Melanie R. - My Story
 | Gastric Bypass | 2000 My Life Before Bariatric Surgery I grew up in a very athletic family and played many sports from childhood until college. Then, with less activity and a full-time job, my weight gradually increased. I'm not sure I was fully aware of how much I was gaining, just that I was buying larger clothes. |
Day-to-day stresses, bad habits and excess weight started to affect my health. I developed sleep apnea, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. With the arthritis and constant exhaustion, my activity level plummeted further. My health was bad and I had just about given up on life.
Making the Decision
My physician talked to me about her patients who lost weight and resolved their health issues with bariatric surgery. She recommended that I look into it. That conversation and the diagnosis of “morbid obesity” on her report that made me wake up and realize that I was eating myself to death.
My Barix Clinics Experience
The staff at Barix Clinics was fantastic!! My doctor was very honest and yet encouraging about how my life would change with the surgery and what to expect. The nursing staff was caring and supportive. They encouraged me to do the small exercises and meet goals to get home.
The nutritionists were my lifeline to my new lifestyle of eating. They encouraged me to try new healthful foods and helped me to change old habits. I have recommended the surgery and Barix Clinics to anyone who has asked about my weight loss.
How My Life Has Changed
It was the BEST decision I have ever made! I am back competing in competitive sports and my health is much better. My new attitude is that I can overcome anything that gets in my way. I can much more than I would ever have been able to do before weight loss surgery. I can't wait to travel and try new activities. Food does not drive my life anymore - my activities, family, friends and hobbies do. I don’t take this new life for granted, I celebrate my surgery anniversary date every year.
Funny Story--My mother-in-law’s friends saw my husband and me together. They hadn't seen me since my weight loss and didn't recognize me. They reported back to my mother-in-law that her son was out with a woman who was not his wife. They thought he was having an affair. We all had a good chuckle from the mistaken identity.
I am so thrilled with my new life - it is a new life!!!
To Someone Considering Bariatric Surgery
I don't think I would be alive today if I hadn't had weight loss surgery. I feel like it saved me and that I am a new person! The Melanie before surgery wasn't happy or healthy. I could fake it but deep down, it wasn't true. Now I start every day looking forward to all of the things I am going to do. I have a happy positive outlook and I am in control of my future.
