Page 112 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2022

“HEALTHY LIVING IS
NOW ” MY TIME
One year after weight-loss surgery, Rebecca Nash’s dreams – which she once thought impossible – are now coming true.
Story and photos courtesy of
Singing River Health System
Three years ago, nursing student Rebecca Nash found herself sitting in a college parking lot, missing class because she physically could not make it up the stairs.
“I thought wow, I can’t continue like this. I can’t take care of people for twelve hours, give them 100 percent of my
all because I’m not well enough to take care of myself. It was my moment of realization that I’m not going to be able to live out my dreams in the career that I want due to my health.”
At that time, Nash weighed 410 pounds and was both a full-time student and medical technician.
“I wanted to become a nurse. I didn’t want to work in the field unhealthy. It’s really hard to teach people about health and education when you know, deep down, that you’re not the one following it yourself. I took that responsibility to heart and decided that now is my time.”
Nash joined Singing River’s Healthy Revolution, which offers multiple avenues for health improvement, including weight loss surgery through Singing River Weight Loss Center.
“Dr. Avara explained that my obesity was a disease and that surgery could help me cure it. Just like anybody who is struggling with a medical condition, there was a physician, dieticians, and fellow nurses there to help and continue to do so.”
After completing the healthy lifestyle preparation, Nash underwent a gastric sleeve procedure on December 1, 2020. One year later, she is 200 pounds lighter and taking back control of her life.
NASH before and after her weight loss surgery.
“I went from being alone, depressed, struggling through school and at work, to a year later I’m a nurse, I’m getting married and having a baby. I’ve been able to set a new path for myself and live a life that I never thought possible.”
Her advice to others considering surgical weight loss: “Everybody is going to have their doubts. Everyone’s human, but in the long run, it is worth having the surgery and changing your life for the better. Not only does it benefit yourself, but you get to live longer for your family, you’re able to do your job better. You really can do whatever you want.”
To explore your weight loss options and
begin your journey, call 228.872.7277 or visit SingingRiverHealthSystem.com/weight-loss-surgery.
William T. “Pete” Jason Payne, John Hall, Avara III, MD, FACS MD, FACS MD, PHD
Singing River Weight Loss Center
228.872.7277
1124 Oakleigh Rd. | Ocean Springs 15190 Community Rd., Suite 260 | Gulfport
112 | February 2022
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living