Page 95 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2018

My primary care physician told me that had I not gotten the surgery, I probably would not have lived but a few more years. I feel like God has given me a second chance and I don’t want to mess it up. It’s a blessing to have an extra chance to get it right. Stephen Burrell
would never come and I would just keep eating.”
From his expectations of the surgery and throughout the process, the South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss
team was there every step of the way. “They prepared me for the fact that for the rest of my life I would have to pay strict attention to my food intake, exercise and be accountable. Dr. Payne and his staff provided avenues for
all of that; I just had to be willing,” Burrell said. “I keep that picture of me at 395 pounds on my phone to remind me of where I came from, but also as
a reminder that I never want to go back.”
Since receiving his gastric sleeve, Burrell is 130 pounds down from his
pre-surgery weight of 346. In total he has lost 179 pounds and gained a new lease on life. “Recently I went to see my primary care physician and he told me that had I not gotten the surgery, I probably would not have lived but a few more years,” Burrell said. “I feel like God has given me a second chance and I don’t want to mess it up. It’s a blessing to have an extra chance to get it right.”
The South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center has been helping men and women like Stephen Burrell 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.
TOP: STEPHEN BURREL and wife Jeannie before his weight loss. ABOVE: THE HAPPY COUPLE after Stephen lost 179 pounds.
DR. WILLIAM AVARA, III DR. JASON PAYNE
THE STAFF at South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center
1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs 228.872.7277 • www.smsurgicalweightloss.com
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
June 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 95