Page 132 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2016

HEALTHY LIVING bariatric surgery
FROM 5XL TO 5K
How travelling ministry musician Thomas “Rodney” Stokes, Jr., gained a new life through bariatric surgery with Dr. Avara at South Mississsippi Surgical Weight Loss Center.
story and photos courtesy of South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss
For Thomas Stokes, Jr., being a member of a travelling band for eight years meant eating at a lot of fast food restau- rants. Though his band, Rod
& Staff, successfully played between 35 and 50 churches every year, his attempts to lose weight were unsuc- cessful. He steadily gained weight until he found himself in a 5XL shirt size.
He knew he had to do some-
thing. He was to marry the girl of
his dreams, and wanted a new life centered around health. He prayed about it, and having seen his cousin’s results following bariatric surgery, made an appointment with Dr. Avara of South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center.
He began a three-month prepara- tion for his transformation to come. He would learn how to eat healthy, how emotions affect hunger, how he would need to eat and drink after surgery.
Three weeks before his wedding, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery at Singing River Health System.
“I did everything they asked me
to do,” said Thomas. “I followed instructions precisely, from moving as soon as possible after the proce- dure to eating the proper foods in the proper amounts.”
The results were immediate for Thomas–first in his attitude, followed by his weight. By adhering to the
plan, Thomas was able to change his life. From a 5XL shirt size, Thomas is now in an XL. He is married, and an athlete.
“My energy reached a level I have never felt before. Today it is multi- plied.”
Thomas made the most of his energy by running in his first 5K. He and his wife travelled to Six Flags in Atlanta and experienced every ride
for her birthday. When it was his birthday, they vacationed in Disney- world.
“It’s a great feeling to simply shop in the regular section,” said Thomas. “Today when we go to church, I can tuck in my shirt. It seems like such
a simple thing, but to me it’s every- thing.”
Thomas attributes much of his suc- cess to Dr. Avara.
THOMAS “RODNEY” STOKES, JR.
BEFORE AFTER
132 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2016
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