Annette C. - My Story
![]() | 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!
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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.