Weight-Loss Surgery a Walk in the Park for Local Mom

By Tracy Simons | Silver Cross Hospital

When 278-pound Kristi Savoree would play at the park with her 2½ year old daughter, Isabella, her back, knee and feet pain made it difficult to play beside the active toddler.

“I’m so amazed at all the energy I have now that allows me to keep up with my daughter,” exclaims Savoree. “I can chase her around the park, play on the swings and bike ride with her for hours – all with no pain in my body.”

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Since losing over 137 pounds after having weight loss surgery with BMI Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, Savoree is savoring every day playing with her daughter as she exercises regularly and eats healthier foods.

“When I look at photos of myself prior to having weight-loss surgery, all I can think is that there is no way that I’m going back to that person,” said Savoree. “My advice to others that are considering having weight-loss surgery is to know it’s not easy. But if you put your whole heart into it, listen to what the doctors tell you to do - you’ll be successful.

“The diet and exercise plan works if you continuously follow it. I’m so grateful for the excellent care and encouragement I received from Dr. Joyce, his staff and the nurses at Silver Cross Hospital.”

“After listening to Dr. Joyce’s presentation, I was inspired by the program, Dr. Joyce and his staff at BMI Surgery. They helped me through the entire process from working with my insurance to long after my surgery,” said Savoree. “With their help, along with support from my husband, Kenneth, I stuck to the exercise and nutrition plan and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery on Dec. 16, 2014.”

Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, with the help of many different departments at Silver Cross. “Patients see an exercise physiologist, dietitian, cardiologist, psychologist, pulmonologist, and a bariatric nurse to get them ready for surgery,” says Dr. Christopher Joyce. “We screen our patients very carefully to ensure their success and safety.”

The American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery defines the morbidly obese as those with a body mass of 35 or above with comorbidities, or for a normal height woman, being more than 100 pounds overweight.

“Dr. Joyce has an amazing bedside manner. He never made me feel obese,” stated Savoree. “He told me that the surgery was merely a tool to lose weight and the real success depended on me making lifestyle changes.”

Patients with a BMI of 35 and higher, who are suffering the medical consequences of obesity, are often best treated with bariatric surgery as opposed to nonsurgical weight loss. Those who are morbidly obese are at a higher risk of mortality and such extreme obesity puts people at risk for life threatening disease, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes.

“Kristi is an excellent example of how bariatric surgery can positively improve one’s life. Her dedication to adhering to the program by eating well and exercising was essential in her ability to lose 137 pounds,” says Dr. Joyce.

BMI Surgery has changed the lives of over 4,500 patients with life changing surgeries including laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, ReShape Balloon, and Lap-Band and REALIZE gastric band systems at Silver Cross Hospital.

Board-certified laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons Brian Lahmann, M.D., and Christopher Joyce, M.D., are dedicated to helping patients win their personal battles with obesity and enjoy healthier lives. Their office is located on the new Silver Cross Hospital campus at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. BMI Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital has been named a MBSAQIP accredited center – Comprehensive. BMI Surgery is also a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery.

To learn 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. at BMI Surgery at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 260, New Lenox.

To attend, visit www.bmisurgery.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).