Trust and Transformation
The Story of Megan Childress
A Life Ready for Change
Megan Childress, a 34-year-old mom from Lucedale, Mississippi, had tried to lose weight many times before. Each time she’d lose some, she’d gain it back, and the cycle left her feeling heavier and more discouraged than ever. “I was the heaviest I’ve ever been,” she recalls. “I was having trouble walking around my house, doing daily chores, and keeping up with my daughter. I decided it was time to do something about it for good.”
Finding the Right Surgeon at Singing River
Her mom had gone through treatment at Singing River Weight Loss Center and had a positive experience, so Megan began researching for herself. She kept finding her way back to Singing River’s website, where she discovered a video of Dr. John Hall explaining gastric sleeve surgery. “Dr. Hall’s knowledge on the subject and his positive attitude toward the obese community impressed me,” Megan said. “I knew I wanted him to do my surgery.”
Dr. Hall’s expertise backed up that impression. Board certified as a general surgeon since 2018 by the American Board of Surgery, he has performed hundreds of weight loss surgeries, including gastric sleeves, Roux-en-Y, BPD with Duodenal switch, and revisions. His skill in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques has earned him the Surgeon of Excellence designation in minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Dr. Hall’s Patient-First Approach
When she finally met Dr. Hall in person, she found that the positivity and knowledge she had seen in the video carried over into real life. Megan says Dr. Hall was exactly that type of physician. “He is a very cautious doctor and puts his patient’s safety first. I admire his patient-first mentality, and it carried all the way through my treatment. His staff was always very kind and accommodating as well. Everyone in the facility makes it a welcoming environment.”
Still, the journey wasn’t easy. “The first month was the hardest,” she admits. “I would look back on my decision and wonder if I had made the right choice. But as time went on and I adapted, things got easier. By month three, I was in a much better headspace, and my new way of eating was second nature.” What made the difference for her? “The thing that helped me the most was following the directions they give you. I was a stickler for the rules, and that helped me stay on track and get the results that I got.”
Real Results
And the results were remarkable. At the time of surgery, Megan weighed 248 pounds. One year later, she weighed 100 pounds less. “I feel absolutely incredible! I feel like a completely different person. Not only do I feel better physically, but I also feel better mentally. It’s like a weight has been lifted mentally as well, and it’s brought so much clarity into my life. I would go through this process all over again just for these results.”
Her new life is full of wins both big and small. She now enjoys working out and even goes to spin classes. She can run around with her daughter, spend a day with her family without needing constant breaks, fit comfortably in an airplane seat, and shop in regular clothing stores. “I’m the healthiest I have ever been in my life,” she says. “I will forever be grateful for even the small wins.”
Advice for Others
When asked what advice she’d give others, Megan doesn’t hesitate: “Eat with intention.” And when asked why she would recommend Dr. Hall and Singing River Weight Loss Center? “Because he puts his patients first and he cares about their outcome and well-being. The entire staff truly cares about your success and wants what’s best for you.”
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