My Life Before Bariatric Surgery My health was failing.  I was on a lot of medications and I didn't want to be.  I needed to do something better than taking a bunch of pills.  I worked long hours at my job and my extra weight was really wearing me down.  At 368 pounds, I took 17 medications a day, had congestive heart failure, and was hospitalized with pneumonia four times in a year.  My excess weight caused some embarrassing situations.  One time, I went to an amusement park with my family.  My son and I got into a paddle boat.  The boat started sinking.  The attendent yelled, "You've got to get out!  You've got to get out!"  I couldn't move fast enough.  The water started filling the boat.  I finally rolled out of the boat onto the dock.  Everyone just stood around and stared at me.  There were so many things that I didn't feel up to doing with my family.  I just didn't feel healthy.

Making the Decision I had tried it all.  The liquid protein diets, starvation fasts, all the programs.  They all worked.  I lost the weight.  But, then within 6 months the weight plus some was back.  I took my time to look into this surgery.  I liked the fact that Barix focused soley on this surgery.  They had the set-up--all the way down to the larger chairs in the lobby.  When I met with my surgeon at the consultation, he sat down with me and explained everything.  Not only did he cover the surgery itself, but he talked about some of the mental changes that need to be made after the surgery.  I was ready to lose the extra weight for good.  I was committed for a life-long change and I knew this was the answer.

Making Success Happen The nutritionist went through everything step by step.  I followed the instructions that were given and soon it became a way of life.  It is just good common sense.  Although it was a little hard at the beginning to change my eating habits, it got easier with all of the support from the follow-up visits.  I just followed the instructions and have had fantastic success.  I am more active than I was before.  I get out and walk with my wife and children.  I have a more balanced life.

How My Life Has Changed Weight loss gave me the confidence to land a new job with less hours and stress and equal pay and benefits.  I was able to compete with others much younger  and more educated.  I would not have been able to get this job at 368#.  Now I am able to spend more time with my family. My health has greatly improved.  My diabetes is GONE!  I have so much more energy and feel like doing more.    The 17 meds that I took before surgery are history.  I don't take any! I learned to rollerblade. My relationship with my wife has improved.

What Would You Like to Share With Others I like to share my story with others.  I had tried it all.  I was ready to quit losing the weight just to regain it again six months later.  I followed the instructions and have had great results. Weight loss surgery takes a big commitment, but the results are worth it.