Welcome to the Bariatric (Gastric Bypass) Surgery Program
Our approach to the surgical management of morbid obesity involves your participation in changing your current lifestyle. We believe the foundation for a long-lasting, successful, and healthy life is based on your knowledge of the subject. Surgery is a serious step and should be considered only after all other methods have failed.

OSF Saint Francis is approved as a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence - Click for More >>

The Peoria Surgical Group and the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Bariatric team will evaluate your case to make sure you are prepared to cope with the surgery and are ready to make the necessary lifestyle changes after surgery. We choose to provide you with a bariatric team providing state-of-the-art disease management and long-term follow-up.

Once you have made a decision to have the bariatric surgery, you will be required to complete the steps of the Bariatric Program. There is a program fee of $495.00, payable at the education class. Checks should be made payable to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center.

Things to begin now to help the surgery process

• If you smoke - STOP.  If you need help with this, you can call (309) 282-1624
• Weight loss is encouraged before surgery.  This will assist in recovery and decrease chance of blood clots or infection.
• Eat food high in protein and take a multivitamin on a daily basis.  This will help maintain or improve your nutritional status and promote healing after surgery.
• Exercise daily to strengthen and build muscles to assist you during recovery.
• Practice deep breathing twice a day to help build your lung capacity in preparation for general anesthesia.