Bourbonnais Man Gets New Life Following BMI Surgery at Silver Cross

Bariatric patients often describe their weight-loss journey following surgery as life-changing. 

For Chad Kalecki of Bourbonnais, it also was eye-opening. 

The 40-year-old industrial automation salesman had gastric sleeve surgery in June 2022 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. Since then, he dropped from 472 pounds to 255 on his 6-foot-6-inch frame. 

“As my appearance changed, my commissions went up,” Kalecki said. “People not only look at me differently, they work with me differently. I was actually a little put off by it for a few months, how people used to look at me.” 

Kalecki said he always had been overweight, even though he’s not fond of sweets or fast food. 

“My mom’s side was very overweight. So, I tried to do the right things. I tried different diets, but as soon as I went off, the weight came back. I had sleep apnea and high blood pressure. And I knew it was only going to get worse.”

As he approached 40, Kalecki talked to a friend who had bariatric surgery. “He told me it’s a lot of work. But it’s worth it.”

Preparing for BMI Surgery

Prospective BMI surgery candidates have to go through several tests, including psychological -- to make sure there is no underlying emotional reason contributing to the excessive weight – as well as pulmonary and cardiac evaluations. 

It was the cardiac test that posed the toughest challenge…because of his weight. 

“For the stress test, the weight limit on the treadmill was 400 pounds. I was 472, so I had to do the chemically induced test. That was really uncomfortable,” Kalecki recalled. 

BMI surgery patients also need to prepare by going on a high-protein diet for several weeks before and after the procedure. Kalecki was excited, but a bit anxious as surgery approached. 

“I hadn’t had any surgery since I had my tonsils out in first grade,” he said. “But it really wasn’t as bad as some people might think. By 3 a.m. after the surgery, I was up walking laps around the nurse’s station.”

Post-Operative Treatment

In addition to follow-ups with Dr. Brian Lahmann, Kalecki took advantage of the support groups Silver Cross offers to patients who have undergone bariatric surgery at Silver Cross Hospital. 

“Some of them were having a really hard time giving up certain foods. I’m lucky that I really don’t crave any particular foods,” he said. 

Dr. Lahmann and his partners have performed over 10,000 weight-loss surgeries at Silver Cross Hospital, which has the only program in Will County that has been named a MBSAQIP Accredited Comprehensive Center and is a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. 

Silver Cross also offers a broad range of bariatric surgery care services, including inpatient care, post-operative care, outpatient follow-up care and patient education. 

Dr. Lahmann said there is a lot of misconception about the disease of obesity, even among the medical community. 

“Some might say, ‘Oh, just eat less and exercise more.’ But there are people who eat small amounts and are very active, yet they still gain 10 pounds a year. It’s the opposite of that one person we know who can eat anything and not gain weight.” 

Although Kalecki has dropped from a 60-inch waist to a 40-inch waist, he still would like to lose another few pounds to get down to around 240.

Lifestyle Changes are Key

That means using sugar-free BBQ sauces and jellies, watching what he eats at gatherings and keeping drinks mostly to bottled water. 

And while he doesn’t crave certain foods, being a salesman on business trips is a challenge. So, he’ll load up on high-protein snacks and protein powders. At hotels or at restaurants, he’ll order a healthy meal, and not be afraid to ask for a doggie bag so he can enjoy it the next day as well. 

“I’ve already had five friends go through the surgery because of me,” he said. “One went back to the old habits and started gaining weight again. I don’t want to do that. 

“This was the best decision I ever made. Silver Cross was wonderful.” 

For more information, call (815) 717-8744 or visit bmisurgery.org to attend a free informational session on weight-loss surgery.