Annette C. “I feel confident, healthy and yes, even pretty!!” Surgery Date: November 2007 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your 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! 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.  What led to your decision to have the surgery? 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! How was your experience with Barix? 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 is your life after surgery? 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 Dr. Boe 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! What would you tell someone considering Barix? 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.