Patient Forum: Barriers to Success and How to Overcome Them

Dr. Rami Lutfi has been featured on

Internationally Renowned Bariatric Surgeon

Rami Lutfi, MD, FACS, FASMBS

  • Past President, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation
  • Past President, Illinois Association of Bariatric Surgery
  • Founder, Midwest Bariatric Summit
  • Travels internationally training other metabolic and bariatric surgeons on the most recent, innovative techniques utilized today
  • Performed thousands of bariatric procedures, and written extensively about metabolic and bariatric surgery for leading medical journals
  • Performed the first laparoscopic gastric sleeve in the state of Illinois
  • Medical Director and Section Chief of Metabolic Surgery and Weight Loss, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
  • Bariatric Surgery Fellowship Program Director, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
  • Diplomate, American Board of Obesity Medicine
  • Completed Clinical Fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Vanderbilt University
  • Completed Research Fellowship in Foregut Disorders and Obesity, Vanderbilt University

 

 

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Weight Loss Process & Timeline

We’ll support you on your weight loss journey from start to finish. You will never be alone to figure it out by yourself; you can always call on us to answer questions, listen to your concerns, and encourage you toward success.

Your procedure is just the beginning. After that, you will be called upon to make lifestyle changes with regards to diet and exercise. While it may still be challenging, bariatric procedures make it easier for you to eat less and exercise more.

Below is a brief rundown of your weight loss process and timeline at our Institute:

Your First Visit

  • Meet with our medical assistant for intake, medical history, and completion of paperwork.
  • Meet with our Registered Nurse for an in-depth discussion regarding your past medical history and discuss the surgical options that would be best for you.
  • Meet with our Registered Dietitian / Certified Personal Trainer and make an appointment for a consultation. All patients are required to meet with her at least once. Depending on your insurance, you may need to see her for an additional three to six months.
  • Dr. Lutfi will then examine you, answer all of your questions, and help you make an informed decision about your procedure – Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Laparoscopic Duodenal Switch, Non-Surgical Intragastric Balloon, or Revision Bariatric Surgery.
  • Before you leave, you will make an appointment to meet with our Ph.D Psychologist or be referred to another psychologist.
  • Your insurance may have additional requirements including cardiac and pulmonary clearance, documented weight history, sleep study, or a referral letter from your primary care provider.

Preparing for Your Bariatric Procedure

  • You will be put on a special diet for two weeks prior to your procedure.
  • Your Bariatric Procedure
  • Your surgery is done in the operating room, and you will spend one night in the hospital.
  • Prior to leaving the hospital, a nurse, the dietitian, and Dr. Lutfi will visit to make sure you are feeling okay and answer any questions you may have.

Your Recovery

  • You will follow-up with Dr. Lutfi within one week after surgery. You will have access to our staff by phone should any concerns or questions arise in the meantime.
  • You may participate at our monthly support group.
  • You will implement your nutritional plan starting with clear liquids followed by thicker liquids, pureed foods, and soft foods. Each stage lasts one week. By day 30 after surgery, you will be eating solids.
  • You will implement your supplement plan which includes vitamins and minerals to make sure you receive the proper nutrition. Every 6-12 months your vitamin levels will be checked to check for abnormalities. Necessary changes to your regimen will be made by the dietitian.
  • You will implement a gradual exercise plan. To reap health benefits, it is recommended you take part in a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity weekly. This equates to about 30 minutes five days per week or 60 minutes three days per week.

Your Ongoing Weight Loss Journey with Our Institute

  • You will continue to focus on foods that fuel your body including lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as well as drinking adequate water and incorporating regular exercise.
  • You will continue taking your vitamins and minerals
  • You will have periodic follow-up examinations with our team for the rest of your life.

Our greatest satisfaction in our work is your success!

Call us today to start your own weight loss process, restore your health, and improve your quality of life.

What Our Patients are Saying

Natalie, real patient

Natalie - Lost 90 lbs

“Dr. Rami Lutfi and his staff have been absolutely wonderful throughout the entire Bariatric process. They truly care about your well-being and success to become the best version of yourself. I have lost 90 lbs in the course of 6 months and I’m still working hard to achieve my goals. Sticking to diet and exercise truly pays off. Bariatric surgery is a real lifestyle change and is a great tool to better your future health.”

 

 

Colin, real patient

Collin - Lost 130 lbs

“I cannot thank Dr. Lutfi and his incredible staff enough for helping me get my life back on track  From my initial consultation, to several post op appointments they have always had my best interests in mind throughout this process. It is an important decision and a lifestyle change that takes a big commitment, but with support from the medical team at Dr. Lutfi’s office, friends,and family; I believe it can be the best decision someone can make if they struggle with weight loss issues like I had since a teenager.”

 

 

Teresa - Lost 150 lbs

“Dr. Lutfi and his team are amazing.  I have been supported both physically and emotionally every step of my journey.  I cannot recommend Dr. Lutfi and Presence Hospital enough.  Best decision I have ever made!”

 

 

Pauline - Lost 100 lbs

“I have struggled with obesity my entire life, and when I had my son, my weight afterwards soared. I was in so much pain from the birth and carrying the excess weight that I could not work out and dieting was not helping. Due to the fact I had over 100 lbs to lose, I looked into having barbaric surgery and found Dr. Lutfi. His care and the amazing staff made my decision easy. I am now almost 100 lbs down and a fit, active mom with energy to spare! Thank you Dr. Lutfi!”

 

 

Michael - Lost 116 lbs

“The bariatric journey is definitely not an event that begins and ends with a surgical procedure — it’s a process that takes a lot of effort.  But on that journey, it is helpful to have the support of a comprehensive bariatric team. Certainly, it starts with expert surgical hands, like Dr. Lutfi’s.  I chose his practice due to his experience and enthusiasm. The medical and nutritional information provided by Markie and Erin made creating and sticking to a plan easy and straightforward….

 

 

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Learn how weight loss surgery can improve your health, feel better, and get your life back!

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