Jennifer D. “...most of all I am Alive” Surgery Date: September 2009 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery?   My life before surgery was boring. Not only was I overweight, I lacked energy and was tired all the time. My body didn’t want to do the things that in my heart I wanted to do. I couldn’t get up off the couch to discipline my kids so instead I would just yell at them. I didn’t like myself and hated the unhealthy woman I saw in the mirror. What led to your decision to have the surgery? When I was pregnant, with my now 4 year old Jackie, I was overweight but I didn’t gain or lose any during the pregnancy. However, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and at 36 weeks I had to deliver my baby because I could not get it under control. For most women gestational diabetes goes away, but for me it stayed and caused my blood pressure to go up and made my kidneys work harder.  A kidney specialist told me I would be on dialysis within two years. I had 3 kids at home and I was trying to get custody of my 1 year old granddaughter; I didn’t have time for a dialysis machine. A friend told me about Barix Clinics. I called, made an appointment, and then made the long trip to Michigan from Cambridge, Ontario.  How was your experience with Barix? The staff at Barix took great care of me before and after my surgery. Each one made a difference in my life. I was a long way from my home and family. My husband was with me the whole time and was a nervous wreck, but the staff was there to help us.  They made me feel at home and they took the time to make sure I understood all that would take place and answered all my questions. When I was scared for a moment after waking up, it was the nurses who reassured me I was ok. I went home telling everyone I knew about Barix because the staff will go above and beyond normal care. How is your life after surgery? Oh my goodness, my life after surgery...I can go to the movies and not feel squished sitting in the seats. I can shop at American Eagle and not feel out of place. I can play hopscotch with my daughter and granddaughter. I can put on a bathing suit and not feel ashamed. But most of all I am ALIVE! And I am not on a machine to make my kidneys work.  We as a family enjoy life now. My husband took me to Cuba this year and I only had to purchase one seat and we enjoyed seven days there. We even got to swim with the dolphins! Now, we as a family can go to the parks and the pools. I can ride my bike and mow the lawn. My kids eat healthier and my husband does too. He looks hot, which is what good, healthy eating does to you.  I am so happy to be ALIVE, and that’s what counts the most to me. What would you tell someone considering Barix? Don’t second-guess your decision. You know in your heart you made the best life choice for you. I didn’t make the choice to have gastric bypass to wear a bikini or a slinky red dress. I made the choice to save my life, to be here for my children and my wonderful husband. When you make the decision to have surgery, make sure it’s for the right reasons: that it’s for you!