Page 98 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2016

bariatric surgery
LOSINGBIGWITHOUT ‘THEBIGGESTLOSER’
Type 2 diabetic Jason Powell loses
196 pounds and transforms his life
story and photos courtesy of South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss and photos by James Edward Bates
LEFT: JASON POWELL weighed 456 pounds when he started his journey, he has now lost 196 pounds. RIGHT: DR. AVARA has been practicing bariatric surgery on the Coast for over 15 years.
At 456 pounds, Jason Powell found himself at a crossroads. He was a type 2 diabetic with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diverticulitis, a bulging herniated disk, and he was taking 14 prescription pills plus insulin every day.
He knew it was time to focus on his health–for his wife and his children–if he wanted a long life with them.
Jason had tried everything to lose weight including cut- ting calories, diet shakes and popular televised packaged food programs. He would lose a few pounds just to eventu- ally gain them all back, and often a few more.
After watching the The Biggest Loser, a popular tv show which showcases Americans competing in an extreme weight loss challenge, Jason drove to Atlanta to audition for Season 15. He knew he must have been one among thou-
sands, but was ready to try anything.
Following his interview he returned home and resumed
his search for answers. One evening as his wife and oldest daughter were saying their bedtime prayers in the other room, Jason prayed alone to the Lord for guidance.
One minute later the phone rang, and within the week he was driving back to Atlanta for a second audition with the famed tv show. Though he did not make it past the last round for a spot on the show, Jason did not view it as a setback. In fact, it set him in motion.
“I knew I couldn’t do it alone,” said Jason. “But I was determined to finish the job.”
It was then that he discovered South Mississippi Weight Loss Center and Dr. Avara. “From the moment I met him,” said Jason, “I knew he was solid. He made me feel extreme-
98 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2016
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