Carolyn S. “Life is so different and so much better” Surgery Date: June 2007 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery? I was taking a lot of meds for blood pressure, high cholesterol, depression, anxiety, and arthritis/fibromyalgia pain. I had sleep apnea and asthma. I couldn’t walk a half block without pain and getting winded. I was one of those obese ladies driving the electric carts down the aisles in stores. I used a cane for support to walk. I weighed 224 pounds and wore a size 22 dress. I am barely 5 feet tall. I took an online test that determines your “actual” age with all your medical problems, etc. They scored me as being 75 when I was only 60. That was the last straw! Was my life OVER already at age 60? No way.   Making the Decision My cousin's husband had his gastric bypass surgery at Barix and lost nearly 200 pounds. He was very satisfied with the doctors, nurses, medical team and facilities, and he lost a lot of weight. That was when I decided to check it out. I wanted people who knew what they were doing and had been doing it successfully for years. After the tour and listening to the doctors, I was convinced that I should have my surgery at Barix. A Changed Life I had hoped to lose 40 or 50 pounds. Imagine my delight when the weight just kept coming off till I lost 110 pounds!     A year after I had my surgery I weighed 106. I went from a size 22 to a size 4. My blood pressure is a lot better, I only take one pill a day to stabilize it, and I am on a very low dose of cholesterol medication. My CPAP machine is in my closet, hopefully for good! I exercise and move more. I can walk several blocks to a mile with less pain and stress on joints. I go to water exercise class 2 times/week and walk once or twice a week. I eat healthier, more fruits and veggies and don't crave junk like donuts, candy bars, sugar, or pop. I eat smaller portions, of course, because of the gastric bypass. I have more energy and I need less sleep. I’m 62 now and feel about 42. Some days I feel and act 22!  My life is so different and so much better. Don't EVER think you are too old to regain your health and feel good again. Do it for yourself and your health. Do it for YOU.