 | Gastric Bypass | 2008 My Life Before Bariatric Surgery I had been heavy my entire life. Because of my size, I was picked on in school and later at work–people can be very cruel and judgemental. Before I had surgery I was tired all of the time. I was so tired of being tired. I just had no energy. |
After work, I did not do much of anything. I spent a lot of time on the couch watching T.V. The house was a mess with the dishes and laundry both piled up. I had knee pain, but no other obesity related diseases yet.
My husband and I were trying to have a baby, but were not having success. We started the adoption process and in November of 2007 we had a beautiful 11 month old baby come into our lives. It is amazing how much of an impact a little person can have on your world. I suddenly wanted to make sure that I was going to be able to run and play with her–to be there years in the future to see her wedding day and the children that she would bring into the world.
I had tried everything to lose weight–Weight Watchers, Atkins, using the Canadian Food Guide, and working with dietitians. Some of it worked. I did lose 50 pounds, 30 pounds, or 17 pounds at a time–but would shortly regain all of the lost weight and then some. I went online and started researching my options. That is where I found Barix Clinics.
Making the Decision
I sent away for information and received a brochure in the mail. I scheduled a consultation right away. The trip down to the hospital was ten hours, but well worth it. I left with a good understanding of the surgery, lots of information and a pre-surgery healthful habits handout. I completed all of the required testing and got started on the pre-surgery diet right away. I actually lost 43 pounds between my consultation and surgery. I knew that I was off to a good start.
My Barix Clinics Experience
I cannot say enough about the care I received while at Barix in Ypsilanti. Everyone was kind and helpful from my first step into the building until I went home and after. I was so impressed when my nurse called me at home after my surgery to see how I was doing. I had surgery on a Monday and went home on Wednesday. I was back to work three weeks later.
How My Life Has Changed
I have been horseback riding. I went to an 8-week boot camp. The most rewarding physical activity that weight loss made possible was The Weekend to End Breast Cancer, a 60k walk which raised 2.1 million dollars.
I can now do things that make me the person I have always wanted to be. Someone who does not quit, but sets goals and keeps them.
I have been busy shopping for new clothes, trying to decide what I want to do next and playing with my daughter–I feel like a kid in a candy store. I was just accepted into paramedic school—my life has come full circle and now I can do my part to help others.
