For nearly two decades, JourneyLite Physicians and JourneyLite Surgery Center have been at the forefront of surgical and medical weight management. With offices in Indianapolis, Columbus, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky—and our outpatient surgery center in the Cincinnati area—we’ve built a system designed from the ground up for weight-loss patients.
As we reflect on almost 20 years of minimally invasive bariatric surgery, our history is defined by innovation, rigorous safety standards, and a deep commitment to transforming our patients’ lives.
JourneyLite Has a “History of Firsts,” Pioneering in Bariatric Care
Since our founding in 2007 by Medical Director Dr. Trace Curry, a board-certified general surgeon and Cincinnati native, JourneyLite has consistently led the way in the United States in bariatric innovation. Dr. Curry and the JourneyLite team have performed over 6,000 weight-loss procedures, driving advancements in outpatient care and non-surgical therapies.
Our pursuit of the safest, most effective treatments has resulted in an impressive list of “firsts” in the field of weight loss surgery:
- 2008: Dr. Curry placed the first Realize-C gastric band in Ohio (2nd in the United States).
- 2010: JourneyLite Surgery Center became the first ambulatory surgery center (ASC) to receive a “Center of Excellence” designation by the SRC, as well as the first ASC to receive “Anthem Blue Distinction Plus” status.
- 2011: Dr. Curry performed the first gastric sleeve (VSG) in an ASC in the United States.
- 2013: JourneyLite pioneered the first same-day discharge gastric sleeve in the United States.
- 2015: Dr. Curry placed the first Orbera and ReShape gastric balloons in the Midwest.
- 2016: JourneyLite performed the first SADI-S procedure in an ASC setting in the Midwest.
- 2016: JourneyLite became the first ASC in the U.S. to receive MBSAQIP accreditation as a Comprehensive Center.
- 2017: Dr. Curry published the first US study showing the safety and efficacy of outpatient gastric sleeve surgery with 821 consecutive cases
- 2019: JourneyLite was the first ASC to receive the Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence designation.
- 2020: Dr. Curry performed the first Obalon gastric balloon placements in Ohio.
- 2022: Dr. Curry placed the first Spatz-3 adjustable gastric balloon in Ohio.
- 2024: Dr. Curry performed the first two commercial Allurion swallowable gastric balloon placements in the United States.
Unmatched Quality: JourneyLite’s Center of Excellence Designations
When you choose JourneyLite, you are choosing a facility that is nationally recognized for the highest standards of patient safety, clinical outcomes, and comprehensive care. Our dedication to quality is validated by the most rigorous accrediting bodies in healthcare.
JourneyLite holds the following prestigious bariatric designations:
- AAAHC-Accredited Ambulatory Surgery Center
- MBSAQIP-Accredited Bariatric Surgery “Center of Excellence” (The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)
- Anthem Blue Distinction Plus Center
- United Health Optum Bariatric Center of Excellence
- Aetna Institute of Quality
- These accreditations mean that whether you are undergoing a gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or a revisional procedure, you are in one of the safest and most experienced bariatric outpatient centers in the country, whose results and outcomes are monitored by the MBSAQIP database.
JourneyLite Presents A Philosophy Rooted in Compassion and Longevity
Technology and accolades only matter if they directly improve the lives of our patients. Having undergone Lap-Band surgery himself, Dr. Curry understands the physical and emotional hurdles of the weight-loss journey firsthand. He built JourneyLite to ensure that patients have an empathetic, highly experienced team by their side before, during, and long after their procedures.
Reflecting on his two-plus decades of dedication to the bariatric field, Dr. Curry summarizes his passion perfectly:
“As a weight loss surgeon, the fact that real-world data is now showing that weight loss surgery increases life expectancy is something that has been plainly obvious to me for the last 20 years. In 2003, when I first saw how these procedures totally transformed my patients’ health with just a few tiny incisions, I quickly decided to dedicate my entire practice to this exciting field.” > — Dr. Trace Curry, Medical Director and Founder of JourneyLite
Start Your Weight Loss Journey with the Experts at JourneyLite
From groundbreaking surgical “firsts” to an unmatched standard of excellence, JourneyLite has spent the last 20 years perfecting the art and science of weight loss. If you are ready to take control of your health with a team of experienced surgeons and dietary specialists, we are here to provide the tools, support, and expertise you need.
Ready to change your life? Contact JourneyLite today to schedule your consultation and find out which weight loss solution is right for you.
Justice’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story “I finally learned how to build a healthier life—not just lose weight.” My name is Justice, and I had gastric… Read more “Justice’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story”  Justice Robin’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story I didn’t always realize how much my weight was taking from me—until I started hiding my life behind closed doors.… Read more “Robin’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story”  Robin B. After My VSG, I Finally Feel Like Myself! Alisa’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story For as long as I can remember, my weight shaped how I moved through the… Read more “After My VSG, I Finally Feel Like Myself!”  Sue’s Story: “If I can do it, you can too.” Procedure: Gastric Bypass, JourneyLite Surgery Date: May 2016 Highest Weight: 350 lbs → Today: 149.6 lbs Total Lost: ~200 lbs Hi… Read more “Sue’s Story: “If I can do it, you can too.””  Michael’s Story: “I finally changed my mind—and my life.” Michael’s Story: “I finally changed my mind—and my life.” Procedure: Gastric Sleeve (VSG)Surgeon: Dr. James AugustaFacility: JourneyLiteSurgery Date: May 2025Starting… Read more “Michael’s Story: “I finally changed my mind—and my life.””  Kelly’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story I’m Kelly, and in November 2022 I had a gastric sleeve with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite. For as long… Read more “Kelly’s Gastric Sleeve Success Story”  Gastric Sleeve Before & After: Leslie’s 112-Pound Weight Loss with Dr. James Augusta My name is Leslie, and I had a gastric sleeve with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite Surgery Center in January… Read more “Gastric Sleeve Before & After: Leslie’s 112-Pound Weight Loss with Dr. James Augusta”  Leslie At 52, I Chose Me: Tina’s Life-Changing Gastric Sleeve with Dr. James Augusta My name is Tina, and in February 2025 I had a gastric sleeve with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite. Today… Read more “At 52, I Chose Me: Tina’s Life-Changing Gastric Sleeve with Dr. James Augusta”  From 283 to 189: My Gastric Bypass Success Story with JourneyLite I’m Heather, and I had gastric bypass surgery with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite in December 2024. At my highest,… Read more “From 283 to 189: My Gastric Bypass Success Story with JourneyLite”  Chrissy’s Gastric Sleeve Before and After Testimonial Chrissy’s Journey: From 245 lbs to 130 lbs — and finally loving herself Procedure: Gastric Sleeve Surgeon: Dr. Trace Curry… Read more “Chrissy’s Gastric Sleeve Before and After Testimonial”  Ben’s Gastric Sleeve Before and After Testimonial “From 472 lbs to 254—and a life I can fully participate in.” I’m Ben, and in November 2020 I had… Read more “Ben’s Gastric Sleeve Before and After Testimonial”  Robin’s Gastric Bypass Testimonial at JournyLite Robin’s JourneyLite Gastric Bypass Success StoryPatient of Dr. James Augusta – Gastric Bypass, December 2024 For as long as she… Read more “Robin’s Gastric Bypass Testimonial at JournyLite”  Bobby’s VSG Before and After Testimonial “From Struggling to Walk Half a Mile to Running an 8‑Minute Mile: Bobby’s Journey From 496 to 299 Pounds” My… Read more “Bobby’s VSG Before and After Testimonial”  Alona’s 79 lb Weight Loss with JourneyLite in Cincinnati “Choosing JourneyLite was the best decision I’ve ever made, I even traveled from Pennsylvania to Cincinnati!” Procedure: Gastric Sleeve (VSG)… Read more “Alona’s 79 lb Weight Loss with JourneyLite in Cincinnati”  Krystal’s VSG Before and After Transformation ✨ Meet Krystal ✨ Gastric Sleeve Surgery – March 2023 Starting Weight: 204.7 lbs Current Weight: 130.2 lbs Total Lost:… Read more “Krystal’s VSG Before and After Transformation”  The JourneyLite team is there for whatever you may need! Don’t be afraid to reach out. Rebeca “I lost 160 pounds—and gained my life back.”– Rebeca, Gastric Sleeve Patient, May 2024 I’ve struggled with my weight… Read more “The JourneyLite team is there for whatever you may need! Don’t be afraid to reach out.”  I can not believe how much better I feel I want to share my incredible journey after undergoing weight loss surgery with Dr. Trace Curry. In just the first… Read more “I can not believe how much better I feel”  Carl W Wonderful experience with a wonderful team When I first embarked on this journey, I was a little apprehensive. The struggle between finding a dedicated team of… Read more “Wonderful experience with a wonderful team”  Markeida B I had the best experience having VSG with Dr. Curry! I was walked through every step of preparation, I was… Read more “Life Changing”  Beth M. I had the sleeve surgery one year ago. I have lost 109 pounds. I went from 290 pounds to 181… Read more “One year after”  Dorene H I’ve had a wonderful experience I’ve had a wonderful experience with Dr Curry and all of his staff. Today makes 1 year since my surgery… Read more “I’ve had a wonderful experience”  Ashley H Best thing I could have done for myself! I was 46 years old and weighed 372 lbs. diabetic hypertension high cholesterol anxiety and had not felt myself for… Read more “Best thing I could have done for myself!”  Stephanie k I started this journey on March 18 2022 when I had my sleeve. A starting weight of 272.8 pounds and… Read more “Best Decision of my Life”  Becky W Let me start by saying that weight lost surgery is more about being mentally ready for the changes you are… Read more “My Journey”  Bruce T. I had been considering bariatric surgery for years. Looking into different hospitals in my area (Columbus). I kept going back… Read more “I couldn’t be happier”  Laura A. Dr. Curry and staff are nothing short of amazing! From the front desk(s) all the way back to the surgical… Read more “Life changing!”  Heather B I could not have picked a better doctor/facility to have my VSG surgery at. Everyone that works at JourneyLite is… Read more “Best decision I’ve ever made”  Jacki H Starting my journey was extremely intimidating for me. I wasn’t sure if surgery was right for me but I knew… Read more “New Lease On Life”  Terri T Hi! My name is Katlyn and I had gastric sleeve surgery a year ago by Dr Curry. I am currently… Read more “A new outlook on life”  Katlyn F My lap and surgery was. 6 months ago, I’ve lost 35 lbs. and have another 30 to go. I am… Read more “Healthier & Happier!”  Anonymous My journey began in July of 2021. I had the sleeve done Dec 2021. I had thought about having the… Read more “Finally Living Again”  Marsha H I was sleeved on 3/24/22 I’m down a total of 93.8 pounds from my highest weight which was 248.8 Starting… Read more “My next chapter”  Traci M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about JourneyLite’s history, experience, and what makes our program different? Here are answers to common questions.
