Nicole C. - My Story

Gastric Bypass  |  2009 My Life Before Surgery Prior to surgery I had an extremely sedentary lifestyle. I sat by and watched life happen.  I was not an active participant in my daughters' lives because I was depressed, angry and miserable. I always felt like an embarrassment to my family, my husband, my employer, and to myself.

My way of coping with any of life's problems was a big plate of food or a bag of chips. I stuffed my problems with food. I tried every diet under the sun, and while I lost weight, I never kept it off. I always ended up gaining even more weight. I was never thin, not as a child and never as an adult. I can remember being on a diet as early as 3rd grade. I had high risk pregnancies due to my weight and had to have c-sections with both of my daughters.

I was always pretty and funny, but inside I was dying a slow painful death. I hated who I had become and when I had to look in a mirror I would only look from the nose up. I never made eye contact with people and walked with my head down. My children will probably wonder where I was the first few years of their lives because I avoided cameras and being in photos at all costs.

I was an unhappy soul and my family suffered from my unhappiness.

Making the Decision 

My mom had the surgery and I saw how much her life changed and how much happier she was. I called my insurance carrier to find out about coverage for the surgery. I found out it was covered, and I scheduled a consultation at Barix. I was one step away from scheduling surgery, when I found out I was pregnant with my second child. So it was not an option at that time. I tried two more programs in two years and spent about $2,000. And although I lost weight, it quickly came back. I remember sitting on my couch thinking either I do this or I kill myself, I can't live like this anymore. On May 13, 2008 I called Barix and scheduled another consultation. I knew this was the right time and I wanted to do it and not look back.

My Barix Experience

The administrative side, as well as the health care workers, were always calm, patient and extremely caring. I couldn't have asked for better care. Barix has been absolutely wonderful! They were patient with my many phone calls wondering when I would be scheduled for surgery. My surgeon was awesome and I recommend him every chance I get to new patients.  The Barix Message Boards became my second family and some of my closest friends are from the site. I can't say enough about how wonderful I think Barix is!!!

How My Life has Changed 

Life now is a brand new life! I went down eight sizes in clothing and two sizes in shoes. I love to shop now and actually try things on. I walk with my head up and I look people in the eye. I play with my children; I run after them and I do physical activities I only dreamed about before.

I feel unstoppable now and I’m so extremely grateful for the tool of this surgery. I know I never could have done this on my own and thank God everyday for Barix Clinics.

I remember walking into work one day about 8 months after surgery and seeing the reflection of someone in the glass and thinking "she's pretty!" It was me!!! I cried right then and there. I am a stronger person, a happier person, a more energetic person, and most importantly, I am a better mother and wife. Because I finally love myself and I am better able to love those who love me.

To Those Considering Bariatric Surgery 

Deciding to have surgery is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Be sure you understand the process and are psychologically ready for the changes you will need to make to have success. 

It will be the best thing you ever do for yourself, you will finally find out who you have always been hiding beneath the layers of fat and shame. I'm so proud to say that I'm a Barix patient and I thank God everyday for my success.