Page 190 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2018

HEALTHY LIVING going, going, gone SUCCESS
Stories
South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss holds event to celebrate milestones
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster L photos by Donn Hupp
ast month, South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss held a special event where past patients and
their guests were invited to take photos, mingle and share their stories. The center provided food,
drinks and live entertainment for the occasion, lending to an upbeat atmosphere. Attendees celebrated their
milestones and weight loss achievements with a photo shoot– professional makeup was even provided by local
and regional Lancôme representatives.
Each and every patient was excited to share their
stories and experiences throughout their progress. Twenty six former weight loss candidates attended
the event, and concluded the evening by announcing the total weight loss of the group, 3,171 pounds.
ERIC SHOEMAKER
Shoemaker has lost a total of 140 pounds since his surgery by Dr. Avara in June of last year. The day of the event, he and his wife Christina were celebrating the adoption day of their two girls, ages four and seven. Shoemaker is pictured showing his drastic difference in belt sizes.
RADAMES SOTO
Soto had his
surgery with Dr.
Payne just five
months ago and
has already lost
an astounding 110
pounds. “I work at
Ingalls, and before
my weight loss I
struggled with knee pain,” Soto said. “After my surgery, I’m no longer in pain and am able to do my job more comfortably.”
RANDI POPE
“My confidence has improved dramatically since my surgery,”
said Pope. “I’m
happier now, and
enjoy shopping for
clothes and looking
my best, which is
something I hadn’t felt in a long time.” Pope has lost 115 pounds since her surgery by Dr. Payne in December of 2015.
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