Paul Guerry embraced a new lifestyle and lost 130 pounds, regaining his health and reclaiming his confidence and joy. His story proves that lasting change is possible at any age. 

Just a few years ago, Paul Guerry was taking multiple medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The 70-year-old from Columbus had both hips replaced and his right knee scoped, yet joint pain remained a constant companion.

“Not only was I extremely overweight, but I was lethargic,” Paul recalls. “I did not have the energy to get up in the mornings. It really caused a lot of issues because I run two businesses.”

He was self-conscious about his weight and struggled with poor self-esteem.

A Life-Changing Decision

“I just knew that I had a real issue with limiting my food portions, exercising and doing anything to lose weight,” Paul says.

After conferring with his wife, Patti, he sought help from Dr. Terry Pinson and the North Mississippi Health Services weight loss team. In May 2024, he underwent weight loss surgery—a decision that would transform his life. 

New Habits

Thanks to the team’s instruction and support, Paul embraced a new lifestyle. 

“I have a new mindset that includes healthy eating and daily exercise,” he says. “Now I stop eating before my plate is clean! Before, I had no self-discipline to stop eating even after one or two platefuls.”

As a result, he has lost 130 pounds. His blood pressure and cholesterol are back where they should be – without medication—and he rarely experiences joint pain. His cardiologist has also seen dramatic improvement with his heart health.

The Ripple Effect

Paul’s transformation is more than physical. “I have a better mental attitude,” he shares. “I have improved self-esteem and the desire to keep the weight off for many reasons.”

He and his service dog, Alex, enjoy walking together every morning. Instead of waking up with dread, “I look forward to each morning now,” he says. “I have more energy and move better.”

He has also found renewed self-confidence. “One of the biggest positives is to be able to meet people and not be worried about what I look like,” he says.

Words of Wisdom

To others struggling with their weight, Paul recommends “a serious self-reflection” about the reason you are overweight and “is there anything you can do to change that situation?” 

He’s honest about the challenge. “It’s not easy,” he says, “but my results speak for themselves. Losing weight has been a life changer for me.”