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Our Services

Bariatric Weight Loss Center in Springfield

Welcome to Springfield Bariatrics

Our Bariatric Weight Loss Center in Springfield, Illinois was developed to provide you with comprehensive and compassionate care throughout your weight loss journey. We understand everyone’s journey is different. We combine evidence-based treatment with an individualized approach. Call 447.448.3061 today!

"We provide comprehensive obesity treatment across the continuum, offering medications and surgery in addition to a strong foundation of lifestyle medication."

Orlando Icaza, MD, FACS, FASMBS, DABS-FPMBS, Medical Director

Your Springfield Clinic Care Team includes:

Bariatric physicians, also known as bariatricians, specialize in the medical treatment of obesity and related disorders. At Springfield Clinic Bariatrics, our bariatricians work with you through all stages of your journey, surgical and non-surgical.

Bariatric surgeons at Springfield Clinic are board-certified general surgeons who have completed specialized training to treat obesity with surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy.

Nurses discuss the pre-surgery instructions, review post-operative expectations and procedures and answer any questions you may have. They teach our pre-op class for patients scheduled for bariatric surgery.

Behavioral health therapists, or licensed clinical social workers, are committed to helping people change their lives for the better. They can diagnose and treat mental, behavioral and emotional health issues. They complete psychological evaluations, lead support groups and see patients one-on-one when needed.

Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education. They complete physical therapy evaluations, teach classes and see patients one-on-one when needed.

Registered dietitians are the food and nutrition experts who can translate the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living. They complete nutrition evaluations, teach classes and see patients one-on-one when needed.

Lifestyle Modification

3 Steps to Take Today

1. Download our App

Download our Baritastic app for Android or iPhone

Enter the code "SCBari" to connect with our program

Begin tracking your meals, water intake and activity

2. Practice Mindful Eating

Set aside time to eat at the table with no distractions

3. Prepare for Change

We follow a "no diet" philosophy. Diets are a temporary means to an end. To achieve and sustain long-term weight loss, life-long changes are necessary. Yes, even with medications and surgery.

Female sitting on yoga exercise ball while holding 2 dumbbells in a living room setting.

"Lifestyle modification is the foundation of our program. Our registered dietitians, behavioral health therapists and physical therapists work WITH you to design a plan FOR you."

Bryan Kellenberger, MD, Obesity Medicine Specialist

Medication

Anti-Obesity Medications

The bariatrician will discuss details of specific medication options. Why would you consider taking a medication?

We now have multiple medications that are FDA approved for the chronic management of obesity. These medications may help you maintain the lifestyle changes that lead to a healthier weight.


Using medication in conjunction with lifestyle modification, patients have achieved a 5%-10% weight loss nearly twice as often as without the use of medication.

Different medications may help decrease appetite, decrease the amount of fat the body absorbs or reduce cravings.

Some individuals have more resistant forms of obesity and, even with surgery, may benefit from medications to keep their obesity in remission long-term.

Who is a Candidate for Anti-Obesity Medications?

  • Individuals who have implemented lifestyle changes without reaching a healthier weight, and

  • Are regaining weight after losing it, and

  • Have a body mass index (BMI) of > 27 and a weight-related comorbidity, or

  • Have a BMI > 30

How Do the Medications Work?

None of the medications create weight loss on their own. You must be an active participant in your weight loss journey, making difficult choices and decisions daily that impact your weight. Using a shared decision-making tool, your team (which includes you) will determine if one or more weight loss medications is right for you.

(naltrexone HCl/bupropion HCL) is an extended-release medication that works in the hypothalamus, the brain’s central thermostat that controls appetite, temperature and how the body burns energy. It’s a combination of two existing drugs: The antidepressant Wellbutrin® and the addiction drug naltrexone.

(Adipex-P®, Lomaira®) is an amphetamine-like prescription medication used to suppress appetite. It can help weight loss by decreasing your hunger or making you feel full longer.

(phentermine and topiramate) is an extended-release capsule that works to decrease cravings. Cravings can occur even after you’ve eaten and are full. They can also be tied to emotions like boredom. Qsymia may also alter the taste of certain foods, which may reduce the pleasure of eating.

(liraglutide) is a daily injection that works like GLP-1 by regulating your appetite, which can lead to eating fewer calories and losing weight. Your body naturally produces an appetite hormone known as glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) that helps to regulate your hunger. This physiological regulator of appetite and caloric intake is present in several areas of the brain. This once-daily shot works like it to decrease your appetite.

(semaglutide) is a weekly injection that is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults.

(orlistat) is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that works by blocking chemicals (enzymes) in your gut which digest fat. Nearly a third of the fat that you eat is blocked by orlistat.

Each of the above listed medications have side-effects, risks and benefits of use. The information provided here is intended to give you a very basic overview of the types of weight loss medications currently available. Please ask your bariatrician for additional information based on your medical history and current physical condition.

Surgical Treatment

Decades ago, bariatric surgery was viewed as “a last resort” option. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery and accredited programs, bariatric surgery is performed safely and effectively as part of a continuum of treatment for obesity and metabolic disease, such as type 2 diabetes.

Logos of American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Accreditation.

Accredited by the American College of Surgeons

Springfield Clinic Surgery Center and Bariatric Department in Springfield is accredited by the American College of Surgeons in their accreditation and quality improvement program. The program helps promote uniform standards and continuous quality improvement while recognizing the excellent work being done by groups like ours. Bariatric surgery is safe and effective in an outpatient setting, Springfield Clinic's Surgery Center is one of fewer than 20 across the nation accredited to perform bariatric surgery in a free-standing ambulatory surgery center. This all translates to shorter OR times, same-day discharge for patients and high-quality surgical outcomes. Learn more about this accreditation.

Surgical Treatments

  • Gastric bypass

  • Sleeve gastrectomy

  • Duodenal switch

  • SADI-S

Non-Surgical Treatments

  • Group classes

  • Intra-gastric balloon

  • Medications

Three surgeons dressed in protective equipment working in a surgical setting
Female with bottle of water in outdoor setting.

Why Choose Surgery?

To treat the complications of obesity, such as...

  • abdominal wall hernia

  • diabetes

  • gastroparesis

  • heartburn

  • non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver)

Let's Get Social

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Patient Resources

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Springfield Clinic Bariatric Patient Resources

Downloadable Patient Education

Helpful Links

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FAQs

Likely! Our insurance specialists will do a free insurance check and follow up with you.

No! We work with you to develop a meal plan with real food. Surgical patients will be on shakes immediately post-op.

Our program requirements are set up to get you to surgery in 6-8 weeks. The rest are requirements mandated by your insurance.

We do! After your initial onsite appointments, we can arrange Telehealth for several appointments.

We do have self-pay options available.

Our Providers

Our Location

Springfield Clinic Main Campus East Exterior Building

Springfield Clinic Main Campus East

1025 South 6th Street

Springfield, IL 62703-2403

(217) 528-7541
Open Now • Closes at 5:00 PM
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