Denzil & Sharon Smothers
After |
Desiring a healthy lifestyle, in 2004, Denzil and Sharon Smothers made a life-changing decision to undergo LAP-BAND™ weight loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. Since then, the Smothers have lost over 200 lbs. together and are feeling much more fit and healthy.
Several years ago, Denzil Smothers, complicated with medical conditions, was recommended by his physician as a candidate for gastric bypass surgery. “After careful research and consideration, it wasn’t an option at the time,” states his wife Sharon, “It scared us.” Although Denzil and Sharon hoped for a solution, they decided to hold off on pursuing weight loss surgery.
A few years later, their regular doctors recommended the Smothers to Dr. Christopher Joyce. After hearing great things about the weight loss program offered at Silver Cross, the Shorewood couple decided to attend a free informational session to learn more about the LAP-BAND™ procedure. Afterwards, Sharon said that if he was going to get the surgery-she was going to get it too. Following the seminar and meeting with Dr. Joyce, the Smothers felt that this was a great opportunity to gain the healthy lifestyle they wished for together.
“They were excellent candidates for the LAP-BAND™ procedure,” states Dr. Joyce, “They were well informed and showed great enthusiasm and motivation for the lifestyle change.”
It wasn’t long before all the paperwork and testing was done. All that was left to do was show up for the surgery. “It was extremely easy, they did all the work,” says Denzil, “The whole process has been better than expected. Dr. Joyce was wonderful and the experience with BMI and Silver Cross has been great. We weren’t treated like patients, we were treated like friends.”
“The weight program at Silver Cross is wonderful,” states Sharon, “they have a pre and post-op program that gives us the tools we need to stay on track.”
Together, Denzil and Sharon have lost over 200 lbs. They would do it again without a doubt. “The weight program here is fantastic. We have more energy and are eager to do more than ever. We are able to be more physically active with our kids; it’s a great feeling,” says Sharon.
“We are constantly buying new clothes”, states Denzil, “I even had to get a new wedding ring.”
Their experience has been so positive that they have recommended Dr. Joyce to a friend and an uncle from Southern Illinois who will be coming soon for consultation.
“Denzil and Sharon have been very pleased with the outcome. They are the first married couple I have performed the Lap-Band™ procedure on,” says Dr. Joyce, “they work together to avoid bad habits like too many sweets or high calorie drinks. Being disciplined has been the key to their success.”