Stephanie - My Story

Gastric Bypass  |  2002  My Life Before Bariatric Surgery Before surgery, I did not like to go anywhere.  I was embarrassed of my appearance.  If we went out to eat, we went though the drive-thru.  I hated to go clothes shopping.  I missed so many of my son's sporting events-I didn't want to embarrass him. I didn't want to face people because of the looks that you get when you're heavy.  People look at you differently.  I just stayed home.

I am a cosmetologist and I love what I do; but it was so hard to stand on my feet all day.  I was a borderline diabetic with varicose veins, bone spurs on both feet and back pain.  By the end of the day, I hurt all over. 

Making the Decision

I heard about Barix on late night TV.  I called the 1-800 number to get the information and that's how I got the ball rolling.  My insurance denied me the first time.  My doctor wrote a letter that Barix submitted to my insurance and they approved the surgery. 

I was reassured because this is the only surgery that Barix does-they really know what they are doing.  I was tired of staying at home and watching life pass me by.  I had tried all the pills and diet programs. They all worked temporarily-but I quickly gained all of the weight back and then some more.  I was ready to change my life and that made the decision easier.

How My Life Has Changed

I can get through more appointments in a day.  My energy level is so different.  I have come out of my shell and am full of confidence.  Because of my self-confidence, my clients are more confident in my abilities. 

I love to get up in the morning.  It's fun to look in your closet and find something to wear.  I take a second look when I walk by a mirror and think, "Ah, thank you", rather than hanging my head down.  I enjoy going to my son's sporting events.  He's proud of me.  I can keep up with both of my children.  I have a new life.  I am always going out.  My energy and confidence is greater than I could have ever expected.

It's been over six years since my surgery and I still follow the Barix program to a "t".  My weight has remained a stable 150 pounds.  I love to refer people to Barix.  I leave a "before" photo up at work and when people find out that was me, it opens the door to tell them about Barix.  

To Those Considering Bariatric Surgery

Barix is a great place to have your surgery because they really know what they are doing.  You won't lose all the weight just to regain it all and more a year later.  So many medical problems just go away. 

I don't have any regrets.  My life is whole.  I feel so confident in myself and my appearance.