Lindsey K. - My Story

Gastric Bypass  |  2009 My Life Before Bariatric Surgery My weight ballooned when I was in first grade and continued to increase through my teenage years. I was an active adolescent though; I was on the soccer team and loved roller skating at the local rink every chance I got.

But it was the food choices and the quantities that were hurting me...it was a ritual in our home that every weekend we'd eat fast food and snacks to our hearts content. My Mom would give us a daily allowance to walk up to the local party store and pick out whatever we wished for. Back then candy bars were three for one dollar; I'd eat one or two a day and save the others for another time. I was collecting candy bars.

Making the Decision

It wasn't until I got married and had my son, that my weight was the highest it'd ever been. My family had suffered two dramatic losses within three months of each other and to cope, I ate. And I ate. I ate until I became physically sick and then beat myself up horribly. I needed help. I wasn't working at the time either so I had all day long to take care of my son and feel sorry for myself.

It was a miracle really--I received a call from a staffing agency with a perfect job opportunity. It was a position as a file clerk at a hospital and it had ideal hours for a new mom. As soon as I walked in for the interview, I knew this was where I belonged. Everyone was so kind, so helpful, and most of all so understanding...they didn't care that I was obese. They wanted to hire me because I was qualified. That hospital was Barix Clinics.

This was my new home; I was working for a company that could ultimately save my life and I knew this was all meant to be. Shortly after beginning the job, I scheduled a group consultation with Dr. Poplawski. I admired his honesty, his directness, and I could tell he truly cared about each and every one of us that attended that day. 

Procedure Selection

I knew I needed to have the gastric bypass. I needed the discipline to keep me away from the sweets, the junk food, and the greasy fried foods. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that this was the ideal procedure for me. I was ready to change my lifestyle and with this tool I could do it. 

My Barix Clinics Experience

Just like I tell my patients now, we are one big, happy family here at Barix. I was treated like a movie star during the entire process--not once did I feel rushed, nor was I left with any doubt that this was meant to be. The pre-op nurses sat with me while I waited. They gave me hugs as I rolled back to the OR. When I woke up in recovery, their smiling faces were there. Once on the nursing floor, I felt like I was recovering at home. Everyone there was rooting for me; they truly wanted to see me succeed on this new journey. 

Everyone from the maintenance crew, to the reception desk, to the pharmacy and lab, nursing floor and nutrition to the clinic...basically every single employee in Barix was nothing short of amazing. Being an employee here as well means I'm especially spoiled. Dr. Poplawski still checks in on me and any time I have a medical question, Ferdinia doesn't think twice to help me. I cannot say it enough--there is no place else I would ever recommend for bariatric surgery. As soon as you walk through these doors, you become a member of their family.

The Follow-Up Care I Received

The very next day after I was discharged, I received a call from a nurse asking how I was doing. She took time out of her busy day to check up on me and make sure I was feeling ok. She made my heart very happy. I made it a point to check in on the Barix message boards as frequently as I could so I could see how everyone else was doing and compare experiences. Through those boards I made a few special life-long friendships and I'll be forever grateful for that. 

How My Life Has Changed

The biggest accomplishment for me after surgery was the ability for my son to wrap his little arms completely around me. I cried the first time he was able to give me a bear hug! That is exactly the reason I made this life changing decision--I want to live as long as I can so I can see my son grow up and have a family of his own. My husband always tells me that he loved me when I was fluffy and he loves me now. He fell in love with Lindsey, not the outside. I also enjoy going to Cedar Point every summer and now I don't have to panic that I won't fit in the harnesses. I can walk long distances without wanting to pass out. And I can run! Seriously, run! In middle school, I dreaded the mile run because I couldn't do it, but now I actually look forward to running. I also enjoy Zumba classes—another big change from before surgery when I wouldn't ever dance in front of people.

To Those Considering Weight Loss Surgery

DO IT! Make that call. Attend the consultation and get ready for the ride of your life. Make sure first that you're doing this for all the right reasons, not just wanting to wear smaller sizes, but because you want to live and have another shot at an active life.