Andy Kovatch

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Obesity & Me

Describe your behavioral and emotional battle with weight control before learning about bariatric surgery.

There is an old saying - I'm not sure exactly how old - that you should eat to live and not live to eat. Well, I definitely was living to eat each and every day prior to gastric bypass surgery. I, for some reason, felt the meal I was eating was my last. Food absolutely controlled me.

What was (is) the worst thing about being overweight?

Wearing sweatpants and tents (well, 4XL anyway) every day. Tying shoelaces. Climbing steps. Shopping. And, most of all, coming up with excuses for my son why daddy couldn't play with him.

If you have had weight loss surgery already, what things do you most enjoy doing now that you weren't able to do before?

Shopping for clothes. Shopping for clothes. Shopping for clothes. Shopping for clothes. GOOD BYE BIG MAN'S STORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I've known about it for years. I, like most, was skeptical at first. After researching it for months, it was a no-brainer.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I actually had no problem whatsoever with insurance approval. However, I have heard from plenty of patience at my support group meetings that the key is to be a pain in the rear to the insurance companies. Call, call, call. Every single day. They'll get tired of hearing from you, trust me.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

It was a pleasant stay, only because Barix Clinics is very big on hospitality and making you feel comfortable. There was a lot of testing going on just to make sure everything was okay and I didn't get a whole lot of sleep. I was there 3 days. As far as what to bring, I'd say a change of clothes to wear home, a robe to walk the halls in (yes, you will be asked to walk quite a bit during your stay), and maybe a good book.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

Naturally, I was anxious and nervous at the same time. Anxious because I couldn't wait to start my new life. Nervous because of possible complications and because of the unknown.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Lots of liquids, pureed foods and an incredible adjustment in your eating habits. Remember, we were all food addicts. Going from a whole pizza to a salad is quite an adjustment. Also, expect some pain the first few days. This is just natural. After all, you just had your insides rearranged. This will subside rather quickly, however. Then it's just a matter of rebuilding your strength and stamina.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

Actually, Barix Clinics has an excellent Support Group. After just 4 months I was named Support Group Leader for my area. We have a very helpful meeting the third Monday of every month. I find these meetings to be extremely helpful. After all, when you have 15-20 people that have all been through basically the same thing, good things can only result.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

Not that bad. The original scar was a dark purple, and now, 10 months out, it is a light shade of pink. Luckily, being a male, I have hair that covers a good part of it.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

The weight melted away the first 3 or 4 months, then slowed down noticably after that. But that's because of all the water weight. My plateau's didn't last very long. Maybe a week or two. But, even though the scale wasn't moving, I was losing inches.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Absolutely. It's funny, you know, I go to the gym now and the "fitness nuts" used to look at me as the fat guy that would only last a week or so then quit. Now, I'm one of those "fitness nuts". And, all of a sudden, instead of getting funny looks, people come up to me and talk to me.
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Before & After
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