Focus on Mental Health Is Key Part of Andrew's Weight-Loss Journey
Mindset and lifestyle changes, coupled with bariatric surgery, have helped Andrew meet his weight-loss goals.
Andrew Paluszkiewicz believes “you have to get a little bit comfortable with the uncomfortable.” For the Cinnaminson resident, that’s meant having a new outlook on food and directing his energies to healthier activities as part of his weight-loss journey.
“All the different diet programs, fad workouts, gyms to get you in shape. When I look back at it, it wasn’t just the physical,” said Andrew. “Getting some of the mental things under control became a priority for me.”
Food Used as Coping Mechanism
Andrew struggled earlier in his life with dependencies on gambling and alcohol. He overcame them but substituted the pleasure he obtained from those pursuits with food.
“Food was a coping mechanism,” said Andrew, a married father of two. “I knew that I was utilizing food in the wrong way, but I had lived that way for so long that I didn’t know any better.”
“Addictions hit on our brain’s reward center,” said Michelle Hunt, PsyD, a psychologist and licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor who treats patients in Virtua’s Complete Weight Management Program. “When you stop doing one thing, you can amp up some other behavior. This is what is referred to as a transfer addiction.”
Andrew’s weight increased to 340 pounds, and his cholesterol and insulin levels reached worrisome levels.
“I saw my primary care physician for a physical for the first time in many years. She was very blunt that changes needed to be made,” he said.
New Mindset Leads to Healthier Life
In March 2022, Andrew underwent a sleeve gastrectomy with Samuel Wasser, MD, Virtua director of bariatric surgery. The procedure removes about 80% of the stomach, limiting the amount of food you can consume.
While this has helped Andrew lose more than 135 pounds, his change in lifestyle and mindset have been equally important. He works with a trainer, goes on long-distance runs, skis, and practices yoga.
“The kids see that I’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle, and they want to do these things with me. It brings us together, and it's really nice,” said Andrew, who owns a construction company.
“He’s constantly challenging himself. He has replaced his use of food with exercise and pursuits of health and wellness. Now he gets satisfaction out of the achievement,” said Dr. Hunt. “He previously used food and alcohol to escape the moment. Now he’s living in the moment.”
Andrew sees Dr. Hunt monthly to help him process his emotions and his attitude toward food and health.
“I was in Arizona with my wife, and I did a hike up a mountain before the sun came up. Just up there, my mental clarity, looking at the sunrise was beautiful,” he said. “A few years ago, I would have never got out of bed on a vacation at that hour. It's different than the life I lived before, but in a great way!”
Explore Your Weight-Loss Options
Virtua’s Complete Weight Management Program offers bariatric surgery and weight-loss medications to help you achieve your health goals. Our obesity medicine specialists will review your options and find one that works best for you. Learn more about our comprehensive weight-loss program or call 888-847-8823 to make an appointment.
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