For many years Dan Brown of Joliet has been passionate about bass fishing. Unfortunately, because he weighed over 400 pounds, he was unable to participate in many fishing tournaments for years, as he was unable to endure the extreme heat.

However, after losing 202 pounds in 11 months as a result of his weight loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital, Brown is now able to fish in the warm weather because the extreme temperatures no longer bother him.

“As a result of my weight loss surgery, I can now fully enjoy one of my life’s passions and competitively fish for hours while enjoying the beautiful outdoors,” said Brown, 49.

A sponsored article by Silver Cross Hospital.

In addition to fishing, Brown is able to vacation more often and do simple tasks that he was unable to do prior to his surgery.

“Since I lost weight, I have been able to enjoy vacations. Recently, my family and I went to Walt Disney World, and I was able to go on all the rides. I felt like a kid again,” Brown said. “But most of all, I am so happy to easily accomplish simple tasks like getting in and out of my car.”

Prior to his weight loss surgery, Brown’s health was very poor. He took around eight pills a day. He had diabetes, which required him to take five to seven insulin shots daily. He suffered from sleep apnea and had to use a CPAP machine every night. In addition, he had acid reflux and pain in his feet and legs.

But his health has improved immensely since his surgery. He no longer takes any medications or suffers from diabetes, sleep apnea, acid reflux or foot and leg pain.

Following the advice from his primary care physician, Dr. Arthur Pettigrew, Dan contacted BMI Surgery at Silver Cross Hospital and attended a free information session.

“Meeting Dr. Christopher Joyce and his staff at BMI Surgery was a wonderful experience. They were all so knowledgeable and supportive,” Brown said. “Once I realized how my poor food choices and lack of exercise hampered my health, I was able to sincerely commit to the program. Their program is phenomenal!”

With their support, Brown committed to the workout and diet plan and underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy surgery on Jan. 17, 2011.

“Before I had my surgery, Dr. Joyce explained that the surgery was merely a tool to lose weight and the real success depended on me taking personal responsibility of my own health,” Brown said. “I listened to all of the great advice Dr. Joyce and his staff gave me and never deviated from the program. I was so committed to being successful because I was unsure how long I would survive due to all of my medical issues. And I didn’t want to be a burden to my wife, Kim, and sons Chris and Joe.”

Brown’s motivation was fueled by the support he received not only from Dr. Joyce and his staff, but also from other patients he met at the monthly support group meetings. In addition, his wife made his meals for him that aided him to stay on track.

“When I would come home from working out, all I would have to do is open the refrigerator and grab a meal that my wife already prepared for me. I am so grateful to her and my sons for all the love and support they gave me throughout this entire process,” Brown said.

“Dan is an excellent example of how life-changing bariatric surgery can be. His dedication to adhering to the program by eating well and exercising is very impressive,” Dr. Joyce said.

BMI Surgery has improved the lives of nearly 3,000 patients with life-changing surgeries, including laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and Lap-Band and REALIZE gastric band systems at Silver Cross Hospital.  

Board-certified laparoscopic and bariatric surgeons Christopher Joyce, M.D., and Brian Lahmann, M.D., are dedicated to helping patients win their personal battles with obesity and enjoy healthier lives, which is why they dedicated themselves to opening a new office on the new Silver Cross Hospital campus at I-355 and Route 6 in New Lenox. Silver Cross has been named a Bariatric Center of Excellence by the American Society of Bariatric Surgery and a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery.

 “Our new office location provides patients with enhanced access to state-of-the-art technology and expanded space including more exam rooms, band adjustment rooms, and seating in the waiting area,” Dr. Joyce said. “We want to help transform lives inside and out, so we used that same philosophy in the design of our new office space.”

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. at BMI Surgery at 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., Suite 260, New Lenox. To make plans to attend, visit www.bmisurgery.org or call 1-888-660-HEAL (4325).