Cathy D. “I have lost almost 1/2 of me this year” Surgery Date: March 2010 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery? Before my surgery life was nothing but pain and more pain. I quit working full time because it hurt to stand on my feet for 8 hours. I couldn't even go for a walk around the block without pain.  There were times when I didn't even know if I would make it back home after leaving on a walk. I hated going swimming in public and hated buying clothes. My life was hopeless. What led to your decision to have the surgery? After meeting with Dr. “Pop” (Poplawski) at Barix Clinics, and listening to what he could do to help me have a better quality of life, my mind was made up.  I knew this was what I really wanted to do for myself and my family. How was your experience with Barix? I felt so much warmth just walking into Barix. I knew I was in good hands. The doctors and staff were (and still are) wonderful. I never felt like I was in better hands to care for me than when I was there. I met a great guy while waiting for surgery – that would be Aster. He made me feel relaxed, and he took very good care of me until Dr. Pop came in to talk to me.  Aster was a happy, upbeat man who knew just the right things to say and do to make me less worried about the surgery. Thanks, Aster. You are an asset to Barix. Thanks to you all for helping me with getting me to where I am today.  How is your life after surgery? Now one year later I feel like a new person.  I have lost almost half of me this year.  I’ve got no more meds for diabetes or high blood pressure, no pain from just walking.  I can go swimming in public now.  I can run and play with my grandson and not worry about what he will grow up hearing from his friends about my weight.  I hated myself before but now I can look in a mirror and be proud of what I have done with that tool Dr. Pop gave me What would you tell someone considering Barix? It is the best thing you can do for yourself. Looking back I wish I had done this years ago.  Don't make the same mistake I did and wait. You won't have any regrets.