Barbara Butler-Henry

Barbara Butler-Henry struggled to maintain a healthy weight her entire life, but her many efforts were unsuccessful. By her 40s, Barbara began experiencing slight heart problems and was diagnosed with high blood pressure. The increased health risks weren't the only outcomes of her weight.

"I used to sit at the house and watch TV because I was overweight and couldn't find anything to wear," said Barbara. "I didn't like going to different functions because it was stressful and difficult trying to find something to wear that I looked good in, and so I wouldn't go and would stay home instead."

Disappointed and frustrated, Barbara sought out new options, and this led her to Dr. Joseph Kuhn, Dr. Jeffrey Henke and the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute at Medical City Dallas. At the time of her gastric sleeve surgery, Barbara weighed 263 pounds and wore a size 22. Post-surgery life is a distinctly different experience for Barbara.

The successful procedure has greatly enhanced Barbara's overall wellbeing and improved her other health conditions. She no longer has to take blood pressure medication and is on a lower dose of thyroid medicine.

"Since my blood pressure and weight have both come down and I'm off my medication, I feel a whole lot better and have more energy!" said Barbara. "I couldn't take the stairs before, and simple things like walking would be a struggle. Now I can walk and take the stairs with ease. Before my surgery, I used to have to pay someone to mow the yard, but now I can do it myself! My gastric sleeve surgery let me regain my independence."

Equally important is the confidence that Barbara's weight loss restored in her.

"I feel good about myself. I can go to the mall and not dread trying on clothes. After my surgery, I dropped from a size 22 to a size 12. I now weigh 174 pounds," said Barbara. "It's amazing not have to visit the plus size section anymore, and everyone tells me I look better and healthier than I did in my 30s." She adds, "Now my problem is buying new clothes that fit every time I lose more weight. I just bought a dress about a month ago, and it already doesn't fit me!"

Barbara has lost more than 90 pounds and plans to celebrate her weight loss success with a cruise.