Page 87 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2021

HEALTHY &
Lucedale Woman Gains Confidence and Energy
story by Victoria Snyder B photos courtesy of Kaitlynn Rice
lood pressure problems, infertility, and not being able to walk to the mailbox – these were all challenges that 30-year-old Lucedale resident Kaitlynn Rice faced
before her gastric sleeve surgery.
After struggling with her weight and being unable to conceive
a baby with her husband for 11 years, Rice decided it was
time to do something. “I did a lot of research and found South Mississippi Weight Loss Center (SMSWLC),” Rice says. “I was so happy with how they were able to answer all of my questions right away.”
Even when Rice struggled, she knew that the team at SMSWLC had her back. Dr. Avara was her surgeon, and she recalls that he made her feel comfortable throughout the entire process. “He was always cheering me on, and he truly cares about his patients.”
Rice has a unique perspective compared to others who have gone through this surgery – she is a member of the SMS team. Due to her 191-pound weight loss, Rice feels that she can do her job as a registered medical assistant with South Mississippi Urology more effectively. Instead of being out of breath from going up and down the halls, she finds herself having more energy at the end of the day. “I can help patients who are starting this journey and may be scared or unsure. Because I have gone through it myself, I am ready and willing to help them in any way I can.”
The best moment since her weight loss? Putting on a swimsuit for the first time since she was 10 years old. “Mentally, I
still have times when I’m insecure, and I still feel like that
same overweight girl,” she confesses. “But now, I look into
the mirror and see a much healthier, beautiful woman, and I get emotional. I feel so much better physically – I have more energy, and I can do things that before I could not do. I’m finally healthy enough that my husband and I can try to conceive a baby!”
The South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center has been
KAITLYNN RICE before and after her gastric sleeve surgery.
helping men and women like Kaitlynn Rice 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. Surgeries are performed at Singing River Health System locations.
To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit their website at smsurgicalweightloss.com, where you can register for a free webinar to start your weight loss journey.
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
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
June 2021 | 87
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