Bourbonnais Woman Loses Nearly Half Her Weight Following Bariatric Surgery

Courtney Denison says she was always a little “on the chunky side,” but it wasn’t until her early 20s when she began putting on significant weight from stress related to school, finding a job after graduation – and life in general. 

By the time Denison, who lives in Bourbonnais, was approaching her late 20s, her weight had soared to 310 pounds on her 5-foot-7 frame, something her doctor said could lead to knee replacement surgery by age 30. 

“I didn’t want that to happen,” said Denison, now 30, of Kankakee. “So, I started considering options.

“My husband’s stepmom had weight-loss surgery years ago, and she told me she wished she had had it done at Silver Cross Hospital  in New Lenox. After the surgery, they follow up with you after three months, six months and a year. Her hospital checked on her only once a year.” 

Denison attended a seminar on BMI procedures at Silver Cross given by Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Brian Lahmann. Nearly 10,000 weight loss procedures have been performed at Silver Cross Hospital, which recently was named the #1 Bariatric Hospital in the nation by Money, and Southland’s Best Weight Loss Center for 2024. 

"These honors are a testament not only to Silver Cross and the staff, but to the patients who entrusted their life-changing, weight-loss journeys to us," said Dr. Lahmann. "We are ever grateful." 

‘No Going Back’

After meeting with Dr. Lahmann, they decided a full gastric bypass would be best for Denison.“I wanted this to be it. There was no going back. And I knew it would take a complete lifestyle change; not just surgery,” said Denison. 

Prospective BMI patients also have to undergo tests to check the heart and lungs, and take a psychological evaluation to determine if there are any root causes for the weight gain. 

Those all went well, and Denison was scheduled for surgery on Dec. 5, 2023. Since BMI patients have to use a high-protein, low-carb diet before surgery, that meant testing her commitment over Thanksgiving. 

“A protein shake in the morning and a protein shake for lunch, and then a small portion of high protein for dinner. It worked out OK.” 

Following her surgery, she said Silver Cross staff had her up and walking around: “One lap, then two laps, then maybe one more.” 

Life After Surgery

Denison was released the next day, and she said she was anxious to begin retraining herself for her new life, which included limited meals initially, and daily vitamin pills “forever.” 

Slowly, after meeting for follow-ups after three months, she began introducing more regular foods into her diet. 

The limited diet at Thanksgiving, then at Christmas, following surgery, “was hard. But I have a very supportive family. They would make sugar-free Jell-O, and ham with no glaze. 

“I noticed a change right away, and now I’m down to 146. And that’s where I’d like to stay. I feel great. My knees feel great. I enjoy walking so much more now. 

“My husband also is really good at supporting me. When we go out, we split dinners now instead of each of us having a large meal.” 

Taking it to Heart

Wendy Dyer, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse who works with bariatric patients, said she isn’t surprised at Denison’s success. 

“Even before the surgery, she was excited to get started. And since surgery, she has been killing it, losing 30 pounds every three months. She looks great and is carrying herself more confidently now. 

“This is what we hope for all of our bariatric patients. We can do the surgery, and that cuts down on their appetite. But sometimes they go back to the old habits with sugars and larger portions. 

“But Courtney has listened to all our advice and taken it to heart, cutting down on portions, eating in moderation and adding exercise.” 

Dyer said they see patients every three months for a year, and then as needed through the Weight Loss Clinic at Silver Cross. 

Denison said she would tell others in her former shoes to consider bariatric surgery at Silver Cross. But they had better be willing to do the work to be successful. 

“It’s a process, but it’s worth it. It’s the best decision I ever made.” 

If you or someone you know is considering weight-loss surgery – or medical weight management – have them reach out to the BEST in the U.S.! For more information, visit silvercross.org/bmi or call (815) 717-8744.