Page 127 - South Mississippi Living - October, 2018

were, and though we made a lot of changes before considering surgery, it wasn’t enough.”
As a nurse manager, Michael had worked with many surgeons including the South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center’s
Dr. Payne and Dr. Avara. His professional experience with the two gave him confidence not only in their abilities, but in the outcomes of their surgeries.
After consulting with their doctors, both Michael and Melinda opted to receive a gastric sleeve because of its proven effectiveness and lessened complications compared to other procedures.
Since their surgeries in December of 2017, the couple has lost a cumulative 260 pounds with Michael losing a total of 144 pounds and dropping eight pant sizes and Melinda losing 116 pounds and dropping seven pant sizes.
“This has honestly been the best decision I’ve ever made to not only improve my health, but my quality of life,” Michael said regarding his surgery. “You only live once, so it’s up to you to make the best of it!”
“After losing the weight, I’ve become much more confident and outgoing,” said Melinda. “I used to avoid social gatherings and work functions because I was truly embarrassed that I’d let myself get to that point. Now, I’m looking for an excuse to go out and am willing to try things I never would have before. As
a teacher and school bus driver, doing things
PHOTOS BEFORE SURGERY: Melinda has lost 116 pounds and Michael has lost 144 pounds.
like walking down the aisle of my school bus without my hips scrubbing the seats makes me proud and beyond happy.”
The South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center has been helping men and women like Michael and Melinda Parnell to 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.
DR. WILLIAM AVARA, III DR. JASON PAYNE
THE STAFF at South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs 228.872.7277 • www.smsurgicalweightloss.com
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