Joanne P. “I have so much more confidence in myself now” Surgery Date: July 2008 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery? I was fat. That was all I thought about.  I felt like the woman who dragged the scales chained to her ankle.  I shopped at the fat store for clothes; nothing ever looked nice so I lived in stretch pants and sweat shirts.  That was the only outfit that I could fit into. I thought it was hiding all my sins.  If I saw old friends, I prayed that they did not see me. I would go the other way to avoid contact. Plane rides are embarrassing when you’re so fat. You can’t do up your seat belt or put the table down in front of you. Lawn chairs were a problem. I would avoid them for fear they would break and I would embarrass myself. If we went out to dinner it seemed that they always wanted to seat us in a booth. Well, when you’re fat, you don’t fit very comfortably in a booth. You feel like a sardine in a can.  I always insisted on a table and chairs. What led to your decision to have the surgery? I did my background work on the doctors at Barix Clinics.  I went to the free consultation. I talked to friends and family. I sat on the fence worrying about having surgery.  What a waste of time!  I talked to a dear friend about my concerns; she said to me, “If I were you, I would go for it.”  I took her advice, and I do not regret one minute of my decision. I only wish that I had done it sooner.   How was your experience with Barix? After talking to others who had this surgery at other facilities, I know I got the best care in the world:  the best doctor, the best nursing, and the best follow-up care.  I always recommend Barix to anyone I talk to who is thinking of this surgery. Given my experience I would not go anywhere else.  That’s the full truth of the matter.  “Dr Pop” (Poplawski) was the best!  He is so experienced and thorough from start to finish.  The nurses were so great. You were not just a patient or a number; you were important to each and every one of them.  To this day I still am in contact with one of my nurses. I keep her updated on my progress.  Helen, you’re the best!  I took photos of my team during my stay. I look back on the photos and I thank each and every one of them during my journey to my new life.  Thank you so much, Barix. Love ya! How is your life after surgery? I feel great!  No more painkillers, anti-inflammatory T2s, back pain, or joint pain. Gone is my sleep apnea machine, after the first 50 pounds of weight loss. I have so much more confidence in myself now; it shows in my work as a jewelry sales rep. I work out at the gym. I have an active life. My daughters (ages 38 and 31) can’t keep up with me. Love that! What would you tell someone considering Barix? Follow all your doctor’s instructions.  You will be given the best tool to lose your weight (the surgery). Weigh yourself once a week and measure your body once a month.  Keep a log. It works! I thanked my doctor, Dr. Pop, at my first year checkup, for giving me my life back.  His reply was, “It was my pleasure.”  I just wanted to hug him. If you are considering surgery, just run with it.  Don’t even think about anything but the life you will get back.