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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Causes of Obesity

Although people with obesity are often labeled as “inactive” or “sedentary,” those labels are unjust and inaccurate. Science has proven that obesity is a disease, and there is a mix of causes that is far more complex than simply overeating or a lifestyle that is too sedentary.

At our Institute, we treat the whole person, and we know all too well that obesity isn’t simple. Dr. Lutfi has dedicated his career to helping people become healthier and improve their quality of life through weight loss surgery and lifestyle changes. He has the utmost respect for all of his patients, and the joy of his practice is seeing people happier because they both feel and look better.

 

Medical science has pinpointed a few common factors that contribute to obesity, but these are multifaceted and not exhaustive:

  • Hereditary factors/genetics
  • Medical problems and medications
  • Environment
  • Diet and exercise habits
  • Body function

Hereditary Factors/Genetics

While not everyone who is obese inherited it from their parents, it is common for the issue to be handed down within families. Your genes can affect how you burn calories, how much fat your body stores, and even where fat is stored on your body. Therefore, the genetic component cannot be denied, even though there is still a great deal for us to learn about how this works.

To complicate matters further, environmental factors may affect how your genes behave. The study of this phenomenon is called epigenetics.

Sleep Problems and Medications

In some cases, certain medications can attribute to weight gain. Additionally, poor sleep habits can affect the amount you weigh.

Exercise Habits

In general, none of us are as active as we were in our teenage years and we therefore burn fewer calories throughout the day, which can attribute to weight gain. Additionally, with work, family, and friend obligations, we tend to put exercise last on our priority list.

Both injuries and chronic diseases like arthritis can also force people to become more sedentary.

Body Function

You may know some very thin people who eat a lot and some overweight people who never seem to overeat. This is because each of us has our own metabolism, and our bodies process food differently. Digestion and assimilation of nutrients requires a lot of steps in the body, and if any part of the process functions less than optimally, it can cause an individual to gain weight. This is one of the many reasons why it’s unfair to assume an overweight person simply eats too much or never exercises.

Furthermore, your body becomes accustomed to its weight and believes it’s healthy to stay at that weight. When you begin to lose pounds and fat, your body automatically lowers your metabolism in an effort to make sure you survive.

Dietary Habits

There’s no question that how much you eat will have an effect on your weight. But what you eat also matters, and eating more slowly can help you eat less.

For example, if you eat a diet high in calories, fat, and sugars, rather than lean meats and healthy fruits and vegetables, you will have a tendency to carry more weight. While dietary changes can be difficult, most people find that their tastes change as they adjust to the new way of eating.

Personalized Attention

We provide approachable, highly individualized, personal attention to all patients. You meet Dr. Lutfi right away, and he’s available to you throughout your weight loss journey, including long after surgery. He’s dedicated to helping you change your life for the better.

Contact us today to find out about Dr. Lutfi’s comprehensive Obesity & Bariatric Program.

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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