2 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net July 2019 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 3

Lucedale couple loses weight together with the help of

South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss

story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos courtesy of Jera and Jacob Havard

era and Jacob Havard are a loving couple from Lucedale whose stories have a common thread.

Both grew up struggling with their weight, but never allowed it to define their relationship.

At just 19 years old, Jera lost her mother unexpectedly. “Through the grief and caring for my

family in her absence, I ended up gaining 100 pounds,” Jera said. “I had never been happy with my body, but at my highest weight of 350 pounds, I realized that something had to change.” At the time, Jera was considered pre-diabetic and struggling with anxiety and depression. “My husband, who has always loved me regardless of my weight, suggested I seek weight loss surgery. He knew that being overweight was only worsening my depression and anxiety issues,” she said. “I also knew that if I was to get pregnant at such a high weight, I would be putting the health of both the baby and myself at risk.” Jera was the first of the two to undergo weight loss surgery. After consultations with the team at South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss, she opted to receive a gastric sleeve. Later, Jacob would opt for the same surgery, also performed by Dr. Payne. Jacob had struggled with similar issues, and after seeing his wife’s success knew that he wanted to pursue a happier, healthier life for himself as well. “As a young

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HEALTHY LIVING gastric sleeve

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adult, I developed type 2 diabetes,” Jacob said. “When I was told it could be reversible with weight loss, I knew something had to change. I also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and the extra weight was only making my joint pain worse with each day.” Since their surgeries, the two are well on their way to reaching their goals. Jera has lost over 90 pounds, 46 inches and 4 clothing sizes. “Before surgery, I wore a women’s plus 26 or 3X, and now I am down

South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center1124 Oakleigh Road, Ocean Springs

228.872.7277 • www.smsurgicalweightloss.com

DR. WILLIAM AVARA, III DR. JASON PAYNE DR. JOHN HALL

to a women’s 18 or XXL,” she said. “I am still a work in progress and looking forward to my 100 pound loss mark.” Jacob has lost 85 pounds. “At my highest weight, I wore a men’s 56 pants or men’s 4XL and I am now in a men’s 46 or 2XL,” he said. “My goal is to be below 200 pounds.” The Havards say that weight loss surgery has changed both of their lives for the better. “It has given me such a confidence boost,” Jera said. “Because I have a better self-image, I don’t let things stand in my way. I no longer let my weight stop me from living my life to the fullest. This new found confidence has also helped with my insecurities which, in turn, has helped with my anxiety.” Jacob says that anyone struggling with their weight should consider weight loss surgery, saying, “It is definitely not a quick fix, but it’s a tool to help you on your weight loss journey. It is worth it in the end.” With their weight under control, the couple has been able to enjoy each other and their hobbies more fully. Jacob is an avid comic book reader and loves art, even teaching art lessons at his local library to give back to the community. Jera enjoys designing and making t-shirts,

crafting, and traveling with Jacob. The South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center has been helping men and women like Jacob and Jera Havard 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. To learn more about weight loss surgery, visit their website at smsurgicalweightloss.com, where you can register to receive a free information session.

PURSUING ALifeTOGETHER

Jacob Havard

As a young adult, I developed type 2 diabetes. When I was told it could be reversible with weight loss, I knew something had to change.

FACING PAGE AND RIGHT: JERA AND JACOB HAVARD have lost a combined 175 pounds. FAR RIGHT: THE HAVARDS before weight loss surgery from South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss.