CHI Saint Joseph Health - Center for Weight Loss Surgery

We offer a full range of options to put you on the path to success. Our board-certified weight loss surgeons specialize in the latest laparoscopic techniques, requiring just a few small incisions. We offer nonsurgical medical weight loss treatments and therapies, nutrition counseling and bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Our specialists personalize your care plan for your unique needs.

Learn more

We offer gastric bypass and gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy) surgeries. Our specialists will help determine the best option for your needs.

At CHI Saint Joseph Health, we know weight loss surgery is a big decision. Our team works closely with you to find the best option based on your lifestyle, medical history and goals.

Since every patient is different, we prioritize open communication and shared decision-making. Your provider will consider factors like BMI, health conditions and past surgeries to recommend the most suitable procedure.

Before surgery, patients must attend a weight loss seminar where our experts explain the risks and benefits of each option. We also offer one-on-one consultations to address any concerns, ensuring you feel informed and supported.

The choice of surgery is a partnership between you and your health care team. Together, we’ll create a plan that supports both your weight loss and overall well-being. 

Watch online seminar

Candidates typically have a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35+ with obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Candidates for weight loss surgery would have tried other methods to lose weight with no success.

Take the assessment

Weight loss surgery can help with significant and sustained weight loss, improve or resolve obesity-related conditions, increase mobility and enhance overall quality of life. From reducing the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease to enhancing mobility and overall quality of life, the positive outcomes are truly transformative. Weight loss surgery isn't just about numbers on a scale—it's about reclaiming your health and vitality. On average, patients who undergo weight loss surgery can expect to add 9 to 12 years to their life expectancy, thanks to reduced cardiovascular disease risk and other health benefits.

Our dedicated team of health care professionals works closely with patients, guiding them through the preoperative assessment to determine their eligibility for bariatric surgery. This careful screening process is designed to maximize the safety and effectiveness of the procedure, ensuring that those who undergo surgery are well-prepared for the journey toward achieving their weight loss and overall health goals.

As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, blood clots, nutritional deficiencies, and complications specific to each type of surgery. Our team will discuss all potential risks and benefits during your consultation.

Recovery times vary by procedure. With an average hospital length of stay of just one day and a return to work within a week for either procedure, our patients experience minimal disruption to their lives. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your healing.

Many insurance plans cover weight loss surgery if medical necessity is established. We encourage patients to contact their insurance provider to understand their coverage for bariatric surgery. Insurance companies have specific requirements, and our team can help guide you through the process. Taking this proactive step can make the approval process smoother and more efficient for your weight loss journey.

Patients must commit to long-term dietary modifications, regular exercise, and routine follow-ups. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for maintaining results and overall health.

If you’re not a candidate for weight loss surgery, we offer a medically supervised weight loss program to help you reach your goals. This program is ideal if you have less than 100 pounds to lose, need to lower your weight before surgery, want another attempt at dieting before considering surgery or need to lose weight to improve conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or sleep apnea.

Our weight loss team provides personalized support for long-term success. During your initial screening, a provider will perform a full medical evaluation, including lab tests, assess any weight-related conditions, analyze your body composition and determine your caloric needs based on your resting metabolic rate.

You'll meet regularly with a registered dietitian for dietary assessments, customized meal planning and progress tracking. Upon request, we can update your primary care physician on your progress. You’ll also have access to an exercise physiologist at our private gym for personalized workouts and group fitness sessions.

Your team will monitor your progress with tailored follow-ups, adjusting your plan as needed. We may re-evaluate your body composition and metabolism to optimize your results and ensure long-term success.

We offer support groups to help ease the transition after surgery. Our support groups are led by professionals and give you the chance to connect with others who have experienced similar struggles and experiences.

View support groups

Schedule a consultation with our clinic to discuss your goals and determine the best treatment plan for you. Our evaluation process ensures that weight loss surgery is safe and suitable for you. During your first visit, you'll meet with a team that may include a surgeon, dietitian and psychologist. Each specialist assesses your health, lifestyle and readiness for surgery.

The evaluation covers medical history, past weight loss efforts, current health conditions and lifestyle factors. A psychological assessment may also be included to prepare you for the changes ahead. This team-based approach helps create a personalized treatment plan for your weight loss journey.