Angela B. “I felt at home. I felt cared for. I felt like family.” Surgery Date: June 2009 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery?   Before the surgery I was lucky if I could stay awake during work, or could make it up the stairs without passing out from lack of oxygen.  I was not very active.  I was a pro at sitting on the couch and doing nothing.  I did the least physical labor possible due to my low self-esteem and lack of energy. I felt as if I had given up. I had quit smoking a few years prior and thought that that would help; however, althought it did help some, I was still gaining weight.  I was unhappy with myself and my life. What led to your decision to have the surgery? I have always been the plus-sized girl, always in the back of the room trying to hide. I was watching others and wishing I could go shopping like everyone else.  I spent most of my life larger than what I wanted and never feeling that I could be who I wished to be, since I lacked confidence in my own skin. There came a time when I was not able to keep up with my then 3-year-old son and decided he deserved to have his mother around and he deserved to be happy. And I deserved to be reborn. I decided that it was time to sink or swim.  Do or die.  This was for me and my son. How was your experience with Barix? I have never had an experience like I did at Barix. The building was clean, comfortable and welcoming. I felt at home.  I felt cared for.  I felt like family. The nursing staff was second to none.  I had never experienced a nursing staff that was that attentive or accommodating.  The nurses were helpful and funny and knew how to make a person feel welcomed. Each nurse was able to explain what was going on and how long things should take, and they were there when you needed them, without hovering. My surgeon was exceptional.  He was able to answer anything and give me pointers too. I felt at home.  I felt cared for.  I felt like family. How is your life after surgery? I am more active than before and have learned that I still have some fight in me.  I have changed my way of life altogether.  I help others with making good decisions about their diet and even educate others with new information I have learned. I can do more with my son.  We go to the park, go on walks, and go shopping.  We play. I have gained a whole new perspective on life and on myself.  I can do this and keep going.