Plainfield Woman Loses 136 pounds in a Year with Weight Loss Surgery

Offers encouragement to others struggling with weight issues and disabilities

Those who have undergone weight loss surgery know it's much more than a few hours on the operating table; it is a tool that precedes a lifestyle change taking a great amount of discipline.

Suzanne St. Germain of Plainfield wants people considering the surgery to know not only is Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox the place to go, but if she can do it, most anyone else can.

“Maybe I can provide a glimmer of hope for people who are having a rough time dealing with their weight,” said St. Germain, 48. 

Navigating Obstacles

She admits always being overweight, but several years ago, it was enough of an issue that her A1C was over 12. St. Germain also concedes she didn’t pay much attention to any treatment, eschewing even insulin.  

That ultimately led to amputations of both of her legs. St. Germain realized she had to start taking care of herself, especially since she would become the main caregiver for her husband, Mike, after he suffered a severe stroke.  

Things got worse when her kidneys began failing, leading her to need dialysis treatments for a year.

With her weight topping out at 305 on a 5-foot, 9-inch frame, St. Germain knew she likely wouldn’t have much longer with her husband and three children if she didn’t make a drastic change.  

She heard from a friend about the Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery (BMI) program at Silver Cross. She watched an online presentation, then made an appointment with renowned laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon Dr. Brian Lahmann, who has performed nearly 10,000 weight loss surgeries at Silver Cross, which has the only weight loss surgery program in Will County to be named a MBSAQIP accredited center – Comprehensive and Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. 

Gastric Sleeve

She and Dr. Lahmann agreed the gastric sleeve procedure would be best for her.

“He knew with my medical history, there would be risks, but he said it could be done safely and would help me live a better life.” 

As with all patients considering gastric surgery, St. Germain needed to have psychological, sleep and cardiac tests to make sure she could handle the procedure and beyond.  

“My cardiac test showed I had a blockage, so I wound up having a double bypass surgery. During the six months I was recovering is when my husband had his stroke.” 

Finally, St. Germain was able to have her gastric sleeve surgery in August 2024. Dr. Lahmann told her the surgery went well. 

The Wait Paid Off

Having lost 20 pounds already due to the high-protein diet before the surgery, St. Germain said she noticed a change right away, as did her husband and two college-age children who supported her throughout.  

“They would come home every few months and tell me how good I was looking. That felt nice to hear. And my Mom, Karen Kuba, and my sister, Renee Kuba, have been so supportive,” she said. “My husband is great. He even will have a protein shake with me in the mornings sometimes. I had never been a big protein person; eating mostly vegetables. So that was a big change.” 

The bigger change is that within a year of her BMI surgery, St. Germain had lost 136 pounds, breezing by the 100-pound goal Dr. Lahmann and his staff had set.  

“I still want to lose a total of 150 pounds, so I have a little more work to do. But more importantly, my diabetes is in remission, and so are my kidney issues,” she added. “I have so much more energy, and I’m able to go up and down stairs so much easier. 

Happy with her Care

“I just can’t say enough about the doctors at Silver Cross – Dr. Lahmann and also the cardiology team, the therapists at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab on the Silver Cross campus, and Dr. Lahmann’s physician’s assistant, Marisa Schrum. 

“She was there for me before and after surgery, encouraging me. And she even showed up when I had surgery! Dr. Lahmann said I must be really special.” 

St. Germain said David Rotter, who created her prosthetics, and therapist Kristine Liebel gave her invaluable emotional support when she was at her lowest. She’d like to pay that support forward. 

So, her weight loss journey includes advocacy for people who are struggling with weight issues, especially those who may have disabilities.  

She has written several articles and also has a podcast, all to offer the same encouragement she got from her family and from the staff at Silver Cross. 

And she has a message for those battling life’s obstacles: “No matter what you’re going through,” St. Germain said, “you have to keep fighting.” 

If you’re on the fence about weight-loss surgery or the latest weight loss medications, join Dr. Lahmann at Silver Cross for an FREE informative lecture on Jan. 22 from 5 to 6 p.m. Register online at silvercross.org/classes-events.