Dr. Amir Heydari is passionate in his belief that the disease of obesity and the alarming rise in individuals who are overweight demand the attention of the community, as well as the expertise of medical specialists to treat this serious health condition from both a surgical and non-surgical fashion.

Dr. Heydari is a practicing board certified, general, bariatric, oncologic and laparoscopic surgeon. He has held privileges for the last 12 years at Northern Illinois Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospitals. He has served in a variety of medical staff positions, including the Chairman of the Cancer Committee, Chairman of Department of Surgery, President of Medical Staff, and currently serves as a board member on the Board of Governors of Centegra Health Systems.

Dr. Heydari received his Medical Doctor degree from the University of Colorado Health Science Center, in 1990, while holding the position of Class President for 3 consecutive years. He completed his internship and General Surgical Residency at the University of Iowa, Hospitals and Clinics, where he served as Chief Administrative Resident in 1995. While at the University of Iowa, he trained under Dr. Edward E. Mason, the father of Bariatric Surgery, and pioneer of operations such as Gastric Bypass and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG). Among his many awards, are included the two he is most proud of: The Edward E. Mason Award, and Teacher of the Year Award.

Over the past 5 years, Dr. Heydari has dedicated a great part of his practice to minimally invasive weight loss (bariatric) surgeries, and care of overweight patients. Due to his commitment and strong conviction towards wining the battle of overweightedness, he has expanded his bariatric surgical practice to include a medically managed weight loss program, BMI Weight Busters, Inc.. His desire and vision is to cater to the individual needs of any person who wishes to live a healthier life.

Additional Memberships Include:

   Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
   American Society of Bariatric Surgeons
   American Society of Bariatric Physicians
   American Medical Association
   McHenry County Medical Society
   Laparoendoscopic Society

Monica Heydari received her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling, from Webster University. She completed her counseling internship at Centegra Health System, in the Adult Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric, and Behavioral Health Units, specializing in Dual Diagnosis- Mental Illness, Substance Abuse and Addictions. She shares her husband's passion for winning the fight against obesity, and is a National Certified Bariatric Support Group Leader.

Monica also is a graduate of Leadership, Greater McHenry County, and is a committed board member of Hospice of Northeastern Illinois, and McHenry County College. In addition, she continues to further her studies toward her Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology, and works as a Spanish/English Therapist at Northwest Treatment Associates, specializing in the treatment of sexual abuse.

She is dedicated to education and well-being of self and others, and believes this can be achieved through self empowerment. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art, and brings her creativity, energy, and passion to her work in her delivery of effective, compassionate, care and treatment of her clients.

Caren is a Licensed Clinical Nutritionist trained in all aspects of nutritional counseling. She maintains active membership with the American Dietetics Association and is a member of the Executive Committee for the Dietetics Practice Group.

Her postgraduate studies in Complimentary Nutritional Therapies earned her recognition as a Certified Clinical Nutritionist. Passionate about the beneficial role nutrients, herbs, and healing therapies utilized around the world, Caren supplemented her traditional dietetic education at Purdue University with advanced training in traditional Chinese and herbal medicine.

Understanding that no one weight loss strategy or wellness program can work for all, Caren dedicates her continued education to integrative nutritional support therapies that promote the overall health and wellness of her patients.