Cheryl S. - My Story

Gastric Bypass  |  2007 My Life Before Bariatric Surgery I really hated how I looked and how people looked at me. My mind was very messed up and my body was not healthy. I had two children, and never lost the extra weight after them. I was tired all the time, and completely stressed out with never having any "ME time."

Making the Decision

My cousin did very well with weight loss surgery at Barix Clinics several years before and described the procedure to me.  I watched her transformation in AMAZEMENT, and decided when she was able to keep it off that I was doing it too! I decided almost 3 years ago to the day that I was ready for a change and just did it!

My Barix Clinics Experience

Barix Clinics would be my only choice for this surgery!  The people there were very supportive and very knowledgeable. They knew just what to do from the front desk, to the insurance and clerical department, to the honest, direct approach of my surgeon.The nurses had me up right after the surgery. They encouraged me, saying even if I could not sleep, just walk. And that is exactly what I did. I was able to go back to work a week after my surgery!  Dr. Poplawski said, “If you do what I say, you will be successful,” and he was RIGHT.  He is straight-forward, and I loved that about him!  Because of that, I listened, and was successful.  

My success inspired two of my good friends whom I work with to go with the team at Barix Clinics.  

How My Life Has Changed

I almost don’t remember being so big until I look at my old pictures. My heart now really goes out to those who are over 200 pounds.  It is a horrible feeling. Even though I am not where I ultimately want to be, I am happy where I am.

When you are overweight, you dream of what it would be like just to be thinner; to not turn away when you look in the mirror or when photos are being take; to not wonder if you will fit into a rollercoaster bench, plane seat, or even a restaurant booth. If you have not been that heavy you can't know what I am talking about. I had this dream that I never thought would come true. I was wrong.

I needed to change, and today I could not be happier! I am not done; I am still on my journey. But I am HAPPY!  I just can’t believe how my weight affected my life so much. Now it does too, but in a different way.  I have a vested interest in staying healthy.

To Those Considering Bariatric Surgery

I have had SO MANY people ask me if they should do it. I would say; for me and some others whom I know. It was a HUGE decision and we were ready to make it.  I was READY.  It was the best decision to help fix myself. But the key to success is that YOU HAVE TO BE READY FOR A LIFE-LONG CHANGE.  The surgery will help, but you need to reprogram your thinking about food, too.  You can’t stuff your mouth with just anything anymore. Everything requires thought...and that’s ok with me! When I make a bad decision, my body quickly reminds me why I can't make that decision again. This surgery was MY answer and I wish I would have done it YEARS before I did. If you are READY like I was, then you will give 110% to a lifelong commitment, and the surgery will be your answer too. And you will succeed.