My Life Before Bariatric Surgery

My life before I had surgery was full of hurtful sayings and feelings. People, especially at school did not want to be friends with me because I was heavy, people use me in a lot of ways and didn’t care how it made me feel; it was not a very fun time I would say. I used to come home from school in tears a lot of the time and my mom would hold me and let me cry and tell me how beautiful I was even if others didn’t think so. I couldn’t do certain things a couple of examples are when I tried snow skiing, and the boots, even in men’s sizes, would not fit my calf’s. When walking up the stairs I would be out of breath by the time I got to the top. I had to buy my clothes in the big girl shops, which was very depressing. I did have a couple great friends and with them I did have some fun but not like it could have been.

Making the Decision

Well, I tried all the diets and exercises in the book. I sat down with my mother on several occasions to discuss the surgery together. I needed her to help me make the decision. I trusted her opinions especially since she has worked at Barix Clinics for 11 years now. We decided together that it would be a good idea but before she would agree she had me do my research about the procedures that were available. I spoke with numerous aquaintenances that work with my mom that had done the surgery and they all said, “I wish I would have done it when I was younger.” All together it probably took a little over a year to make the final decision to have the procedure. It was a hard decision and a scary one at that, but well worth it.

Making Success Happen

 The lifestyle change was drastic, changing all eating habits, getting used to eating smaller portions 6 times a day instead of 3 large meals, also not eating sugar and staying away from a lot of fats. My exercising changed, at first I was going to the YMCA working out on the elliptical, also working on my arms and legs. Now I run and work out on an elliptical that my boyfriend and I own. I also do Pilates, which is very fun. What kept me motivated was knowing that my mother and brother were supporting me in everything I decided to do, and what I wanted to do was become healthy, Also knowing I could buy the “in style” clothing in smaller sizes helped.

Biggest Challenges After Surgery

The biggest challenges I had after surgery was definitely my eating habits, but it got easier as time went on. One other thing I had trouble with were people who thought it was a bad idea to have the surgery they couldn’t believe that I would have the surgery much less my mother supporting me in my decision they thought it was cheating and the easy way out. I just explained to them that it was a tool to help me lose the weight. I did lose a close friend because she was just jealous of how I looked, people were actually paying attention to me now, instead of her.

How My Life Has Changed

My life is wonderful now; I’m Healthy, Happy and Loved by many people. I am better equipped to accept their love towards me. I’m more outgoing now than I have ever been. I can just go up to people now and start a conversation, before I was to shy to ever go up and make new friends. I had attempted college courses before without much success before I lost the weight. I never participated in class or raised my hand because I didn’t want anyone looking at me. Now, I love my college courses and am carrying a 4.0 average. I plan to start the nursing program in fall of 2007. I have a wonderful boyfriend who loves me and understands why I had the Bariatric surgery and still accepts me.

What Would You Like To Share With Others

I would like to tell people that if you are scared it is normal, but the surgery is so defiantly worth the butterflies in your stomach. You will be more happy and healthy than ever. You have to make sure you listen and do everything your doctor and nurses tell you and everything will work out perfectly. I’m 22 years old; people thought I was to young when I had the gastric bypass well I am here to tell you that the surgery changed my life and I’m glad I had it when I was 20 because if I hadn’t I would still be that heavy, unhappy, depressed, shy girl that I used to be. Dr. Poplawski and Barix Clinics changed my life! I can never thank you enough!