Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2019

HEALTHY LIVING gastric sleeve surgery BEST SHAPE
OF HER
Making a complete life change with help from weight loss surgery.
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Heidi Moore
hirty-nine-year-old Heidi Moore was tired of dealing with constant pain and watching
her children live their lives without her. Having been overweight for most of her life, Moore felt that her weight was what held her
back from truly living.
“I was ready to feel better about myself and get in
the best shape of my life,” she said. “My sister had undergone surgical weight loss, and having seen her success I wanted to see similar results in my own life.”
When looking into surgical weight loss centers, Moore found South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss through her insurance company, which only covers accredited programs. “I am so happy that I made this choice,” said Moore. “I am grateful for the staff at the clinic who helped me throughout the process, as well as for my amazing surgeon, Dr. Avara. I felt very informed and cared about throughout the process.”
With the help of Dr. Avara, Moore decided to undergo a gastric sleeve surgery because of its minimally invasive nature. A little over two years (and 140 pounds) later, Moore has seen a complete change in herself, both mentally and physically. “I have more physical strength, healthier self-esteem and an ability and desire to do things that I have never thought I could,” she said. “And, of course, smaller and cuter clothes!”
Moore attributes her success to her new healthy lifestyle. Following the guidance of her doctors, she has made long-term changes including working out four to six days a week, drinking lots of water and eating high protein foods. She also thanks her support system and her faith for helping her to be courageous throughout the process.
“I look at it like this: we all need renovations and updates to our minds, spirits, and bodies. To be able to make those changes we must recognize that we need to change,” she says. “It is difficult, but words can’t really express how grateful I am to be living a much fuller and
ABOVE LEFT: MOORE before seeing South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss. ABOVE RIGHT TOP: MOORE after
her gastric sleeve surgery and losing nearly 140 pounds.
present life.”
The South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
has been helping men and women like Heidi Moore 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.
To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit their website at smsurgicalweightloss.com, where you can register to receive a free information session.
Life
DR. WILLIAM AVARA, III DR. JASON PAYNE DR. JOHN HALL
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs 228.872.7277 • www.smsurgicalweightloss.com
128 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2019
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
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