“Over the years, I tried every diet imaginable, but I always gained the weight back,” said 54-year old Robin Mathieu, a Tinley Park resident. “Then one day when I was standing on my scale, I hit a wall when it read that I was 250 pounds. Feeling frustrated from not being able to lose weight, I thought maybe weight loss surgery was the best option for me. I attended a weight loss surgery informational seminar at Silver Cross Hospital to see if I was a candidate.” Fortunately, Mathieu’s health has greatly improved since her REALIZE gastric band system weight loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in May 2008.
Prior to her surgery, Mathieu had high blood pressure and knee problems. “Now I’m not taking any blood pressure medications and my knee pain is gone. I can even exercise daily on the treadmill and have incorporated weights into my hour and a half workouts,” said Mathieu, who lost over 130 pounds.
Not only does she feel wonderful physically, Mathieu can now enjoy her life more fully. “For years I couldn’t even walk short distances. When we visited relatives in Leadville, Colorado I could hardly breathe due to how the high altitude affected my overweight body,” said Mathieu. “Now after my weight loss surgery, I’m more on the go and take long hikes during our trips to Colorado. I am now living a more fun and energetic life.”