"The long hours I'd been working were tough enough," says Danny, "but my extra weight was really wearing me down."

Danny worked in the food service industry - where long hours and an erratic schedule were the norm. His first concern, as it is with many Barix patients, was with his health. At 368 pounds, he took 17 medications a day, had congestive heart failure and diabetes, and was hospitalized with pneumonia four times in a year. "I just kept thinking how nice it would be if I didn't have to take a bunch of pills every day," he says.

"When I first considered surgery, I did my homework. And I really liked the fact that Barix Clinics has just one specialty - a complete surgical program." Danny also liked the Barix staff, and he felt more comfortable in the larger-than-usual chairs and beds. "The people are warm, friendly, and knowledgeable," he says. "And my Barix nutritionist taught me more about eating than anyone else ever has."

Two weeks after Danny's surgery, he was back to work. But he didn't stay long. With his new sense of confidence, he went out and landed a better job - one with equal pay, fewer hours, and less stress. Danny recently turned 50, too, and at 224 pounds he's never felt better. More important, his new job lets him spend more quality time with his family.

"My wife and I are closer than ever," he says, "and my son is teaching me how to rollerblade. This is what it's really all about."