from Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Western Springs and nearby communities. Choose the location that fits your commute.
What happens at the first visit
At your first appointment, expect to discuss your weight history, health conditions, medications and goals. You will learn which options might fit you, including non-surgical ones, and what steps come next. Our first visit guide walks through it in more detail.
How to prepare before surgery
Preparation often includes a dietitian visit, lab tests, sometimes a sleep study or heart evaluation, and habits such as stopping smoking. See our page on preparing for bariatric surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral? It depends on your insurance plan. Call our office and we will tell you whether one is needed.
How long is recovery? Many patients return to desk work within a couple of weeks, but recovery varies by operation and by person.
Will insurance cover bariatric surgery? Many plans do when medical criteria are met. Coverage differs, so check with your plan and our office.
Can I lose weight without surgery? Some people can, with medical weight loss and lifestyle support. We offer options for those who prefer to start there.
Take the next step
Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kudsi.
This article is for general education and does not replace medical advice.
