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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Consequences of Obesity

Obesity causes a number of health risks that can reduce life expectancy. Besides possibly dying younger than people of normal weight, those who are obese are more likely to develop both chronic and life-threatening diseases.

These include:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Dementia / Alzheimer’s disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Breathing disorders
• Sleep issues
• Digestive disorders and gallbladder disease
• Joint problems such as osteoarthritis
• Infertility and sexual health problems
• Urinary incontinence
• Fatty liver
• Depression

High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease & Stroke

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high body fat all have an effect on the health of the heart. Obesity has been found to be a significant risk factor for heart disease, which is one of the main causes of death in the United States.

High blood pressure also affects brain function, often leading to stroke and dementia / Alzheimer’s Disease.

Diabetes

Perhaps the greatest risk from obesity is diabetes. The American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery reports that more than 90% of people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. Even modest weight loss can improve diabetes symptoms. For some patients, bariatric surgery resolves diabetes symptoms.

Since the prevalence of obesity has increased, Type 2 diabetes has also increased, with more young people being diagnosed than ever before. Diabetes is a dangerous disease that often leads to kidney failure, leg amputations, blindness, nervous system diseases, among other consequences. These complications result in numerous deaths every year, as Type 2 diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the American Diabetes Association.

Cancer

Obesity is a risk factor for a number of cancers, such as breast, esophageal, pancreatic, gallbladder, thyroid, colorectal, and kidney.

Breathing Disorders and Sleep Issues

Breathing issues are common in those with obesity, as too much body fat can make it difficult for the lungs to function properly. Many obese patients also suffer from sleep apnea, which causes sleep disruptions and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Digestive Disorders and Gallbladder Disease

Obese people often complain of digestive issues from flatulence to constipation to GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Gallbladder disease is another risk factor from obesity. The gallbladder is affected by the health of the liver and metabolizes fat in the body.

Joint Problems such as Osteoarthritis

Joint problems are common among the obese. Extra weight contributes to the deterioration of the joints, resulting in hip and knee replacement surgeries. One-third of obese people will develop osteoarthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Since the condition makes it difficult to exercise, weight loss can be more complicated once arthritis has set in.

Infertility, Sexual Health Problems, and Urinary Incontinence

Obesity increases the risk of infertility and urinary incontinence in both sexes. Women are more prone to breast and endometrial cancer, as well as irregular periods and other gynecological problems. Obese men have a greater risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction.

Fatty Liver

This condition causes fat to build up in the liver, which can result in inflammation and health risks.

Depression

Unfortunately, those who are obese also often suffer from depression because of low self-image, social isolation, and difficulty in remaining mobile.

Contact us today to find out how you can reduce these risk factors via our thorough and caring weight loss 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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Learn how weight loss surgery can improve your health, feel better, and get your life back!

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