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Popular and beloved radio host and TV personality Andres Puusepp had been struggling with excess weight for over 15 years. As a new father, he finally decided to take it very seriously and made a decision that changed his life. After the mini-bypass surgery, he lost nearly 20 kg in just the first few months!
How did being overweight affect you mentally?
I was actually very okay mentally before the surgery. I had not really worried about my weight in that sense, quite the opposite. I would occasionally joke about myself and was fully aware that I was overweight. Admittedly, when I was walking up the stairs or tying my shoelaces, it bothered me. I also did not like shopping for clothes because nothing ever fit, which always left me frustrated.
What made you decide to have a mini-bypass surgery?
I have a small child and I did not want to struggle with weight-related health issues in the future. The doctor simply told me that if I continued living like this, in 5-10 years I would weigh 200 or 250 kg.
I have tried various weight loss methods on my own for years. We also tried the weight loss medication semaglutide before, but it did not work well for me and together with the doctors I decided to have the surgery.
After consulting with Dr Adamson, we chose a mini-bypass surgery. The doctor explained to me in detail what the surgery was and what it meant for me. Since this surgery has minimal risks and is also effective, we decided to go for it.
How did you prepare for the surgery and how did it go?
I did not make any major or special preparations. I simply followed the recommendations I was given before the surgery. I received specific instructions from Health Clinic.
The surgery went very well and the ease of recovery was a big surprise for me. Waking up was a bit unpleasant and felt strange, but I was able to get up on my feet and take a few steps pretty soon after the surgery. There were no particular difficulties for me.
Andres before surgery / 3 months after
How has your lifestyle and diet changed since the surgery?
My life has changed quite a bit. The food portions were really small at first, but as time went on, I was able to eat a little more, although the portions still remained rather modest. One big change is definitely that I eat more frequently than ever before. I basically have a light meal every three to four hours.
Another big change for me is definitely that I no longer drink beer, it just does not suit me anymore. In the big picture, life has returned to normal in a few months, I can eat everything, but fortunately only in small amounts. Eating an appetiser, main course and dessert is no longer an option. I have also tried to stick to the recommendation that I do not drink for at least 15-20 minutes before a meal and not immediately after a meal either, although sometimes it does not work 100%. I still try to stick to it for the most part.
It was a big challenge for me to give up carbonated drinks. Sometimes when I get a craving, I let the gases gently dissolve and I can still drink a bit of it. The challenge is not to overeat. Sometimes some food is very tasty, but my stomach fills up quickly and then I have even been disappointed that I cannot eat more, which is also a challenge.
I will be completely honest. Sometimes I eat exactly what I am craving, but… I eat less bread, I rarely crave sweets – I prefer to have a protein bar as a sweet snack. I have noticed that I do not eat apples at all anymore, I occasionally try one, but it does not suit me. I also do not really want pork. Minced meat and cutlets are okay, but pork as a cut does not appeal to me. It feels heavy and I do not want it.
Have you ever needed support from a nutritionist after the surgery?
Yes, definitely – especially in the beginning. I did not really understand what I could and could not put in my mouth. Luckily, the nutritionist at The Health Clinic was always there for me and I got a lot of help. It helped me a lot, I could reach out anytime and consulted with them quite often.
How has your physical and mental health changed since the weight loss?
About a month after the surgery, I went to the gym and then I felt that my strength had somehow disappeared, but it came back relatively quickly, in a couple of weeks. Now I go to the gym twice a week to work out with a trainer and on days off from strength training I try to play paddle tennis. Since I did not have any serious health problems before the surgery, I am just feeling really well now. When I play paddle tennis and do lunges during training, I do feel that it is easier and more enjoyable for me to move.
In terms of mental health, I am just happier than I was before. Just recently, I went shopping and bought clothes for myself, the feeling that the clothes fit me made me feel really happy. Of course, I am also more confident, I feel good about myself.
How do you plan to maintain the results you have achieved?
I still plan to exercise and watch what I eat, just so I do not overeat. That feeling of overeating is unpleasant. I try to eat calmly and mindfully, there is no point in rushing and stuffing myself, because then it is 100% certain that I will eat too much.
I will definitely work hard to prevent the weight from coming back.
If you could give one piece of advice to those who have struggled with excess weight for a long time, what would it be?
My advice would be: do not bury your head in the sand, being overweight is not a taboo and it can happen to all of us. I ate and drank so much that my stomach stretched to the point where I could not feel full without huge portions. I dared to admit my mistake, I dared to ask for help – you can too!
My biggest recommendation is to go and see a doctor; there is nothing to be afraid of. Specialists will advise you and answer all your questions. I was unable to lose weight on my own and this surgery was essential for me and I am now very happy that I did it.
Why did you choose Health Clinic as your weight loss clinic and how satisfied were you with the experience?
I chose Health Clinic because even before planning the surgery I met Dr Sander Kütner on the radio, who deals with weight loss medications. Since I liked him very much, I went to his appointment and that is how I ended up at Health Clinic.
I am very satisfied with my experience! The best specialists, a very friendly team, etc. Everyone I interacted with was cheerful, honest and sincere. The best place to get advice and help! I am sincerely grateful to the entire Health Clinic team!
