Mrs. March... My Barix Story

I am once again proud to be a part of the Barix Clinics family. My Success story of weight loss and personal growth are featured on their http://www.barixclinicsstore.com/ website. A connection portal for all past and future Barix patients and success stories in their own right.

The decision for Bariatric surgery in 2001 was not an easy one to come by, I shrugged off suggestions of my family physician and other persons many times, continually dumping time and money into diets, supplements, memeberships and prescriptions. I never lost the weight, only kept gaining... loosing myself in the process... Sure I looked secure and smart and professtional on the outside, I didn't let my obesity prevent me from performing on stage or getting infront of an audience of business executives. Deep down inside it hurt... the weight was holding me back, saddening my heart and finally in November of 2001 I had just had enough... something needed to change, and I finally was brave enough to look at a permanent solution - Roux'n'Y Gastric Bypass Surgery. I researched all of my options carefully, networked with hundreds on the internet and met with all available doctors and programs in the Chicagoland area... Barix Clinics was my final choice, they had the doctors, facilities and pre-post care program I needed to be a true success - Physically, Mentally and Emotionally.





I had surgery on Feb 22, 2002 - recovery wasn't easy - but within 2 weeks I had already re-learned how to eat better for my body, in 6 weeks I already lost 35 pounds, 6 months I was at 40 inches lost and 75 pounds total... at my one year aniversary I had lost 117 pounds and went from a size 22/24 to a size 6. I had more energy, creativity, motivation and the strength that I always knew was deep down inside... only food and weight were no longer controling my every thought and action. I was free to be Laurie Faith... all at the age of 23! I had my whole life ahead of me, and from then on I looked for avenues where I could give back to my community, support my Bariatric brothers and sisters as they went through the program and surgery, and excell in my own personal education and career paths. I became "Free to be Me in 2003". ;-)

Here's my Stats for my Successful WLS Journey with Barix Clinics...

04/04/2003 / 02/27/2002
Weight 147 lbs / 252 lbs

Height 5'8" BMI 22.3 / 38.5

Body Fat Percentage 16% / 46%

Daily Calories 1400 - 1500 / 3500+

Protein 100g+ / <50g

Carbs <70g>

Fat <30g>

Water 2 Liters / 1 cup

Clothing 8/10 Misses / 22W or 2X

Shoes 9 R / 10.5 W

Ring 6 / 9

Guess what Finally Came...?

My Mrs Illinois United States 2008 Pageant Banner/Sash!

I know, I know - this is the typical 'holding the camera shot' - but what a nice surprise on the front porch when we came home! ;-)

Special Thanks to Karen Guilbeau at LA Magical Memories for making such spectacular Rhinestone sashes for all 2008 Mrs. United States Delegates! It's Super!

Sunday I started my new Diet and Workout Regimen.... I learned a lot in 2004 getting in shape physically and mentally for the Miss Illinois USA pageant... Who would of thought that only 6 years ago I was 117 pounds heavier? It was a lot of work, but a great goal to get my skin and muscles and posture in premium shape only a few years ago. It's funny how the pounds creep back on - I'm not 'bikini ready' today - but I have no fear to put on my one-piece and jump on down that Tube slide with the kids at the Water Park... ;-) I'm looking forward to challenging my body in the next few months, especially since I'll be turning the big 3-0 in just a few weeks. Oh boy!

The kids and Hubby are working on a fitness program as well, getting ready for warmer weather and more activities outdoors too. As they say, there are only two seasons in Chicago - Winter and Construction. Hopefully we can avoid both and enjoy walking Downtown Elgin as a family and ride our bikes along the awesome Fox River Trails. ; - )