From “Life or Death” to Life-Changing
The Story of Holly Burns
For Holly, a Stone County native, life is about the simple things—baking, reading, watching sunsets, and enjoying a walk. But for years, those moments felt out of reach. After the birth of her daughter in 2004, Holly struggled to lose weight despite staying active and eating right. Over time, her weight continued to climb, eventually reaching 315 pounds.
“I literally couldn’t walk, move, or breathe,” she shared. “I was sweating horribly and out of breath just getting dressed or walking from my bed to the living room. Moving was torture.”
As her physical health declined, so did her quality of life. The constant pain, exhaustion, and difficulty moving made even the smallest tasks overwhelming. The emotional toll was just as heavy. “The stares and judgment kept me from leaving the house unless it was for a doctor’s appointment,” she said. “I had given up. I felt like this was going to be life or death for me.”
Finding Hope at Singing River Weight Loss Center
Determined to make a change, Holly scheduled an appointment with Dr. William Berglind at Singing River Weight Loss Center—a decision that would ultimately transform her life. From her very first visit, Holly felt supported by both Dr. Berglind and his team.
“From the beginning, Dr. Berglind was so understanding and kind,” she said. “He listened to everything I was going through and told me he could help.” On July 31, 2024, Holly underwent gastric sleeve weight loss surgery. While many patients worry about recovery, her experience was better than expected. In the months following her procedure, Holly remained committed to her journey and began to see life-changing results. “I was able to move more. My body was changing,” she said. “I started to live again.”
Today, Holly has lost 155 pounds, going from 315 to 160 pounds. With that transformation came freedom from pain, limitations, and the feeling of being trapped in her own body. In addition to her weight loss, Holly also experienced major improvements in her overall health, including relief from severe hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance.
Encouragement for Others
Looking back, Holly wishes she had taken the first step sooner—and hopes her story encourages others to do the same. “Your life is precious—don’t wait any longer,” she said. “This surgery will change your life for the better.” She credits Dr. Berglind and the team at Singing River Weight Loss Center for guiding and supporting her throughout the entire journey. “They will help you and encourage you every step of the way. They all hold a special place in my heart.” Now, Holly is embracing life fully, finding joy in the everyday moments she once missed.“I’m so happy with my new life,” she said. “And you will be, too.”
Take the First Step Today
When you feel ready to start your weight loss journey, contact the experts at Singing River Weight Loss Center. We are an American College of Surgeons Quality Partner and a member of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.
Weight Loss Surgery at Singing River