Weight Loss Surgery Near Joliet, IL

Weight Loss Surgery for Joliet Patients

Joliet is one of the farther communities Dr. Jihad Kudsi serves, roughly a 35 to 50 minute drive from UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital up I-55. Because of the distance, many Joliet patients start with a video visit and come in only for the steps that need an office, such as the exam, pre-operative testing, surgery and post-operative checks. Dr. Kudsi is a board-certified general surgeon and obesity medicine physician who performs laparoscopic or robotic bariatric and foregut surgery. Learn more about Dr. Kudsi or see all specialties.

Combining Expert Bariatric Surgery with Advanced Obesity Medicine for Joliet Patients

Dr. Jihad Kudsi offers Joliet patients a complete approach to weight loss: laparoscopic or robotic bariatric surgery, medical weight management with GLP-1 and other medications, and long-term follow-up, all coordinated by one physician who is board certified in both surgery and obesity medicine.

Why Joliet Patients Choose Dr. Kudsi

• Double board certified in General Surgery (American Board of Surgery) and Obesity Medicine (American Board of Obesity Medicine)
• Chair of Surgery and Clinical Board Director at Duly Health and Care
• Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital
• Performs laparoscopic or robotic bariatric and foregut surgery
• MBSAQIP site reviewer, affiliate clinical assistant professor and principal investigator in clinical research
• Video visits available for consultations, education and follow-up

Drive Time From Joliet

Distances and times are estimates and vary with traffic. Please confirm with your maps app.

Getting Here From Joliet

• By car to UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital: I-55 north to I-294 or the Route 45 (UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital Road) exit, depending on traffic. Allow extra time at rush hour, when I-55 slows considerably.
• By car to Glen Ellyn or Bloomingdale: I-55 to I-355 north is the usual route, and it can be the better choice if you live on the north side of Joliet.
• By train: The Metra Rock Island line serves Joliet, but it runs toward downtown Chicago rather than to the offices. Most patients drive.
• Planning tip: Group your in-person visits together and use video visits for education, medication management and many follow-ups.

Which Office Should You Choose?

UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital is the closest office for most Joliet patients. Because it is still a substantial drive, video visits are especially useful here. See UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital, Glen Ellyn and Bloomingdale.

What to Expect: Hospital Stay and Video Visits

How long you are in the hospital depends on the operation.

• Gallbladder surgery and hernia repair are usually outpatient, so you go home the same day without an overnight stay.
• Bariatric surgery and hiatal hernia repair involve an overnight hospital stay.

Before and after surgery, your visits can be done by video, so Joliet patients do not need to travel for every appointment. Your day of surgery may be the main trip.

Telemedicine Weight Loss Care for Joliet Patients

Much of your weight loss care can happen from home by secure video visit:

• Initial consultations: review your history, goals and options without traveling
• Medical weight management: ongoing visits to adjust your plan
• GLP-1 medication management: monitoring, dosing and side-effect support
• Pre-operative education: nutrition, expectations and preparation for surgery
• Long-term follow-up: check-ins after surgery or medication start

Why Joliet Patients Travel to UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital

From Joliet, the clinic is approximately 28 mi away (35–50 min by car, depending on traffic). Dr. Kudsi is the medical director of bariatric surgery at the clinic, so surgery, obesity medicine and follow-up are coordinated in one program. Patients who need surgery typically make in-person trips for the operation itself and selected visits, while much of the rest can be done by video. See the contact page for directions and scheduling.

Weight Loss Surgery Options for Joliet Patients

Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve)

Removes a large portion of the stomach to create a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve that limits how much you can eat and helps reduce hunger. Available as laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy.

Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. It is often considered for patients with reflux or type 2 diabetes. Available as laparoscopic or robotic gastric bypass.

Robotic Bariatric Surgery

Robotic technology gives the surgeon a magnified 3D view and precise instrument control. Dr. Kudsi performs bariatric procedures laparoscopically or robotically, depending on what is best for you.

Revision Weight Loss Surgery

For patients with weight regain, reflux or complications after a prior band, sleeve or bypass. Revision options are chosen after a full review of your anatomy and history.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

A non-surgical, incision-free option that reduces stomach size using an endoscope. See also non-surgical weight loss and duodenal switch.

Read how safe weight loss surgery is and how much weight you can expect to lose. Results vary from person to person.

General and Foregut Surgery

Dr. Kudsi also treats hiatal hernia, GERD with laparoscopic or robotic reflux surgery, hernias, gallbladder disease and achalasia. See laparoscopic and robotic GI surgery.

GLP-1 and Weight Loss Medications: Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro and More

Dr. Kudsi is board certified in obesity medicine and can review whether medication is right for you, on its own or alongside surgery. Medications commonly discussed include:

• Wegovy and the Wegovy pill (semaglutide), and Zepbound (tirzepatide): FDA-approved for chronic weight management. See semaglutide and Zepbound.
• Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide): FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and contain the same active ingredients as Wegovy and Zepbound.
• Saxenda and Victoza (liraglutide): see liraglutide.
• Foundayo (orforglipron): a newer oral GLP-1 option for weight management.
• Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion), phentermine, Xenical and Alli (orlistat), and metformin.

Which medication fits depends on your health history, other conditions, side effects and coverage. See personalized prescription weight loss options in the Chicago western suburbs.

Your Weight Loss Journey with Dr. Kudsi

1. Consultation: meet in person or by video to review your history and goals.
2. Evaluation and education: labs, nutrition guidance and any insurance requirements.
3. Choose your plan: surgery, medication or a combination, based on your needs.
4. Treatment: your operation or the start of medical therapy.
5. Long-term follow-up: ongoing support in person or by video.

Conditions We Treat Along with Obesity

Obesity is linked to many other health problems, and weight loss can help improve or manage them.

Metabolic Conditions

Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Heart, Lung and Joint Conditions

High blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea and joint pain from osteoarthritis.

Digestive Conditions

Acid reflux (GERD), hiatal hernia and weight regain after a prior bariatric procedure.

Your First Visit and Insurance

Read the first visit guide, learn how to prepare for bariatric surgery and review insurance information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Joliet from UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital?

Joliet is roughly 28 miles from UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital, typically 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic on I-55.

Can I do most visits by video from Joliet?

Many steps can be done by video, including consultations, education and medication follow-up. Surgery itself is done in person, and the office will tell you if any other step needs an office or lab visit.

Which weight loss surgery options are available?

Laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and revision surgery for prior procedures. Non-surgical options such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and prescription medications are also discussed when appropriate.

Does Dr. Kudsi also treat reflux, hernias and gallbladder disease?

Yes. Dr. Kudsi is a general and foregut surgeon and treats hiatal hernia, GERD, abdominal wall hernias and gallbladder disease in addition to bariatric surgery.

Will I need to stay overnight in the hospital?

It depends on the operation. Gallbladder surgery and hernia repair are usually outpatient, so you go home the same day. Bariatric surgery and hiatal hernia repair involve an overnight hospital stay.

Will my insurance cover weight loss surgery?

Coverage varies by plan. Most plans require documented eligibility criteria and pre-authorization. The office can review your plan with you before you commit to any step.

Are medications an option instead of surgery?

For some patients, yes. Prescription weight loss medications may be used on their own or alongside surgery based on your health history and goals.

Can I have my weight loss consultation by video?

Yes. Initial consultations, medical weight management, pre-operative education and many follow-up visits can be done by secure video, so Joliet patients do not need to travel for every appointment.

Will my follow-up care after surgery be virtual?

Many follow-up visits can be done by video, with in-person visits when an examination or test is needed. Your surgeon will tell you which visits should be in person.

Can I get Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic or Mounjaro from Dr. Kudsi?

Dr. Kudsi is board certified in obesity medicine and can review whether GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy or Zepbound are appropriate for you. Ozempic and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Medication choice depends on your health history, goals and coverage.

How do I know if I qualify for weight loss surgery?

Current ASMBS and IFSO guidelines support metabolic and bariatric surgery for adults with a BMI of 35 or higher, and consider it for a BMI of 30 to 34.9 with weight-related disease. Insurance criteria may differ, and a consultation is the best way to review your eligibility.

Nearby Communities We Serve

Also see Orland Park, Tinley Park, Burr Ridge and all locations.

Book an Appointment

• Book online at UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital for weight loss medication and bariatric surgery. The team will call to confirm insurance and schedule. Prefer to call? Contact the UChicago AdventHealth LaGrange Hospital team at (708) 245-5425.
• Book online through Duly Health & Care for general and bariatric surgery, with more appointment times in Glen Ellyn and Bloomingdale. Need help? Call Duly Health and Care at (630) 790-1700.

Take the Next Step

Contact the office to schedule a consultation, in person or by video.