200-Pound Transformation
The Story of John Ryan
John Ryan, a senior merchandiser for Coca-Cola and lifelong Mississippi Gulf Coast resident, faced an urgent wake-up call at just 35 years old. Weighing 434 pounds, he was warned by Dr. Mark Lyell at Singing River Health System that his health was in severe jeopardy. His weight put him at serious risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. He was told without intervention, he might not live to see 45.
“From that moment on, I wanted to change my life expectancy. When I looked in the mirror, I felt so disappointed in myself for letting it get to that point.”
Determined to take control of his health, John turned to Dr. Jason Payne, a bariatric surgeon at Singing River Weight Loss Center.
An Ongoing Commitment
Dr. Payne quickly set the tone during their first encounter, emphasizing that lasting success would require ongoing commitment. “This isn’t a quick fix. This is a 50/50 partnership and lifestyle change. If you put in the work, I will put in the work,” Dr. Payne told him. For John, that straight forward approach was motivating. “Those words gave me confidence in choosing him as my surgeon,” he said.
After reviewing all surgical options with Dr. Payne and his team, John decided the gastric sleeve procedure was the best fit for him.
Life-Changing Results
Following surgery, his results were life changing. “The weight was falling off, and I started to feel like a million bucks,” he shared. However, the journey was not without its challenges. “I was told several times that I wouldn’t make it, and I would be a failure,” he said. “But that only pushed me harder to prove them wrong.”
Now, three years later, John’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable. He has lost 200 pounds and maintained a healthy weight through diet and exercise. At 39, he says he feels like he did at 18.
The health risks that once threatened his life are gone. “I was given a second chance at life,” he said. “I have no more physical limitations and can enjoy life to the fullest.”
50/50 Partnership
John credits much of his success to the support he received from Dr. Payne and his team.
“They didn’t see me as just another guy who let himself go. They genuinely wanted to help me reach my goals and be successful. To this day, I am extremely grateful to Dr. Payne and feel lucky to have such a great relationship with him.”
For John Ryan, what began as a fight for survival became a testament of perseverance, proving that setbacks are simply opportunities for an even greater comeback.
Learn More About Weight Loss at Singing River
Singing River Weight Loss Center providers are experts at treating the disease of obesity, and each patient is different. Learn more about our comprehensive approach to treating obesity through nutrition, education, medication, and surgical procedures by visiting Singing River Weight Loss Center.
Singing River Weight Loss Center