For a certain type of patient, even with proper diet and exercise, it can be hard to lose weight. For this person, weight loss surgery can be a great option—even though it’s not for everyone. Like other major surgeries, it carries serious health risks and side effects; that’s why we require the patient to meet certain key criteria for our weight loss surgery Chicago program.

To be considered for surgery, the patient must:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 60
• Have BMI of 35 or higher if no other medical problems
• Have BMI of 30 or higher if other obesity-related medical problems
• Be motivated!

For gastric banding procedures, Mount Sinai Hospital accepts Medicaid, private insurance or self-pay patients. Patients with private insurance should contact their insurance provider to ensure Bariatric Surgery coverage at Mount Sinai Hospital is available to them. Patients can attend a FREE orientation without a referral.

For more information call the Weight Loss Surgery Program at Mount Sinai Hospital at (773) 257-2020 or e-mail weight.loss@sinai.org.