Cheryl S. “I needed to change and today I could not be happier.” Surgery Date: September 2007 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery?   I really hated how I looked and how people looked at me. My mind was very messed up and my body was not healthy. I had two children, and never lost the extra weight after them. I was tired all the time, and completely stressed out with never having any "ME time.' What led to your decision to have the surgery? My cousin did very well with “Dr. Pop” (Dr. Poplawski) several years before and described the procedure to me.  I watched her transformation in AMAZEMENT, and decided when she was able to keep it off that I was doing it too! I decided almost 3 years ago to the day that I was ready for a change and just did it!  How was your experience with Barix? Barix Clinics would be my only choice for this surgery!  The people there were very supportive and very knowledgeable. They knew just what to do from the front desk, to the insurance and clerical department, to the honest, direct approach of Dr. Pop. The nurses had me up right after the surgery. They encouraged me, saying even if I could not sleep, just walk. And that is exactly what I did. I was able to go back to work a week after my surgery!  Dr. Poplawski said, “If you do what I say you will be successful,” and he was RIGHT.  He is straight-forward, and I loved that about him!  Because of that, I listened, and was successful My success inspired two of my good friends whom I work with to go with Dr. Pop and the team there, too! MyJourney I was 263 lbs the day of my surgery. While on the scale that day, and surrounded by my friends, I said (referring to both the number on the scale and on my body),“I will never see this figure again.” One year later I was at 162. A complete person was gone from my body!  I felt great, and despite the fact that I work in a grocery store and a kitchen at an elementary school, and sell other food products, I have managed to keep my weight down. For three years I have run “The Biggest Loser” at my school. I am VERY, VERY happy with where I am with my weight. How is your life after surgery? I almost don’t remember being so big until I look at my old pictures. My heart now really goes out to those who are over 200 pounds.  It is a horrible feeling. Even though I am not where I ultimately want to be, I am happy where I am. When you are overweight you dream of what it would be like just to be thinner: to not turn away when you look in the mirror or when photos are being take; to not wonder if you will fit into a rollercoaster bench, plan seat, or even a restaurant booth. If you have not been that heavy you can't know what I am talking about. I had this dream that I never thought would come true. I was wrong. I needed to change, and today I could not be happier! I am not done; I am still on my journey. But I am HAPPY!  I just can’t believe how my weight affected my life so much. Now it does too, but in a different way.  I have a vested interest in staying healthy. What would you tell someone considering Barix? I have had SO MANY people ask me if they should do it. I would say, for me and some others whom I know. It was a HUGE decision and we were ready to make it.  I was READY.  It was the best decision to help fix myself. But the key to success is that YOU HAVE TO BE READY FOR A LIFE-LONG CHANGE.  The surgery will help, but you need to reprogram your thinking about food, too.  You can’t stuff your mouth with just anything anymore. Everything requires thought...and that’s ok with me! When I make a bad decision, my body quickly reminds me why I can't make that decision again. This surgery was MY answer adn I wish I would have done it YEARS before I did. If you are READY like I was, then you will give 110% to a lifelong commitment, and the surgery will be your answer too. And you will succeed.