Paula M. “I can now swim, walk, ride bikes, am not embarrassed to shop for clothing or be seen in public." Surgery Date: January 2010 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery?  I have two daughters, ten years apart.  One is now 18 and graduating from high school. The younger is, naturally, eight years old and keeps me hopping. I was unable to keep up, go for walks, ride bicycles, or take my child on rides at the amusement park and carnivals. I was afraid to see anyone from my past due to the embarrassment. I stopped even attempting to do things and was continually exhausted. I yo-yoed with all the fad diets, diet pills and even specialized programs but none of them could get me on the right path. What led to your decision to have the surgery? I have elderly grandparents and parents in bad health and children of my own. I needed to do this to be healthier, to be around for my kids; and I was afraid I would die. I was told of Barix Clinics by a friend/co-worker.  She kept gently nudging me to just look into it.  So I went. I wish I had read up on it first; I have to admit that seeing the other patients and seeing how drastic it is scared me.  It took me about a month after that to read up on it and decide that I really needed to do it.  It took a few months to get the psych evaluation done and everything ready to go.  The morning of the actual procedure my husband kept telling me I didn’t have to do this, just to diet. He didn't get it. How was your experience with Barix? I have greatly enjoyed seeing Dr. Poplawski.  He has always been encouraging, realistic and kind.  His wife Paula has gone above and beyond in helping me with appointments and issues along the way.  I would highly recommend them to friends and family. I had a nurse, she wiped my face and neck down with a cold compress and it felt heavenly.  She was the sweetest nurse I have ever had anywhere.  I wish I could remember her name. How is your life after surgery? I am no longer on high blood pressure or high cholesterol medications.  I do not suffer from knee or foot pain.  I no longer snore  or suffer from sleep apnea.  I can now swim, walk, ride bikes, am not embarrassed to shop for clothing or be seen in public.  I plan to start jogging soon and hope to run the Army 10-mile by next year.  I took my kids to Michigan Adventure last year and Cedar Point Soak City.  I will be taking my youngest on the rides at Cedar Point this year. My "wow" moment: I had a young man in his twenties whistling and smiling at me just last week.  I am 43 years old and it tickled me pink.  I have had other moments, like fitting onto the elevator at work without bumping into anyone else, being called "skinny" by co-workers, or being able to ride in an airplane without a seat belt extender.  What would you tell someone considering Barix? Read books--the more knowledge you can absorb the better. You can do this!