‘It’s a story that many people need to hear’

At 6-foot-3-inches, Kevin Kassick was always a big, athletic guy.

But after the awful combination of a debilitating back injury – suffered while working as a laborer for a cement manufacturer – and an out-of-control diet, his weight ballooned to nearly 380 pounds.

In addition to his ailing back, everything else began to hurt; especially his legs which were carrying all the extra weight.

“My body was deteriorating quickly. I was on three different medications for blood pressure. I had horrible GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), and my prostate was bad,” said the 53-year-old Vinco resident.

“It got to the point where I could barely walk. All I could do was lay around. I had no drive, no energy.”

But he mustered up the determination to contact Dr. D’Arcy Duke of the Western Pennsylvania Bariatric Institute, which is part of the Conemaugh Health System.

“I had to do something to change my life. But I realized I couldn’t do it on my own. Exercise alone didn’t work anymore, and I had limitations because of my back injuries,” Kevin said.

“Sure, I was scared at first, but Doctor Duke and her team gave me the confidence I needed. They did a lot of pre-testing and put me on a program to prove I was really serious about losing weight and being healthy again – for good.”

This was about a lot more than just a bariatric operation, he said. “It was a life-commitment.”

As a result, he dropped about 40 pounds and weighed 338 pounds in preparation for the gastric bypass operation conducted by Dr. Duke.

Now, as he approaches his 18-month checkup with Dr. Duke, Kevin says he feels like a new man.

Kevin’s weight dropped by 150 pounds to 230 pounds. He no longer needs medications for high blood pressure or GERD.

“It has really increased my will to live. Now, I can do just about anything I want to. I’ve got so much more energy,” he said.

“I’m so blessed,” he said. “It’s been quite a journey, and I feel like an entirely different person.”

While his wife and mother are thrilled with the new/old Kevin, many other people don’t even recognize him.

“Some people I’ve known for years walk right by and don't even know me,” he said. “I'll say hello and they’ll say, ‘Do I know you?’ They’re floored when I tell them who I am. It makes me feel great.”

Kevin credits Dr. Duke and her team with giving him “a new lease on life.”

“Doctor Duke is the best and I love her team. They are so professional, thorough, nice and understanding. Everything went so smoothly. Anytime I have a question, I never hesitate to call them,” he said.

Kevin feels compelled to share his story. “I’ve told tons of people about how Doctor Duke can help change their lives. It’s a story that many people need to hear.”

He's back to living an active life; taking regular walks along rails-to-trails sites, including the Ghost Town Trail in Nanty Glo, Pa., and along miles of trail to the Staple Bend Tunnel in Mineral Point, Pa.

“I’m living a whole new life, including the way I look, and how I eat, move and act,” he said.

One added expense – that he’s thrilled to have – is the need to buy an entirely new wardrobe. Before the gastric bypass, he had a 46-inch waist. Now it’s down to 36 inches. He used to wear size 3X shirts, but now simply wears an “extra-large.”

“I look good and feel great,” he said. “I’m just where I want to be. Physically, emotionally and mentally. My goal is to stay at this weight, remain healthy and live my new life.”