Bariatric Surgery Procedures in Darien & Bolingbrook
Compare every bariatric surgery option Dr. El Djouzi performs — gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SADI-S, gastric balloon, Lap Band, and revisions — with expected weight loss, recovery time, and ideal candidate profiles. Most insurance plans accepted, including BCBS Illinois, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and Humana.
Choose the Right Procedure for You
Every patient is different. Dr. El Djouzi will recommend the procedure that fits your BMI, medical history, weight-loss goals, and lifestyle. Below is a quick overview of every option we offer — explore the full detail of each on its dedicated page.
Gastric Sleeve
Removes about 80% of the stomach to create a small, banana-shaped pouch. Reduces hunger hormones and limits food intake without rerouting the digestive tract. Performed robotically through small incisions.
Gastric Bypass
Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes a section of the small intestine. Often the procedure of choice for patients with type 2 diabetes, severe acid reflux, or higher BMIs. Robotic Roux-en-Y technique.
SADI-S
Single-Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal bypass with sleeve. Combines a gastric sleeve with a single intestinal bypass for the most powerful weight-loss results. Best suited for patients with BMI 50+ or severe metabolic disease.
Gastric Balloon
A soft silicone balloon placed in the stomach via endoscopy — no incisions, no anesthesia for surgery. Stays in place for 6 months, then removed. Ideal for patients with BMI 30–40 not ready for surgery.
Lap Band
An inflatable silicone band placed around the upper stomach, adjustable through a port under the skin. Less commonly performed today than sleeve or bypass, but remains an option for the right candidate or for revision.
Bariatric Revisions
If your first surgery isn't delivering — weight regain, reflux, complications, or band slippage — a revision can get you back on track. Dr. El Djouzi has performed hundreds of revision cases including sleeve-to-bypass conversions and re-sleeves.
Side-by-Side Comparison
A quick reference for typical outcomes. Individual results vary based on adherence to nutrition, activity, and follow-up. Dr. El Djouzi will personalize recommendations during your consultation.
| Procedure | Avg. Excess Weight Loss | Hospital Stay | Recovery Time | Reversible? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric Sleeve | 60–70% | 1 night | 2–4 weeks | No | BMI 35–50, healthy candidates |
| Gastric Bypass | 70–80% | 1–2 nights | 3–4 weeks | Technically reversible | Type 2 diabetes, severe GERD |
| SADI-S | 80–90% | 2 nights | 4–6 weeks | No | BMI 50+, metabolic disease |
| Gastric Balloon | 30–40% | Outpatient | 3–5 days | Yes (removed at 6 months) | BMI 30–40, surgery-averse |
| Lap Band | 40–50% | Outpatient | 1–2 weeks | Yes | Selected candidates |
| Revision Surgery | Varies | 1–2 nights | 3–4 weeks | Depends on procedure | Failed prior bariatric surgery |
Not sure which procedure is right for you?
Take our 1-minute eligibility quiz, or book a virtual consultation with Dr. El Djouzi. Most consultations happen within 48 hours — and your insurance is verified before you ever walk in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which bariatric procedure is right for me?
The right procedure depends on your BMI, medical history, weight-loss goals, and lifestyle. Patients with type 2 diabetes or severe acid reflux often do best with gastric bypass. Healthy candidates with BMI 35–50 are typically good fits for the gastric sleeve. Patients with BMI 50+ may benefit from SADI-S. Dr. El Djouzi will personalize the recommendation during your consultation, after reviewing your medical history and discussing your goals.
What is the BMI requirement for bariatric surgery?
National guidelines (ASMBS) recommend bariatric surgery for adults with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35–39.9 with at least one obesity-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or severe joint disease. Insurance criteria can be more restrictive. The gastric balloon is available for patients with BMI 30–40. We verify your specific coverage before scheduling.
How much weight will I actually lose?
Average excess weight loss is 60–70% with gastric sleeve, 70–80% with gastric bypass, and 80–90% with SADI-S, typically over 12–24 months. "Excess weight" is the difference between your current weight and your ideal body weight. Long-term success depends on adherence to nutrition guidelines, regular activity, and follow-up visits with the bariatric team — all of which we provide as part of comprehensive care.
Will my insurance cover the surgery?
Most commercial insurance plans accepted by Premier Bariatric Institute cover bariatric surgery when medical criteria are met. We work with BCBS Illinois, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Humana, TriCare, and Medicare. Coverage typically requires documented BMI, comorbidities, supervised diet history, and psychological evaluation. We verify your specific benefits before any out-of-pocket cost is discussed. Self-pay options are also available.
How long is recovery after bariatric surgery?
Most patients are discharged after one night in the hospital and return to desk work in 1–2 weeks. Physical activity is gradually resumed over 4–6 weeks. Because Dr. El Djouzi performs 99% of procedures robotically through small incisions, recovery is faster and less painful than traditional open surgery. Detailed post-op instructions are provided, and our team is available 24/7 during the first weeks for questions.
Is bariatric surgery safe?
Modern bariatric surgery, performed at MBSAQIP-accredited centers like ours, has a complication rate lower than knee or hip replacement. Dr. El Djouzi has personally performed over 2,400 procedures with outcomes that consistently exceed national benchmarks. Risk varies by procedure and individual health, and is reviewed in detail before any surgery is scheduled.
What if my first bariatric surgery didn't work?
Weight regain, return of reflux, or band complications are not uncommon over time. Dr. El Djouzi has performed hundreds of revision procedures — including sleeve-to-bypass conversions, re-sleeves, and Lap Band removals with conversion to sleeve or bypass. Each case is reviewed individually, and we'll explain whether revision, medical weight management, or a different approach makes sense for you.
Where will my surgery be performed?
Surgeries are performed at AdventHealth Bolingbrook and other partner hospitals in the western Chicago suburbs, all MBSAQIP-accredited. Pre-op visits and follow-up care happen at our Darien (2821 83rd Street) and Bolingbrook (420 S. Schmidt Rd., Suite 235) offices. Virtual consultations are available within 48 hours for new patients.
Ready to start your weight-loss journey?
Schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. El Djouzi — typically within 48 hours. Insurance verified before you walk in. Procedures performed in Darien and Bolingbrook with full pre- and post-op support from a bariatric nutritionist and behavioral counselor.