Q & A
Search Questions & Answers
-
Q:Question: What is the average length of time for weight-loss operations?
A:Answer:Gastric bypass procedures typically take two hours, while gastric sleeve procedures take about an hour and a half.
-
Q:Question: What percentage of people can lose weight after surgery and keep it off long-term?
A:Answer:About 75% of people who undergo surgery can successfully lose weight and keep it off long-term.
-
Q:Question: Why should I be evaluated for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth?
A:Answer:Getting evaluated for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth is the first step toward regaining control of your life.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerOur team can determine if you are a candidate for a living donor transplant, which provides more options for you and lasts longer, on average, than kidneys from deceased donors.
If you have a living donor who is not compatible, paired kidney exchange (PKE) or kidney-paired donation (KPD) might be an option. If accepted into these programs, your wait time for a transplant might be shorter, which means less time on dialysis. You may even be able to receive a kidney transplant before you begin dialysis.
Seeking a transplant is a major life event, and we know you have questions. We’re here to support you through the entire process, from kidney transplant evaluation to post-op life.
-
Q:Question: What is a kidney transplant evaluation?
A:Answer:We follow a detailed kidney transplant evaluation process to determine if you are a candidate. As part of your evaluation, you will meet with several members of our transplant team and have tests to determine if a kidney transplant is right for you. You will also learn more about the process.
-
Q:Question: How do I find out if I am a candidate for a kidney transplant?
A:Answer:Our transplant team will meet and discuss your case to decide if you are a candidate for a kidney transplant at UChicago Medicine. You will receive a phone call and a letter from your nurse with the decision.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you are a candidate, our team will place you on the organ waiting list or work with you to schedule your surgery if a living donor is available. The team will also notify you if they need more information to make a decision.
-
Q:Question: What testing do I need for a kidney transplant?
A:Answer:Some of the tests you will have at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth include:
- An electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram and a stress test to check your heart health
- Blood work for organ matching and to screen for viruses and other conditions
- Chest X-ray to identify any issues with your lungs or heart
- Cancer screenings based on your age and gender
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerThese tests take time, and you may need additional tests depending on your condition. The evaluation process usually takes a few weeks to just over a month. You must keep your appointments to be considered for a transplant at UChicago Medicine.
-
Q:Question: If I have kidney failure, at what point should I be evaluated for a transplant?
A:Answer:If you have kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal failure (ESRD), your kidneys can no longer function on their own. You'll need dialysis or a transplant, and our team can help you understand your options.
-
Q:Question: Why should I be evaluated for a liver transplant at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth?
A:Answer:We provide lifesaving transplants to patients with all types of liver disease. This includes those who are very ill and those who are not considered candidates at other hospitals. We offer many new and innovative approaches for patients with diseases related to cancers, alcohol use or multiple organ failure. We also consider transplantation for patients early in the disease process to prevent significant disability or medical complications.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerAccording to their reports, UChicago Medicine's liver team transplants patients at a faster rate and with better waitlist survival rates than almost any other program in the country.
Our team can determine if you are a candidate for a living donor transplant, which gives you more options for donor organs. Living donor liver transplantation offers numerous benefits, including the best outcomes and shorter waitlist time. We can also determine if there are any other treatments that may help you if a transplant is not the best option.
-
Q:Question: What is a liver transplant evaluation?
A:Answer:At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we have established a comprehensive process to determine the best candidates for liver transplants. We offer new approaches to transplantation for liver diseases from both living and deceased donors not offered by many centers.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerIf you are considering a liver transplant at UChicago Medicine, you will meet with our transplant team and have tests to see if you are healthy enough for surgery. You will also learn more about getting a liver transplant from our transplant team.
-
Q:Question: If I have liver failure, at what point should I be evaluated for transplant?
A:Answer:If you have liver disease or failure, also known as end-stage liver disease, you may be a candidate for liver transplant. Patients with certain unresectable liver cancers are also considered for novel therapies that include transplantation. Our team will work with you to determine the best approach based on your condition.
Continue ReadingCollapse AnswerSee a map of UChicago Medicine’s liver transplant evaluation locations in Chicagoland.