Page 136 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2019

HEALTHY LIVING new doc on the block
SOUTH
MISSISSIPPI
SURGEONS
WELCOMES
DR. JOHN
GENERAL & BARIATRIC SURGEON
HALL
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
photo courtesy of South Mississippi Surgeons
Meet Dr. John Hall, the newest addition to the South Mississippi Surgeons bariatric team. Hall is a true “coastie,” and was born and raised in Ocean Springs. After obtaining a
Ph.D. in Chemistry from Baylor University and attending medical school at the University of Texas, he has returned home to use his knowledge to help those in his community to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
So why bariatric medicine? “So much of surgery is reactive medicine: a person has a problem, and we try to fix it,” says Hall. “I like bariatric surgery because I am able to help people before they acquire irreversible illness. Unlike most surgeries, bariatric surgery is also preventative, because not only can it reduce weight, it can also reverse diabetes and hypertension.”
Seeing his patients do well and go on to live healthier, happier lives is what makes Hall’s career so rewarding. While he has experienced many successful cases during his career, one in particular stands out to him. “After suffering from complications following a bariatric surgery, a young woman traveled to several university hospitals in the area who would not give her the correctional operation she needed, so she couldn’t eat,” he recalled. “This woman did not eat a meal for four years. She was eventually sent to me when I was on call, and I had to find a way to help her. After a month of preparation, we fixed her problem with a long operation. She is now enjoying life and is able to eat with family and friends.”
Hall still sees this woman on a monthly basis, and is always reminded of how grateful he is to have had the opportunity to help her. He remains dedicated to each of
his patients, not just before and after surgery, but throughout the recovery process and beyond. “My patients and I establish trust in each other,” he says. “I do not take days off. Fortunately, I have a very understanding family. I strive for the best possible outcomes, and I want every patient to know that we are in the journey together.”
In his rare time away from work, he enjoys time with his wife and two children. Together, they spend their free time working on their home. Hall is also passionate about his cars, saying that he hopes to finally have his project car ready in time for this year’s Cruisin’ the Coast.
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs 228.872.7277 • www.smsurgicalweightloss.com
136 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • April 2019
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