Gastric banding is a minimally invasive procedure offered as a weight loss option to patients who meet certain criteria.  The procedure is available in the Rockford area at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center.

 Free consultations about a person’s eligibility for the procedure will be offered by independent surgeons affiliated with the OSF Saint Anthony bariatric center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, January 30, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. 

 Reservations are extremely limited and are required by calling 815-227-2274.

 To be eligible for gastric banding, patients must meet certain criteria, including having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40, or be at least 30 pounds overweight  and have obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure; have been overweight for more than five years; and have made serious weight loss attempts with only short-term success.   Candidates must also be willing to adopt dietary and lifestyle changes in order to accommodate the reduction in stomach size.

       For more information, call 815-227-2274.