Patient Success Stories
Every day, we're inspired watching our patients take charge of their health and their lives, and are privileged to help guide that transformation.
Read about our patient success stories below and view pictures of their amazing results.
Tiffany Bradford
Age: 42
Occupation: Teacher
As a teacher and a mother of two, Tiffany Bradford had always had a very full and active life. She was consistently struggling with weight and couldn't seem to overcome her struggle. She had been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a blood clotting disorder that could lead to blood clots in her lungs. Her doctors told her that losing weight would significantly help with the risks involved in all of these diagnoses.
Tiffany had several friends who had weight loss surgery and was interested in the procedure. But she was scared to have surgery and was hesitant to ask her doctor about it.
When Tiffany began experiencing abdominal pain, she was referred to Dr. Wesley Girod to have her gallbladder removed. She realized that he also performed the gastric sleeve weight loss procedure, and began discussing it with him during her pre-surgical appointment. Dr. Girod's team worked closely with the hospital and scheduled her to have her gallbladder removed and her gastric sleeve procedure performed at the same time.
In the 16 months since Tiffany's surgery, she has lost 144 pounds and her blood pressure and cholesterol is now controlled without any prescription medications.
"I love sharing my story," Tiffany says, "because I was scared and I know that there are others who are too. I want them to know this is a great tool that gives you that push and motivation you need to jump start your weight loss."
Recovery was very smooth after Tiffany's procedure. She was able to walk that afternoon and went home the next day with very little pain. She returned to work the following week.
"You still have to put in the work," Tiffany says. "Find a hobby that you can get into before your surgery because food is no longer going to work for you as a hobby. Exercise is necessary if you want to lose weight and keep it off."
Tiffany says one of the biggest factors in her success was the support and guidance she received from Dr. Girod and the bariatric team. She suggests that anyone interested in a weight loss procedure attend the seminar as the first step in order to answer any questions, set expectations and know that you're not doing this alone.
Chance Farris
Age: 26 (was 23 at the time of surgery)
Occupation: Currently in Dental School at University of Mississippi Medical Center
For as long as I can remember I had struggled with my weight. I dieted for the first time at age 7 and was seeing bariatricians and nutritionists by the age of 8. I had blood work drawn regularly to ensure I didn't have thyroid issues, but everything was always normal. At the age of 14, I understood that dieting alone wouldn't be a long-term answer to my problem. That said, it wasn't until I was 23 weighing in at 467 pounds with hypertension and prediabetes that I decided to make a permanent change.
When I got serious about having the gastric sleeve, I asked around town. Each of them had gone to Dr. Girod. They all spoke so highly of him and the Merit Health Wesley team. I also had the opportunity in high school to shadow Dr. Girod in a laparoscopic surgery and his knowledge and expertise was evident.
In a matter of 11 months I went from 467 to 205 for a total of 262 pounds lost. I actually had to make myself stop losing weight because it was coming off so easily. Now 3 years out from surgery, I still fluctuate between 200 and 210 and am no longer hypertensive nor pre-diabetic.
My experience exceeded all expectations that I had. At my first consultation, we set a goal weight of 225 pounds. He said that he thought with my age I should be able to reach that in 2 to 2.5 years. The fact that I got to 205 in 11 months was just unbelievable. I also never thought the recovery would be as quick as it was. I had the surgery done on a Monday morning, stayed one night in the hospital and by Wednesday, I was back to the ole grind.
I had tons of support throughout my journey both from Dr. Girod and his staff and from friends and family. The first two weeks of liquid dieting before the surgery were the hardest without a doubt. During that time I would walk with my wife, mom and sister a few miles every day around meal times both to help with the weight loss and to keep my mind off of food. That support is what I needed to jumpstart my weight loss journey. After the surgery, we continued our daily walks for three or four months. By the time I could reintroduce solid foods into my diet, friends were invested in my weight loss as well. Everyone around me considered my diet whenever we would cook out or go out to eat. That sense of unity and belief from others around me is what I attribute most to my success.
I have been married to my wife, Elizabeth, for a little over a year now.
Everything about life is easier. I can get into a vehicle without my knees hurting; I can walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded; and I can go into a store and buy clothes right off the rack. None of which were possible before having the gastric sleeve.
I can't say enough good thing about my experience. The staff and the amenities at Merit Health Wesley were top notch. The nurses were extremely kind, patient and helpful.
Sharon P.
Sharon P. lost 108 pounds to date! "This surgery gave me a second chance at life."
Age: 57
Weight Loss: 108+
Occupation: Retired
I struggled with my weight since the birth of my first child in 1980 at the age of 21. My weight was up and down constantly over the next 30 plus years. I lost weight numerous times, only to regain it and each time with additional pounds added on. In 2014, I had reached my highest weight of 259 pounds. I was tired, depressed and very unhealthy. I had high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. I knew if I did not do something to help me permanently, I would not live a full life. That's when I made up my mind to have weight-loss surgery. I knew this was my only chance at controlling my weight forever. I had my gastric band surgery at the end of May 2014, and as of June 2016, I have lost 108 pounds. Not only do I look 100% better, I feel 100% better. I no longer take blood pressure medications and have far less problems with my arthritis and fibromyalgia. This was the best decision I ever made in my life. I only wish that I would have done it sooner.
Advice: My advice to others struggling with being overweight would be not to wait until you are in your 50's to take back your life. Make up your mind and do it now. Many thanks to Dr. Wesley Girod and his staff and to Merit Health Wesley for helping me to get my life back.
Patrick McDonald
Patrick McDonald lost 120 pounds to date!
Age: 38
Weight Loss: 120
Occupation: Offshore Captain
I first began experiencing weight problems after high school. I've always been a fairly active guy with a solid build. However, after high school, I became inactive and started gaining weight. In my early 20's, I went through a series of fad diets, only to lose weight and gain even more back. I had reached a whopping 350 pounds and had a variety of health problems, including hypertension, border-line diabetes and low testosterone levels. I felt sluggish and depressed, and my self-esteem was at an all-time low. I was also informed that my occupation had implemented a new requirement...a body mass index of less than 40, and I was well over that! I knew I had to do something! In March 2015, I had the gastric band surgery at Merit Health Wesley. I've lost 120 pounds. I no longer have health problems, and I'm more active, energetic and confident! I feel like a new me!
Advice for someone considering surgery: If you've struggled with roller-coaster dieting and health issues and you want a way of losing weight and maintaining it, then bariatric surgery is a great alternative. I am grateful to Dr. Wesley Girod and his staff for their continued guidance and support in my weight loss journey. I couldn't have done it without them!
Dustin Hancock
Dustin was able to lose 200 pounds and keep it off!
Age: 36
Weight Loss: 200 pounds
Occupation: Lineman
At the age of 34, Dustin Hancock found himself overweight and struggling to find the quality of life he wanted. He could tell the weight was taking a toll on his body, and he wanted to live longer and feel better for himself and his family. As a husband and father to five kids, Dustin decided that it was time to make the life changes necessary to lose weight. After a discussion with his primary care provider, Dustin decided to pursue bariatric surgery. He chose Merit Health Wesley because of his experience with the staff while they cared for his mother in the past. Two years after his surgery, Dustin will tell you that he doesn't regret it one bit. He was able to lose 200 pounds and keep the weight off, allowing him to be more active and feel younger. The support he received after his surgery helped him learn how to make healthier choices, knowing what to eat and how much to eat. He says that the education and support he received from Dr. Girod and the bariatric team contributed highly to his success in weight loss after the surgery and that they were always there for him when he needed them. The wonderful support he received from his family made the process even easier. Dustin says that to anyone who is considering bariatric surgery, he would tell them to absolutely do it, but only if they are committed to a complete lifestyle change. He says, "Never get discouraged, no matter what the scale says that day, and stick to your meal plan. If you listen to your doctor you will get results."