Christy H. “I feel like a new woman” Surgery Date: September 2009 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life life before your surgery? Before surgery I was 298 lbs. I'm only 5'4" so that was a lot of weight to carry around.  I was extremely inactive.  I didn't have the energy or motivation to do anything.  I was living on the sidelines. I had asthma, my back and knees hurt, my blood pressure was steadily going up and I was being treated for depression.  My 7-year-old son was missing out because I just couldn't get around to do anything with him.  My relationship with my husband was in turmoil.  He was unhappy with the way I looked and so was I. I wanted to be the fun active mom and wife my family needed me to be. What led to your decision to have the surgery? In July of 2009 my son was turning 7.  And all he could talk about was going to the amusement park.  It killed me to have to tell him I couldn't take him. I didn't have the energy to walk around, and they wouldn't let me ride the rides because I was too big.  It broke my heart.  The last straw for me was his birthday party at a place that had go-karts.  He really wanted to ride them with me, and again I had to tell him that I was just too big. I’d had it with disappointing my son!  I made a decision to do something about it. And I was determined to make it work. I called Barix for a consultation. How was your experience with Barix? My husband and I both went in for my consultation and were very excited about the whole process. I was so impressed with all the information they gave me.  I decided that this was what I was going to do, and my life was about to change. The staff and the doctor were so supportive and encouraging.  They gave me the good, the bad, and the ugly of what was going to happen.  Some of it was tough to hear, like, "No more pop, no more sweets." But with the support of the doctor and staff I focused on how much happier I was going to be. Also, the care I received in and out of the hospital was exceptional.  During my stay the nurses were caring, patient, and willing to help, even with the most embarrassing of issues.  I loved them for that.  My doctor has been encouraging with the results of my weight loss. How is your life after surgery? Life after surgery is wonderful!!!  I have lost 151 pounds so far. I can't believe how much better I feel.  My blood pressure is down, my knees don't hurt, my back doesn’t hurt, and I'm no longer in need of my asthma or depression medications. I can move around and do things that I couldn't do before. There has literally been a huge weight lifted off of me. I think this was the best decision I have ever made, not only for myself but also for my family. I feel like a new woman!  I was able to take my son to the amusement park this year, which was the best feeling in the world! I was able to walk all around and ride all the rides with him. It was a fantastic time.  Who knows what next year will bring? I'm excited to find out. What would you tell someone considering Barix? Make sure you have a supportive family. You’re going to need a lot of encouragement from them. My husband has been fantastic.  Some days are tough. Sometimes you’re thinking, "How much could one cookie really hurt?" Just remember that that cookie is what got you to where you were in the first place and you don't want to go back there.  You don't need it.  Also, change your eating habits before surgery. There are a lot of changes coming your way; you might as well get used to some of them now. Trust me