Baylor Plano Helping 'Bypass' Buying A Recovery Wardrobe

PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - Jo-Lynne Perkins said she spent most of her life hiding behind others in pictures.  Perkins said she was a size 2 on her wedding day but three kids and time took it's toll.

At her heaviest, Perkins said she weighed 300 lbs and wore a size 28. She said she began developing health problems and worried she wouldn't live long enough to see her kids have children. It prompted her decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2008.

"I have lost 186 lbs. since then,"  said Perkins.

Perkins said it was an incredible feat but her biggest challenge, the unexpected one, was finding something to wear. She said she was losing weight drastically. Sometimes several dress and pant sizes a month.

"Everything was so big and it just happens so fast," said Perkins.

Perkins, like many gastric bypass patients at Baylor's Regional Medical Center in Plano, said she attended a support group to help her with the aftermath of her surgery. With the help of her support group counselor, nurse Ann Mercado, Perkins said they came up with wardrobe solution for both her and others in similar situations---a clothing closet.

Perkins brought the first clothes and people began rapidly contributing as well.

Mercado said there have been some months the closet has become so full they have been forced to donate items to area charities.

"It really is fun to the see the patients going through the closet, holding things up, trying them on. They have a smile on their face," said Mercado.

Perkins said there is a satisfaction knowing she is helping others but said the closet helps her too. She said its a reminder of her journey and the people who are on it with her inspire Perkins to continue staying strong---healthy and fit for her first grandchild born this year.