Devon Bray (center) knew something was wrong. The pain under her rib cage would last for hours. And there was also a stabbing pain in her back. After an ultrasound revealed Devon had gallstones and needed her gallbladder removed, Devon met with Dr. Thomas Taylor, a board-certified general surgeon with Macon Community Hospital.

“I have to admit I thought about going to an out-of-town hospital,” says Devon, who is a 7th grade reading teacher and real estate agent. “At first, I didn’t even know Macon Community Hospital could do a gallbladder removal. And I was extremely nervous about the procedure because I had never been put to sleep for surgery. But Dr. Taylor was very reassuring and knowledgeable. I also wanted my family close to me when I woke up and didn’t want to have a long drive home after the surgery. That made Macon Community Hospital the perfect choice.”

Devon knew many of the nurses who prepared her for surgery, including McKenzie Eden (left) and Skyler Lee (right). “It was good to see their friendly faces when I woke up,” she says.

The outpatient surgery on May 16th began at 10 a.m. Devon was home three hours later. “I feel great and have made a complete recovery,” Devon says. “I’m so grateful I stayed close to home and chose Macon Community Hospital!”