Morbid obesity is a national health problem affecting over 16 million Americans. These patients suffer from medical, psychological, social, physical, and economic morbidities as a result of their condition. Furthermore, their life span is 10-15 years shorter than the non-obese.

Medical weight loss through diet and behavior modification and even medications has a less than two percent success rate for producing long-term weight loss.

Bariatric surgery has been thrust into the limelight over the last several years because it provides durable weight loss in most patients, correcting type-2 diabetes, GE reflux, sleep apnea, infertility problems and pseudo-tumor cerebri. In addition, the weight loss will help control hypertension, cardio-pulmonary failure, stress incontinence and arthritis.

The most effective surgery for morbid obesity is the roux-en-Y gastric bypass. This is the procedure we recommend. This surgery may be done either open or laparoscopically, depending on patient factors and the surgeon’s preference. The primary mechanism involved in producing weight loss after this operation is restriction of caloric intake.

The procedure is essentially irreversible, thus patients considering this surgery will need to undergo intense psychological and dietary consultations prior to and after the procedure. The patients will also be followed by the bariatric coordinator in the Evanston system, and participate in support group sessions.

Bariatric surgery is a drastic measure, but it is the most effective treatment for morbidly obese individuals.

Dr. Haggerty is now specializing in weight loss surgery. Through his career he has had special interest in gastrointestinal surgery and has been a pioneer in advanced laparoscopic surgery at Highland Park Hospital. He became interested in surgical weight loss after seeing the remarkable success that it has had, giving patients a chance at a much healthier and longer life.

To prepare, he has taken numerous didactic and hands on post-graduate courses in Bariatric Surgery. This was followed by a preceptorship and proctorship from Dr. Constantine Frantzides, a national expert in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery.

Dr. Haggerty is now performing laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery at Highland Park Hospital and Condell Medical Center. Both hospitals are committed to Bariatric surgery and have the equipment and staff ready to meet the challenges of these patients.

In addition, Dr. Haggerty has a multidisciplinary weight loss program using dietitians and private psychologists specializing in weight loss patients. Patient support groups are critical to help patients maintain a healthy diet and attitude after the operation. They also allow the spread of vital information both before and after surgery. A weekly support group is sponsored by Evanston Northwestern Healthcare at each of the four sites, Evanston, Glenview, Vernon Hills and Highland Park. There is also a support group twice a month at the Centre Club in Libertyville, on the campus of Condell Medical Center. Please call our office for schedules.

We believe that surgical weight loss is a great benefit to morbidly obese individuals, and we are pleased to offer this surgical option to our patients. If you are interested in moving forward with gastric bypass, please make an appointment for an office consultation and bring in the completed application form. It will then be determined if you are a candidate for surgery.

This surgery is a very big undertaking. It is not a quick fix. A patient must be committed to a life long change in his or her anatomy to halt the hunger drive and decrease caloric consumption. He or she must also be dedicated to a new healthy diet and increased exercise.

The pre-operative preparation is rigorous. We will order blood tests and an EKG. The patient will also need a psychological evaluation to make sure they understand the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery, the lasting effects on the gastrointestinal tract, and are making a competent decision. We will need to apply to the insurance company and get pre-determination of benefits. When the patient is approved, we will schedule surgery. We will then need a history and physical, cardiology consultation, pulmonary function tests, upper endoscopy and gallbladder ultrasound.

We are ready to partner with you on this journey to achieve better health and self esteem. Please call 847-433-1060 to make your appointment.