Patient Testimonials

Diane Tino

Diane Tino learned early on that hard work pays off. Her grandparents started Rilling’s Bakery in Philadelphia in 1936, and moved and expanded the business to Warminster (it’s now known as Rillings Bucks County Bakery). Over the years, Diane watched many members of her family build a successful community business.

However, as an adult, her struggle to lose weight, no matter how hard she worked, was incredibly disappointing. For more than 15 years, following difficult pregnancies involving bed rest, she tried innumerable diet and exercise programs.

She looked into bariatric surgery after witnessing her sister-in-law’s success with it. Diane had watched both her grandmother and her mother bear the stress of running the family business, and the toll it took on them both mentally and physically. She was determined to live a healthier and happier life. Diane was skeptical about bariatric surgery though, because several of her friends gained back the weight they initially lost post-surgery.

She underwent several physical and psychological screenings, and began counseling and weight loss efforts presurgery—these contribute to the overall success of a bariatric surgery procedure.

Diane had eaten well before surgery, but she learned specific information about how her eating and exercise patterns would need to change dramatically, and permanently.

“It is not easy; but it is the choice to live my best life,” Diane says.

Diane continues to attend post-surgery appointments, and still goes to support group meetings to inspire and encourage others in the program. “My only regret is that I didn’t do this sooner,” she enthuses.

Diane has lost just over 100 pounds in total—down from 256 before her procedure. And as she rings in her 50th birthday this year, Diane can excitedly report that she is wearing clothes today she hasn't worn since high school. “I weigh less now than I did before I had my sons,” she happily reports.

Today, she serves as vice president in the family bakery business. Diane says if she can do this, anybody can.