"When I weighed 253 pounds, my back ached, and my legs would go numb. And, any kind of activity would wear me out completely. I wasn't able to do normal day-to-day tasks, and my life just wasn't productive. I had a 'happiness factor' of zero.

"I did not have the confidence to look people in the eye when talking with them and I avoided entertaining in my own home, going out with friends, and attending school functions. I felt like I was letting my family down. I felt like a failure.

"I tried all the diets. In the back of my mind I would think, 'Maybe I'll lose 20 or 30 pounds - but I'll just gain 40 or 50 right back.' After talking to the doctor at Barix about the surgery, I had hope for the first time in my life that this could work - and be a permanent solution.

"I saw the commercial for Barix a year before I made the call. That phone call was the first step to one of the most incredible gifts I've ever given myself - hope, happiness and success - and that was over six years ago.

"One thing that has helped me a lot over the years is my Barix Support Group. When I'm in a rut and need something different - like a new recipe or exercise ideas - those are the people I go to. They are wonderful.

"Now I feel young and confident - I even sing in a rock and roll band. I've never been so healthy or happy in my life. I've finally found the good life."