Incredible Journey of Barney Agate: Barney Agate’s life changed dramatically after weight loss surgery, allowing him to embrace a new, active lifestyle filled with his newfound passion for pickleball. His inspiring journey from nearly 500 pounds to playing pickleball daily highlights the power of surgery, dedication, and a love for the game.
A Health Wake-Up Call
In the early 2000s, during a family trip to Walt Disney World, Agate realized how serious his health problems had become. Extensive walking caused painful sores on his toes, a sign that his body couldn’t handle the strain of his 500-pound weight anymore. As a diabetic, his health was deteriorating rapidly, and his doctor urged him to make a change.
“I was a diabetic, and my feet couldn’t take that kind of pressure anymore. My podiatrist said to me, ‘You’ve got to do something about your weight.’” – (Barney Agate)
Though Agate had been active in sports like tennis and volleyball earlier in life, his weight gradually increased, especially after quitting smoking and leading a more sedentary lifestyle.
The Life-Changing Surgery
In 2003, at 48 years old, Agate chose to undergo Lap-Band surgery, a procedure that helps with weight loss by restricting food intake. The surgery was performed by Dr. Christine J. Ren-Fielding, a bariatric surgeon at NYU Langone Health.
“She did my Lap-Band on April 10, 2003. I was 48 years old, and I don’t think there’s a question in anyone’s mind that I wouldn’t have made it to 50 without the surgery. My bones were aching, my blood sugar was crazy high, and I was having microaneurysms in my eyes. She saved my life.” – (Barney Agate)
The results were transformative. After the surgery, Agate quickly lost weight, which helped him reclaim his health and energy. By the time he reached his 70s, Agate had kept the weight off and was living a life full of new opportunities.
Pickleball: A New Passion and Active Lifestyle
Agate’s weight loss allowed him to pursue activities he had never imagined being able to enjoy. The sport that changed his life was pickleball. Today, he plays pickleball every morning and evening, a habit he says would have been impossible before his weight loss.
“Pickleball wasn’t even on my radar before the surgery. But now, it’s everything. It’s a huge part of my life. I play almost every day.” – (Barney Agate)
His dedication to pickleball goes beyond just playing the sport. Agate is actively involved in his community in Florida, serving as president of his condominium association. He also trains and coaches new pickleball players, sharing his passion and knowledge of the game.
“It’s about so much more than losing weight. It’s about getting your life back.” – (Barney Agate)
Commitment to Health and Pickleball
While Agate’s weight loss was aided by surgery, he emphasizes that the journey hasn’t been easy. He works hard every day to maintain his health, combining his love for pickleball with a healthy lifestyle.
“People think bariatric surgery is taking the easy way out, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You’re making a lifelong commitment to your health, and that takes work every single day.” – (Barney Agate)
Agate’s morning pickleball matches are an essential part of his daily routine. Whether playing solo or with others, the sport has become a key to maintaining his health and staying active.
A Game Changer for Agate
As he enjoys pickleball, Agate reflects on how the sport has improved his life. The agility, coordination, and social connections involved in the game have made it a powerful tool for physical and emotional well-being.
A Holistic Approach to Health
Agate credits his continued success to the combination of medical intervention, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. He also takes medications like GLP-1 to manage his diabetes, which helps control his appetite and supports his weight maintenance.
“Every day, I’m grateful to still be here. It’s not just about the surgery. It’s about how you live afterward. I had to change everything—what I eat, how I move, and how I take care of myself. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it to still be around with my family and friends.” – (Barney Agate)
Dr. Ren-Fielding’s Perspective
Dr. Ren-Fielding, who helped Agate on his health journey, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced, sustainable lifestyle after surgery. While bariatric surgery is a vital tool for weight loss, it’s not a miracle solution. Agate’s commitment to a healthier life, including pickleball, has played a crucial role in his continued success.
“Bariatric surgery is an important tool for individuals who struggle with severe obesity and the myriad health conditions that often accompany it, but it’s not a cure on its own. Patients need to adopt sustainable lifestyle changes to ensure long-term success. That includes dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and sometimes medications.” – (Dr. Ren-Fielding)
The Impact of Pickleball
Agate’s transformation story highlights how pickleball can be a life-changing sport for those looking to improve their health.
For Agate, it’s not just about losing weight—pickleball has become a vital part of his daily routine, keeping him physically and socially active while bringing him joy.
News in Brief: Incredible Journey of Barney Agate
Barney Agate lost 300 pounds after weight loss surgery, which helped him reclaim his health. Now a passionate pickleball player and pickleball coach, Agate plays daily and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. His story shows how sports like pickleball can transform lives beyond weight loss.
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