Page 140 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2019

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HEALTHY LIVING gastric sleeve
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Weight loss patient becomes the best version of herself
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Heather Robinson
wenty-five-year-old Heather Robinson lost an astonishing 130 pounds in just
six months, but her road to health wasn’t always easy.
“At 340 pounds, I was miserable,” said Robinson. “My knees and ankles had given
me trouble for years. I couldn’t participate in sports or activities with my friends because of my weight.”
Robinson had seen a family friend’s amazing transformation after going through the program at South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center (SMSWLC) and was encouraged to seek their help as well.
“My experience with them was amazing from start to finish,” Robinson said. “Dr. Payne, the nurses, and the whole staff gave me encouragement and prepared me not just for surgery, but for life after my sleeve surgery.”
Following her surgery, the SMSWLC team coached her into a healthier lifestyle. These days, Robinson works out at the gym five days a week, chooses healthier food options, and is conscious about drinking lots of water. Through her gastric sleeve and lifestyle changes, she has lost a total of 150 pounds and counting.
“Having the sleeve surgery has been great for me both emotionally and mentally because I now have confidence
in myself that I never had before,” Robinson said. “This has been the best thing I could have done for myself. If you’re considering surgical weight loss, don’t wait. Take charge of your life now and start becoming the best you that you can be!”
Robinson says she is living her life to the fullest and enjoying her new normal, which includes playing basketball with her friends and duck hunting.
The South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center has been helping men and women like Heather Robinson to
ABOVE LEFT: HEATHER
ROBINSON before her weight loss.
ABOVE RIGHT: ROBINSON lost 150 pounds after surgery from South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss.
meet their weight loss goals since their formation in 2000. Founded by South Mississippi Surgeons (SMS), they have been providing the Coast with quality surgical care for over 30 years.
To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit their website at smsurgicalweightloss.com, where you can register to receive a free information session.
DR. WILLIAM AVARA, III DR. JASON PAYNE DR. JOHN HALL
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs 228.872.7277 • www.smsurgicalweightloss.com
140 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2019
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