Bradley Rhodes, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle’s director of nursing, has a lot to celebrate this Mother’s Day. She and her husband welcomed their second daughter last spring after struggling to have a second child for years.
Rhodes had undergone fertility treatments unsuccessfully. But she got pregnant after having bariatric surgery. She worked with Dr. Brad Beckham, a physician with Baptist Medical Group-General Vascular Surgery Columbus, and Bridget Harris, coordinator of bariatric care at Baptist Golden Triangle.
“I would love to bring hope to anyone struggling with fertility,” Rhodes said. “Dr. Beckham is the reason we have our now 1-year-old girl. Most people credit their fertility specialist. I credit my bariatric surgeon.”
Rhodes struggled with maintaining an optimal weight for a long time. When she started doing research on infertility in 2024, she learned about the benefits of weight loss, nutrition and bariatric surgery for fertility.
“Dr. Beckham and Bridget spent many hours answering my questions and providing invaluable education,” Rhodes said. “The emphasis was on nutrition and ways to fuel my body for overall heath. They walked me through every step of the journey and cheered me on as I lost the weight and improved my overall health. Then, they celebrated the joy of a spontaneous pregnancy with us!”
Rhodes noted that from her first meeting with Beckham, she felt a sense of relief — and hope for her health, hope for an active future and hope for a second child.
“Bariatric surgery has allowed me to remain active with my daughters and continue to nourish my body in a way that promotes weight loss,” Rhodes said. “I am so grateful for the tool of bariatric surgery and the amazing team that got me here, and I hope that I can teach my daughters the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
Rhodes said her youngest daughter is very active and loves keeping up with her 5-year-old sister. Her daughters enjoy camping, going on walks, playing in water and spending time outdoors.
