Page 70 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2020

HEALTHY LIVING
Weight Loss Patient Finds Love and a New Sense of Con dence
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster M photos courtesy of Randi Pope
any young girls dream about their wedding: the guy, the dress, how they will feel on that special day. Most would agree that they want to look beautiful and feel
con dent in their own skin as they pledge their love in front of family and friends.
For D’Iberville teacher Randi Pope, that vision seemed a far- o dream at one time. “When I reached my thirties, my weight skyrocketed to 264 pounds,” she said. “Dating wasn’t a thing for me. I always had my hair in a ponytail and never wore makeup; after all, who even noticed I existed? Don’t get me wrong, I was happy with who I was, but not what I looked like.”
All of that changed when Pope was referred to South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center (SMSWLC) by a family member and decided to make a phone call that would alter the course of her life. After making the decision to pursue surgical weight loss, Pope was assigned to Dr. Jason Payne, one of SMSWLC’s three bariatric surgeons. With his help, she elected to receive a gastric sleeve and has since lost 110 pounds, which she has maintained for ve years.
“Dr. Payne is fantastic,” said Pope. “I always enjoy conversations with him because he is very knowledgeable and encouraging. I am comfortable speaking with him about my concerns, downfalls, and successes. He is always willing to listen and there is never a moment where you feel like there is judgment.”
Since her surgery, Pope has become more con dent in her appearance, entered the dating pool, and come out the other side engaged. “Having this surgery gave me the desire to put myself out there,” she said. “My relationship wouldn’t exist without the surgery because I never even thought about dating before I had it. My ancé, Dwayne, is so encouraging, kind, and loving – the kind of man I always dreamed of marrying. This
BEFORE POPE prior to weight loss surgery.
AFTER POPE lost 110 pounds after
surgery and has maintained her weight for ve years..
surgery helped me nd him and a better me.”
Pope also found her dream dress, in which she says she felt amazing. She and Dwayne look forward to tying the
knot in the summer of 2021.
The SMSWLC has been helping men and women
like Randi Pope to meet their weight loss goals since
their formation in 2000. Founded by South Mississippi Surgeons, they have been providing the Coast with quality surgical care for over 30 years.
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
70 | June 2020
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
RANDI POPE with her ancé, Dwayne Childers.