Page 58 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

HEALTHY LIVING gastric sleeve Changing
HIS
Mechanic has right tools for weight loss
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster Aphotos courtesy of James Walraven
s all mechanics know, tools come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s up to the one holding it to put it to good use. For James Walraven, a 36-year-old mechanic for Goodyear, weight loss surgery was
the perfect tool to help him reach his ideal physique. “I have always been a heavy set guy, but I was
shocked when I realized that I had come to weigh 477 pounds,” Walraven said. “As a mechanic, my work was getting harder and I was more fatigued than ever. After being in this job field for so long, I was struggling with knee and back pain that had been years in the making.”
Aside from the complications his weight was causing him at work, Walraven saw a decline in his enjoyment of hobbies, and his self esteem had taken a huge hit. “I was ashamed of myself. Going out to a baseball game and having to wedge myself into a small chair and having to buy bigger clothes at stores that catered to my size made me realize how unhappy I had become.”
Walraven’s mother, Bonnie Noble, received a gastric bypass 10 years ago, performed by Dr. Avara of South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss. After seeing her success, Walraven sought the same outcome. “Once
I made the decision to undergo surgical weight loss, I never questioned that I would have the surgery at South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss,” Walraven said. “Within the first meeting I decided to have the gastric sleeve procedure, largely due to the faster recovery.”
When the day of his surgery finally arrived, Walraven
WALRAVEN with his fiancé after losing 190 pounds.
Lifestyle
58 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net