Patient Testimonials

Being a fireman is an active, physical profession. And fireman, Lyle Lake, 36, felt his weight at 337 pounds was starting to affect his ability to be his best. Lyle had tried all kinds of diets and diet pills, but would only lose a small amount of his weight. He started to look into other weight loss options, including surgery. Then one day, while on the job, Lyle had chest pains that convinced him he needed to do something soon.

During his thorough investigation of bariatric surgery, Lyle reviewed eight different resources in the Chicago area. But his wife, Michelle, wasn't totally convinced he should have the weight loss surgery. However, after they met with the team at Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center, they decided it was the right surgery and right place for Lyle.

Lyle's laparoscopic surgery went smoothly and he's lost 137 pounds. He felt his medical team and support groups helped him become the happier, healthier fireman, husband and dad he is today. Not only is Lyle more active on the job, but he also has more energy to play with his four children.

'The Little Company of Mary Bariatric Surgery Center's program really rescued me and I would highly recommend it to anyone.'

Paul Tarrant, his wife Sandra and daughter Michelle, had all struggled with weight loss and yo-yo dieting for the majority of their lives.

Paul is the Operating Room Materials Manager at Little Company of Mary Hospital and Health Care Centers so he had a bird's eye view of the newest weight loss surgery when The Bariatric Surgery Center opened its doors in November 2001 and performed the first gastric bypass operation in the Southwest suburbs. A little more than a year later, Paul and his family entrusted that same program to assist them with their weight loss struggle.

'We are all nurses and are aware of the risks associated with bariatric surgery so choosing a program and a surgeon with experience was a top priority,' explains Paul Tarrant. 'We couldn't be more thrilled with our decision. Dr. Cahill has performed more than 800 surgeries to date with the added benefit of a very low complication rate. Today our family has lost more than 300 pounds combined. We feel great and my wife and daughter look adorable.'

'I feel one of the strengths of Little Company's bariatric program is that it is a comprehensive program,' explains Sandra Tarrant, bariatric surgery patient. She had met bariatric patients from other programs that needed support following their surgery and felt they had no place to turn. Little Company's program covers all the bases, including: nutrition, exercise, psychological support and a support group-not just the surgical procedure. Their program gives patients access to services that support them in making permanent changes for long-term success.'

Vera Davis was never afraid of hard work, especially after earning a double master's degree and working on a PhD in Education/Psychology.  But no matter how hard she tried, diet and exercise alone weren't enough to keep her weight under long-term control.  She'd had high blood pressure since the age of 16, and at the age of 33 she was diagnosed with diabetes and had to start taking multiple insulin injections a day.

She never felt like she needed a certain weight to feel good about herself, but Vera knew that if she wasn't healthier, all the self-confidence in the world wouldn't give her more time with her son or a better quality of life.  Vera wanted to be as healthy as she could be, and came to Little Company of Mary's Bariatric Surgery Center for help.

At first Vera was surprised at all the tests and requirements before and after surgery, but then she found it comforting that the program was so strict.  She couldn't imagine how a bariatric program could operate without all these necessary tests and consultations.  She realized that every precaution was worth the time and would pay off.

Vera had her Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass surgery just before Christmas, and lost 20 pounds by New Years.  Her diabetes and blood pressure quickly came under control, and with the loving support of family and friends, Vera lost a total of 106 pounds in her first year.  And now her health and quality of life is as good as she feels inside.

'I am just thankful for the opportunity to meet such a skilled surgeon as Dr. Cahill, who definitely made a large difference in my life'.