Local woman grateful after weight loss surgery

Norma Phillips before her weight loss surgery, left, and after, right.

After many years of unhealthy habits, Norma Phillips suffered from joint pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Fortunately, the Crest Hill resident’s health has greatly improved since she lost nearly 80 pounds after her REALIZE Adjustable Gastric Band weight loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in October of 2008.
“Since my surgery I have regained my life back and I am full of energy,” says 66 year-old Phillips. “Plus my husband is so pleased with my improved health and greater energy level.”
After researching bariatric weight loss surgery programs, Phillips attended her first educational seminar where weight loss surgery doctors explained how difficult it was for her body to lose weight. Her metabolism was so out of sync due to a lifetime of yoyo dieting.
Phillips’ surgeon was Dr. Brian Lahmann with Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery (BMI Surgery) at Silver Cross Hospital. Dr. Lahmann and his partner, Dr. Christopher Joyce, have performed over 2,000 surgeries including laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and Lap-Band and REALIZE gastric band systems.
BMI Surgery is a Bariatric Center of Excellence as well as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. They are dedicated to helping patients win their personal battles with obesity and enjoy happier and healthier lives.
“Norma is a wonderful example of how life-changing bariatric surgery can be. Her dedication to adhering to the program by eating well and exercising are impressive,” says Dr. Lahmann.
To find out more about the bariatric surgery program at Silver Cross Hospital, attend a free informational session on both traditional and laparoscopic surgery on any Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. in the Specialty Care Pavilion at the hospital, 1300 Copperfield Ave., Joliet. To attend, visit www.silvercross.org or call 888-660-4325. ■