The Team
At the Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics, your journey to successful weight loss is supported by an entire team from the moment you meet with us through understanding insurance options and after your bariatric procedure.
The Lutfi Forward Team will offer you support through your entire journey.
Rami Lutfi, MD, DABOM, FACS, FASMBS
Medical Director
Dr. Rami Lutfi is internationally renowned for his work on the latest treatments of obesity. He has performed thousands of bariatric procedures, and has written extensively about metabolic and bariatric surgery for leading medical journals. Dr. Lutfi travels around the globe training other metabolic and bariatric surgeons on the most recent, innovative techniques utilized today. He is the former President of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation and the Past President of the Illinois Association of Bariatric Surgery. Recently, Dr. Lutfi became a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine
Marc Sarran, MD, FACS
Dr. Sarran is an experienced, board certified, general and bariatric surgeon. He completed medical school at Rush Medical College. He then began his residency in general surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Peoria, before completing it at the Rush University Medical Center-Cook County combined program. He then completed Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery fellowship at Rush University Medical Center.
He specializes in metabolic and bariatric surgery, with a particular focus on robotic bariatric surgery. Dr. Sarran is passionate about the treatment of obesity and takes pride in assisting patients along their weight loss journey.
Amy Janda, PA-C
Amy Janda is a board certified physician assistant with a certificate in obesity medicine via the OMA who sees medical weight management and bariatric surgery patients. She earned her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Practice at Rosalind Franklin University. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Science at Indiana University Bloomington. Amy is fluent in Spanish, and has a special interest in patient education and increasing access to care.
Shelencia Weatherspoon, FNP-C
Shelencia Weatherspoon is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in Medical Weight Loss Management. She earned a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine from the Obesity Medicine Association. She graduated with a Master’s of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in Chicago and completed her clinical training at FMS in North Chicago. Shelencia is dedicated to assisting patients on their weight loss journey for an improved quality of life.
Franchesca Panganiban, MS, RDN, LDN
Bariatric Program Coordinator, Dietitian, and Digital Marketing Coordinator
Franchesca Panganiban is our Registered Dietitian and Digital Marketing Coordinator at the Chicago Institute of Advanced Surgery. Franchesca earned her BS in General Studies of Psychology and Nursing from Illinois State University. She completed her Masters of Nutrition and dietetic internship at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Franchesca is an active member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and received an award as a Diversity Student Partner. Franchesca is passionate about helping patients with nutrition education for a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions.
Christine Garcia
Chief Financial Officer and Practice Manager
Christine Garcia is our expert insurance verification specialist. She will work with your insurance company to figure out your individual coverage and requirements needed for bariatric surgery approval. She joined the Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics over ten years ago, and has helped thousands of patients understand their insurance options and have a worry-free journey to weight loss surgery approval.
Yolanda Cosme
Office Coordinator
Yolanda Cosme is the face you see at the front desk Monday-Friday from 9am -5 pm. She has been employed with Chicago Institute of Advanced Bariatrics since 2013. Yolanda is the person that will coordinate your appointments needed for insurance requirements and for bariatric surgery approval. Her ability to speak both English and Spanish helps her communicate with many patients in the language they feel most comfortable. Yolanda experiences great joy in providing you a helping hand throughout your journey!
Isabella Salti
Junior Associate, Social Media
Isabella is a student at the University of Michigan on the premed track. She is currently pursuing a bachelor of science degree in Biopsychology Cognition and Neurosciences with a minor in Spanish. She is serving as a junior associate specializing in social media management to help with the outreach to our patients, in addition to having a similar role with the American Cancer Society.