Page 67 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2017

I went from a size 22 to a size 10,
I feel much better. Donna Doherty
LEFT: DONNA DOHERTY After losing 126 pounds. RIGHT: Before her vertical sleeve gastrectomy surgery. FAR RIGHT: Doherty with her husband, Alan, and her grandchildren who inspired her weight loss.
was approved for the surgery,” she said.
Doherty underwent a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
(VSG) in August 2015. Since that time, she has lost
126 pounds. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy permanently reduces the size of the stomach, therefore limiting food intake and decreasing the sense of hunger.
“I went from a size 22 to a size 10,” she said. “I feel much better. The surgery is a tool to change your life.” She added that she is very close to getting into a size eight.
Doherty, who used to fry pork chops and make tomato gravy and biscuits, now grills lean meat and steams and roasts broccoli and other veggies. She relies on protein to keep her satisfied, including pistachios, almonds and boiled eggs. Before her surgery, she never ate breakfast. Now she begins her day with a protein-rich serving of eggs and she steers clear of bread.
As the owner of a convenience store, Doherty was
always surrounded by sodas and unhealthy snacks. “I was the person who drank a diet coke and ate a candy bar,” she said. “Now, it’s bottled water and nuts.”
Since her life changing surgery, she has taken charge of her emotional eating. “I don’t let food control me,” she said. “I control the food.”
Along with Dr. Avara and his team at South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss, Doherty also credits her family with her success, calling them her biggest support group. Her husband walks with her regularly. She alternates walking two miles a day with riding
her stationary bike. Some days, she even puts the grandchildren, who inspired her to get healthy, in a double stroller and walks with them.
Her family has changed the way they eat, supporting her new diet and therefore improving their health as well. After seeing her inspirational success, Doherty’s twin sister, Lonna, is also considering the surgery.
Led by medical director and surgeon Dr. William “Pete” Avara, III, South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center has helped thousands of people in the region obtain a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Avara has practiced general surgery since 1987 and has performed over 3,000 bariatric procedures.
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs
228.872.7277 THE STAFF at South Mississippi Surgical DR. WILLIAM AVARA, III www.smsurgicalweightloss.com Weight Loss Center
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