 | Gastric Bypass | 2007 My Life Before Bariatric Surgery I was so lost. I could not run, play, dance, climb steps, or exert myself without gasping for breath. My blood pressure was so high, my doctors worried about my having a stroke. All this at the age of 43! |
I was so unhappy. My kids wanted to have fun, ride the rides at the amusement parks –not me, I couldn’t fit in the seats. Too embarrassed to tell my children, I simply told them that I did not have enough money to take them to the parks. They wanted to go see a ball game–not me, the walk from the parking lot to the seats was too long. And the seats were so small I felt as though I were oozing all over the person next to me.
Although I enjoyed my job and family activities, I found myself feeling too tired or lazy to engage in many activities. Just going shopping at the mall seemed to be too much work. After a busy day on the job, I found myself so achy and tired, by the time I got home all I wanted to do was eat and watch TV. Even when my son wanted to go to the park next door to throw a football or play frisbee, I would make excuses why I couldn’t go.
Making the Decision
I was losing my life! I knew where I was headed and knew it was time to take charge! I knew it would be hard, but I needed this surgery and I would do it!
My Barix Clinics Experience
Barix Clinics, what a life-changing place.
I was very afraid as this was major surgery. However, the steps the staff took to make sure I was medically ready made me feel so safe. The staff was encouraging, competent, trustworthy, and meticulously careful. I was treated with respect and I felt like they genuinely cared about me. Everyone from the front desk reception staff to the surgeons and nursing staff. I knew that I was in good hands and felt so at ease, taking this huge life-changing step.
How My Life Has Changed
Three years post-surgery…I feel wonderful!! No inhalers, no pain meds for joint pain and no more blood pressure medication. One and a half years later, I am STILL A NON-SMOKER!!!! I quit smoking for the surgery and never started again. I can do all the things in life that my weight kept me from.
I feel confident, healthy and yes, even pretty!! I danced at my daughter’s wedding. I have ridden every coaster at the amusement park. I can do sit-ups!! I can run up steps! I can park anywhere in the lot, even if I have to walk a distance to the entrance! I can wear a swimsuit! I can go to the gym and work out without feeling self-conscious. I have boundless energy!! I HAVE BECOME A NEW AND AMAZING PERSON!
I tell everyone what a wonderful place Barix is and what it has done for me. Take a look at my pictures. You can see what a fabulous life I have been given!! Thank you, thank you, words cannot say enough.
I told my surgeon at my last visit, “You have no idea just how much you have changed my life!! “Wow, oh my gosh–unbelievable, fantastic, fabulous, and many other adjectives yet to be named!”
To Those Considering Bariatric Surgery
Don’t make the mistake of waiting too long. My only regret is that I could have had many more years of joy and pleasure had I had the surgery earlier in life.
