Page 94 - South Mississippi Living - January, 2020

HEALTHY LIVING
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL SUCCESS
Young woman transforms her life through surgical weight loss
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Denise Biggs
Mental health is just as important as physical health, a fact that Denise Biggs can attest to. The 23-year-old
personal trainer has experienced an amazing transformation – one that has changed her life for the better.
“I have struggled with my weight for as long as
I can remember,” Biggs recalled. “With health problems approaching, joined by mental issues such as social acceptance, depression and anxiety, I knew it was time for a change.”
With her mother, Sonya Biggs, and stepfather, Thomas Bullard, by her side, Biggs knew her weight was just another obstacle to be tackled. “My mother has played such a major role in my weight loss journey,” Biggs said. “She has always provided emotional support and encouragement. She also did a tremendous amount of research, which led us to South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss.”
Biggs attended her first consultation with Dr. Avara at the young age of 18, but knew that the best way to address her worsening health was to address it sooner rather than later. “Dr. Avara and I decided on the gastric sleeve – the lap- band wasn’t quite enough for my needs and the gastric bypass was a little too much, especially considering my age.”
Since her surgery, Biggs has experienced what she calls a “mental and physical success,” losing 300 pounds thanks to her surgery and her new lifestyle, which includes daily exercise and healthy eating choices.
94 | January 2020
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