Tammy W. “I made the decision to become a healthier me.” Surgery Date: September 2009 Surgery: Gastric Bypass What was life like before your surgery?   Before surgery I was very tired and I had no energy. I couldn't move around very well.  I had very high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome, which caused my abdominal area to grow.  Because my body wouldn’t accept any of the insulin that it was making, it was just stored as fat. I couldn’t bend over and tie my shoes--I had to stop breathing in order to reach down.  I never wanted to go outside and do activities with my kids.  I preferred to sit on the couch because it wasn’t exhausting.  I could tell that it was affecting my relationship with my kids. The high blood pressure was affecting my attitude and behavior.  I was depressed about my size and lifestyle, so I did the only thing that made me feel better…I ATE. What led to your decision to have the surgery? I had been treated for about 2 years trying to reverse the metabolic syndrome.  It wasn’t working, and my blood pressure was continuing to rise.  My doctor told me that I wouldn't see my youngest daughter graduate from high school...she was a freshman at the time. I love my kids dearly and wanted to be around to see them graduate, get married, and have kids of their own. I did a lot of research on the surgery and decided it was time to proceed.  I also went with the recommendation of my doctor, to have the surgery only at Barix Clinics.  I spent many nights on the Internet researching Barix and reading testimonials.  I was very impressed. How was your experience with Barix? From the first, I was impressed.  I attended an informational seminar to decide which surgery would be best suited for me.  After the seminar I met one-on-one with my physician.  Not just somebody on the staff who might be the one to perform my surgery…this was my physician.  I decided which surgery I felt I needed, and as soon as my doctor said which surgery he felt was best for me, I felt 100% like a person and not a number.  It proved to me that he was familiar with my medical history.  From that point on, each and every member of the Barix team was supportive. Everyone there is exceptionally trained to take care of you and your condition.  They are kind, caring and very positive about your recovery.  My experience was absolutely positively wonderful. The entire medical staff was wonderful.  They all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable before and after the surgery.  They treated me like a person...talked to me, asked about my family, etc.  But the most important person to care for me, and the person who treated me the best was....Dr. Poplawski!!  He is an amazing doctor; he is very professional while at the same time friendly and caring.  He allowed me to call him after the surgery with any questions and concerns… and he returned my calls! How is your life after surgery? Because I was eating less food than I ever did, it did take awhile for my energy level to return.  I'm so much more active now!  I love to ride bikes, go for walks or just be outside doing anything.  I can tie my shoes again while breathing.  My eating habits have changed drastically and I have discovered so many new food choices.  My family loved me no matter what I weighed, but they are so happy that I am healthy.  My blood pressure went back to normal about a week after surgery and the metabolic syndrome is gone.  It’s been a year since my surgery and I am so glad that I made the decision to become a healthier me. What would you tell someone considering Barix? Be prepared for both the ups and downs.  It will be a struggle at times but you can tough it out and make it through.  Stick to the plan of eating your protein; this will help increase your energy and maintain your overall health. Stay strong and fight for a better, healthier you.  This is probably one of the toughest decisions you will ever make but it will also be one of the best.  Surround yourself with people who love you, who will support you and who want you to succeed.