Each person has unique aspirations for their life after weight loss surgery. Some have specific goals, while others find it hard to envision life after weight loss. Reading about how others have overcome obesity to live a more fulfilling life can help you see that new life for yourself.
The Before and After Bariatric Surgery Experience
Below are three stories with before and after pictures and a few unexpected WOW moments to show just how transformative bariatric surgery can be.
Katie’s Story | Weight Loss Surgery 2017
Katie saves animals in her spare time! She’s active with her family, job, and hundreds of animals who depend on her. When the aches, pains, and energy drain from excess weight started to slow her down, Katie took action. Now that she’s at a healthy weight, Katie pushes herself to do more, never backing down from a challenge. Here’s Katie’s story with her before and after pictures:
I run an equine rescue center and have always been very active, but the excess weight took a toll on me. Joint pain and low energy made the daily chores at the rescue center hard to do. I needed to feel better – for myself, my family, and the hundreds of animals who depend on me. It was time for a change.
I had been contemplating bariatric surgery for over ten years. After being weight shamed at a clinic near my home, I was on a mission to find a place that didn’t treat me that way. Barix Clinics kept coming up in conversations, so I drove over 2 hours to check it out.
I knew this was where I was supposed to be the minute I walked in. I had the highest quality experience. Every aspect of the program, including the insurance coordinators, nurses, nutritionists, respiratory therapists, and the receptionist, was staffed with professional and friendly people.
I joined the Barix Facebook support group immediately. It has been invaluable – helping me navigate post-bariatric surgery life. I have had excellent, timely, and well-explained follow-up appointments. The staff is always willing to answer questions when I call. Transitioning to new eating habits was not nearly as hard as I expected.
I am back to myself! I am energetic and outwork the youngsters around the farm. I can keep up with my crazy lifestyle without fatigue, and my knees feel amazing.
Shawn’s Story | Weight Loss Surgery 2013
Shawn was facing the big 4-0 birthday and didn’t like what he saw. His health was going downhill fast, and he was missing out on all the fun. Now, life couldn’t get better. Here’s Shawn’s story with his before and after pictures:
I was a 36-year-old 394-pound professional who had everything in life except my health. Even with high doses of medication, I couldn’t get my blood pressure under control. I had joint pain, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes.
I wanted to go zip-lining, ride roller coasters, and get the thrill of white water rafting. I couldn’t even travel on an airplane without feeling self-conscious and out of place.
With the big 4-0 birthday coming up, I decided if any time was right, it was the present. I wanted to reach that milestone birthday in the best shape of my life.
Barix Clinics was great! I had a great experience with everyone there -my surgeon, his staff, and the surgical and nursing staff at the hospital. I have recommended Barix Clinics to others.
Now, life is AWESOME. I’m living life to the fullest. I’ve been riding roller coasters at Cedar Point, snow skiing, hiking 10-mile mountain trails, cycling 15+ miles at a time, and keeping a daily gym routine. Life couldn’t be better!
Elena’s Story | Weight Loss Surgery 2015
Elena was tired of sitting on the sidelines. That’s not her anymore – she’s full of energy playing alongside her kids. Here’s Elena’s story with her before and after pictures:
I taught in a high school where breakfast, lunch, and snack foods were up for grabs. I led a very sedentary life—our main form of entertainment was going out to eat. As my weight increased, I couldn’t keep up with my two small children.
My best friend asked me to be her maid of honor. I was embarrassed when I couldn’t find a dress for her wedding that fit. At about the same time, I started a new job, and a co-worker showed me pictures of her transformation from bariatric surgery. I knew I needed to make a change and found Barix Clinics in my research.
At Barix, I have never felt like I was a number. I met with the surgeon individually during the initial consult. He answered all my questions, made me feel at home, and discussed different surgery options—just an honest discussion. My husband was initially apprehensive about the surgery, and the doctor took time to answer his questions and put him at ease.
Life has been so different since surgery. I monitor my food intake and have a social life, but I have learned balance. The gym is my new “high” versus going to meet for dinner and drinks. I run six days a week. I have completed two half marathons and am considering a full marathon. I no longer sit on the sidelines in a folding chair but participate in my kid’s sports activities. I was overweight for 20 years and to be in single-digit-sized clothing and be called “skinny” by my daughter is mindboggling.
Unexpected WOW Moments
Weight loss surgery has many predictable results -weight is lost, health conditions improve, and moving is much easier. But what about those unexpected experiences that positively WOW people? We asked Barix Clinics patients to tell us their WOW moments – they are so inspiring that we decided to share a few with you. Enjoy!
I ran my first 5k race. I had a healthy, complication-free pregnancy and lost all the baby weight two weeks after delivery. I fit into a roller coaster seat again! When my son hugged me and said, “Look, Mom, my arms touch!” My WOW moments are when my husband looks at me like he used to when we met. I shop at Wal-Mart WITHOUT a cart to hold me up. I fit into a size 2 just 14 months after WLS. Who knew I had feet!! Before surgery, I could barely walk to the mailbox, and I’m now looking forward to a 50-mile biking weekend. My WOW moment happened about a year after surgery. I went to a graduation party and sat down next to my sister. She didn’t know who I was until she heard my voice!
Bariatric Surgery Before and After Pictures: A Snapshot of Success
Our patient success stories help highlight the life-changing difference bariatric surgery can make.
Call us if you think you may be ready to transform your life. Meeting with a surgeon at Barix Clinics is the best way to get all the facts and decide if weight loss surgery is for you.
