Page 108 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2020

HEALTHY LIVING
A HELPING HAND
Wiggins wife, mother and counselor regains her health
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
Nancy Keating, 60, of Wiggins is many things to many people. Wife of a pastor as well as a mother, Keating has also served as a marriage and family
counselor. Helping others is truly her passion.
But sometimes those who do the most for others are the
ones who need help the most. While Keating had spent years serving her community, she fought her own battles with her health. Her weight has always been an issue, but during her fight with cancer it became clear that something had to be done.
“I think it was when I was going through cancer treatment and the radiologist said I was too large to fit on her radiation table,” Keating recalled. “That shocked me into realizing that my weight was so severely affecting my health that I could die by not being able to receive the treatment that I needed.”
Dr. Avara was highly recommended by others, and so Keating decided to research his practice – South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center (SMSWLC). “I was impressed by what I saw there, so I took the online survey and made an appointment, thus beginning my journey,” she said.
Keating opted for the gastric sleeve surgery because it is one of the least invasive options. After her consultation with the SMSWLC staff, she felt confident in her decision and was reassured that she would have a solid support system throughout the process.
Since her surgery, Keating has lost 125 pounds. “I feel younger, more energetic, and more positive about myself than I ever have before,” she said. “I find it extremely encouraging when people who have not seen me in a
long time see the changes that I have made and praise my accomplishments.”
To those who are considering following similar measures, Keating says, “Go for it! This has been one of the best decisions I have ever made for my health and my self- esteem.”
The SMSWLC has been helping men and women like Nancy Keating to meet their weight loss goals since their formation in 2000. Founded by South Mississippi Surgeons
BEFORE KEATING prior to weight loss surgery.
AFTER KEATING, right, pictured with Gabbie Lynd, LPN II has lost 125 pounds since her surgery.
(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.
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
108 | April 2020
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