Katy’s VSG Before and After Story

Jennifer

Kimberly

Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery date: November 2019

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 240
My current weight is (lbs): 131

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After having kids

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
My weight kept me from being able to interact with my children when they were little. I missed out on so much because I was embarrassed to wear bathing suits, summer clothes, and could not handle the warmer weather. Some days my body would ache so bad I didn’t want to leave the house. I failed at relationships because I didn’t have a good relationship with myself.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
I feel like this surgery gave me life back. Confidence I never had before. Able to do things with my grandbabies that I could never do with my own children. It has kept knee surgery at bay for almost 5 years now. Most of the aches and pains have subsided.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:I would not be where I am in this journey if not for the wonderful staff. I have been on this journey for close to 5 years and have continued to stay the course by continuing my open communications with them. They are there for any and all of my questions. When I felt off track I just picked up the phone and called.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I could go on and on with all the wonderful non scale victories but some of the things include being able to ride roller coasters and fit in the seats without shame, I can double cross my legs, I can walk without having to stop and sit down every 10 minutes, I can run on the treadmill and not suffer in pain, but most of all I can enjoy my life with my family and not make excuses anymore.

Optional Comments:
Thank you Journeylite staff and thank you Dr. Curry for the wonderful things you do for those that have struggled with weight loss for so many years. My only regret about my journey thus far is not doing it sooner in life so my own children could have benefited also. I’m sure my grandchildren appreciate you all too. Thank you and forever grateful.

Julie

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: June 2023

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 378
My current weight is (lbs): 176

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
I have been the ‘fat’ kid my entire life and really thought it was just the life I had to live. As a kid I was often teased and bullied because of my weight from being called names to even having a can a Fruitopia thrown at me during high school. Doctors often told me to lose weight but never gave me adequate tools to do so. As I journeyed through adulthood my weight began to pile on and I saw no end in sight. I dealt with severe knee arthritis and needed both of my knees replaced before I was even 30. After Covid I developed asthma and I eventually got to the point where I literally felt like I was slowly dying and that’s when I knew I needed to once and for all make a change!

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
I started my journey with the medical weight loss program where I learned to make good food choices. I also personally went to counseling to address my emotional issues with food, which definitely has impacted how I look and feel about food. When I decided to have surgery I wanted a tool to help me keep the weight off. As a former yo-yo dieter I was able to loose weight but I could never keep it off. Between the added knowledge and my new tool I have lost and kept 202 pounds!

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
The support from JourneyLite has been incredible! The dietician’s are there whenever I have questions about food and vitamins and they have been so supportive. The nurse practitioner’s are amazing and so supportive and personal. And the care I received from Dr. Curry is top notch. He laid out a plan for me but also valued my opinion. He walked me through my goals and next steps and he even regularly follows up with me.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I’ve never been one to do any type of races, but since my surgery I have completed several 5K’s and even one 10K. In fact this past January I walked a 5K every day for the entire month! Before surgery walking to the bathroom would get me out of breath.

Optional Comments:
My life has changed so much because of my experience with JourneyLite! When I went to Disney this past May my husband celebrated me by doing a series of photo shoots to celebrate me! It’s so important to celebrate the small victories like fitting in a normal sized seat to the huge victories like being under 200 pounds!

Jacki

Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery date: February 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 260

My current weight is (lbs): 167

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
I struggled with my weight and binge eating disorder ever since I can remember. I have tried every diet out there, I would be successful and end up gaining the weight back plus more. I was pre-diabetic/diabetic and also had high blood pressure. I knew I needed to do something to change and luckily JourneyLite was the right choice for me to have gastric sleeve surgery on 4/20/22.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
I had the gastric sleeve on 4/20/24 and it has helped with controlling how much I can eat. I do still have to put in the work with eating the right foods and exercising, but this tool helps tremendously if you let it! I am no longer pre-diabetic/diabetic and have high blood pressure, I have not taken medication since my surgery!!

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
Having monthly visits with JourneyLite helped keep me on track and also helped when I would be in a stall. They let me know that I actually needed to up my calorie intake, I did and started losing again. Everyone on the team at JourneyLite is amazing from the front desk, nurses, dietician and Dr. Curry!

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I no longer worry about fitting in chairs or having to walk through a crowd of people. I finally feel comfortable in my own skin!

Optional Comments:

If you are on the fence about having weight loss surgery make a consultation appointment and go talk to the JourneyLite team and see how they can help change your life! Best decision I ever made!!!

Kinde

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: April 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 233
My current weight is (lbs): 117

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After having kids

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
My asthma was uncontrolled despite numerous medications. I couldn’t ride certain rides at the amusement park and had to do the walk of shame after not being able to lock the lap belt. I tried every diet, every exercise with no improvement. I was sneaking and hiding food, eating pints of ice cream almost every day and constantly craving sugar. I had horrible reflux and always had to sleep upright despite taking protonix.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
The surgery has literally been life changing. I can play and roughhouse with my grandkids, I have been able to wean off some of my asthma meds. My relationship with food is totally different now. I enjoy sweets but nowhere near like I did before. I am satisfied with so much less food and sweets. 2 years out and I still don’t recognize myself at times. I have literally lost half of me but gained a whole new life and lifestyle.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
They have been with me every step of the way and I couldn’t be more grateful.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
Run around with my grandkids!

Tracy

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: March 2018

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 320
My current weight is (lbs): 130

I first noticed that my weight was a problem:
As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
Struggling with my weight throughout most of my life affected not only my physical health but also my personality and sense of adventure. I love to dance, sing, play at parks and ride rides at festivals but the fear of judgement as well as the fear of not fitting in a seat kept me on the side lines.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
I believe my main issue was that I was a binge eater. I had an addiction to food. With the gastric sleeve tool, that issue resolved. I am now completely satisfied with small portions and I am content with the foods I choose to eat. I found my love for dance and sports to maintain an active lifestyle and I feel confident enough to dance or play on playgrounds everywhere I go.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
JourneyLite provided me with all the different options available and helped me to decide which one was right for me. I felt at ease having all the risks and details associated with the procedure as well as the diet education and post surgery check ups and other resources they provide has helped me maintain my results for over 6 years now. I lost 190 lbs and have kept it off! My loose skin is slowly shrinking and I am in the best shape of my life at almost 40 years old. I have more energy than most teenagers I know, lol. I now feel like I can shine instead of hiding myself in a corner.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I couldn’t dance in public! Lol…now I’m the 1st and sometimes only person on the dance floor!

Amanda

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: November 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 400
My current weight is (lbs): 250

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
When I came to Journeylite, I was desperate for help. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. I felt like if I did not take control, I was literally going to die. I was diabetic and newly diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and taking multiple medications. I couldn’t do any of the things that I loved anymore. I struggled with constant fatigue. As a registered nurse, I had considered weight loss surgery. But I was afraid of potential complications…Out of desperation, I decided that if I didn’t take control and do something that I was going to die anyway. So, I took the plunge and had a gastric sleep procedure.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
It has been the most life changing experiences of my adult life. I feel like I have a life again, and my only regret is that I didn’t have the surgery sooner! I have lost 150 pounds, and am still losing weight. My diabetes and pulmonary hypertension have completely resolved and are gone. I am off all of the medications for those diagnosis. My energy level is through the roof! I can do things that I haven’t been able to do in years, and I can be the wife, mother, daughter and friend that I want to be to those that I love.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
My biggest struggle to overcome was fear before the surgery. On the day of my surgery, everyone was so reassuring and kind. When Dr. Augusta came in to see me before surgery, I told him that I had prayed for him that morning. He smiled and told me that he had prayed for me too. As a person of faith, that really comforted me and made me feel a sense of calm. I’m so grateful for the entire team!

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I go on long, difficult hikes that I would NEVER have been able to do before surgery. Before surgery, I dreaded even going to the grocery store to go shopping because of how exhausted I would be afterwards!

Optional Comments:
My life is forever changed and I am grateful beyond words!

Kathy M.

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: August 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 278
My current weight is (lbs): 135

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
Being morbidly obsessed affected me negatively as a child, teenager & adult. Being bullied as a child & teased endlessly as the "fat girl " I felt ashamed & turned to food for comfort. The bullying continued into my teenage years which led to low self esteem & zero self confidence & endless yo-yo dieting (which only gave short term effects). As an adult my excess weight made my entire life difficult; even to the point where, I sadly, have watched most of my immediate family suffer & die from morbid obesity. This was my breaking point & when I reached out for help from Journeylite.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
My VSG has helped me get control of my weight issues in several ways. I'm eating correct portion sizes because the restriction of the pouch makes me fuller faster. I'm no longer thinking constantly about food & no longer planning my life around meals & food.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
The JourneyLite dieticians & nurse practitioners get all the credit for my success! They gave monthly supportive advice that was encouraging, informative, & very eye opening.They never pressured me to lose a certain amount by a certain date, which in turn would have made me feel like a failure. They always reviewed my diet & snacks & gave me better options to choose from.They also encouraged me to use the Health Track App & to start exercising both of which I feel are key.

What's one thing you can do now that you couldn't before you lost the weight:
I didn't even have the courage to walk into a gym but have been working out 3x week for 1 hr on the elliptical & wt machines

Optional Comments:
I am forever grateful to JourneyLite staff for providing the VSG surgery & the staff support which was the key to my whole body transformation & journey to wellness. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Jenny

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: March 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 380
My current weight is (lbs): 176

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a young adult

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
Before weight loss I was tired, lazy, and just sitting around at home doing nothing. I can now enjoy life so much better. It truly is life changing. I can talk long walks, go up and down stairs with no issues and overall, the best thing is my overall health is better than it’s ever been.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
The staff thoroughly goes over your weight loss plan and the dietitian and doctors help you along the way. The aftercare is incredible with follow ups and suggestions. I like the fact that you have to go meet with them monthly after surgery. It helps keep you accountable and if you get off track that’s okay, they are there to guide you back to the original plan.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
All through my process the Staff and doctors were extremely helpful and nice. They guided me through the process with ease. They are all touch notch in their field.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I can take walks with ease and do things that I wouldn’t be able to do without this life changing surgery. Plane rides, roller coasters, water parks, pool days, trips are so much more enjoyable!

Optional Comments:
For me, it was the best decision I ever made, I should have done it years ago. It’s truly life changing but maintainable and you have to work at it! It’s not easy but so worth it!

Christi

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: January 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 320
My current weight is (lbs): 157

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a young adult

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
I was always tiny in high school! Then after my kids were born I started it gradually putting on weight! I had tried every diet imaginable. Nothing worked! After 2 bad divorces I had hit rock bottom! I was at my highest weight of 320. On October 20, 2021 I saw Dr. Trace Curry. I lost 30 pounds in the first 3 months before my surgery! On January 4, 2022 I had the sleeve surgery! Weight day of surgery 290! I am currently at 156! I crave nothing but healthy protein. I race my grandson at the park! Since then, I have been reconnected with my high school sweetheart. He treats me like the queen he feels I am. Life is now the way I always dreamt it could be!

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
I have more energy, I get to run with my grandson…Just simply, better quality of life!

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
Very supportive! Gave great advice!

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
Run the stairs!

Kristy

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: March 2024
My highest adult weight was (lbs): 210
My current weight is (lbs): 170 (3 months post-op)
I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After having kids

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
I started gaining weight after having my children. Life was very stressful. I was a new nurse working a full time job and working PRN to make extra money. I was putting everyone else first and trying to juggle it all. I tried everything. I would have small successes and then gain it back for many years.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
I had the gastric sleeve. I lost weight fairly quickly the first month and it has been steady since then. I have followed the diet and vitamin regime as instructed and am very pleased with my success. Surgery has helped me feel that “full” feeling that I did not feel before. I stop eating when I feel that. I am still able to eat and enjoy foods but I make better choices because I do not get those cravings and I just eat until I’m full.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
Journeylite has been so supportive. I know they are a text or a phone call away if I have issues. All my questions are answered. Dr Curry checks in on me and I have regular follow ups with the nutritionist and nurse practitioner.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I can feel good in my skin. I have energy and motivation to keep going to not only reach my goals but maintain to stay healthy and active.

Lori

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: April 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 274
My current weight is (lbs): 163

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a young adult

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
Before getting a gastric sleeve, weight was something that I had struggled with most of my adulthood. Over the course of my mid-twenties until my early forties, yo-yo dieting was my normal. I knew what I “needed to do” to lose weight but my back pain, severely swollen ankles, and emotional eating got in the way of hitting my goals. While I had lost weight with diet and exercise before, any small set back snowballed and my weight went higher than it had ever been before.

I was self-conscious about my appearance, and I didn’t feel good in my own skin. I was uncomfortable physically and emotionally. I wanted to be able to do activities with my family but it was nearly impossible when I couldn’t even bend over to pick something up without my back giving out.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
Since having the gastric sleeve, my activity level, my relationships, and my self-confidence have increased greatly.

Having a smaller stomach capacity has allowed me to gain greater control over my emotional eating. When I wanted to binge and self-sabotage, I could not do so without feeling ill. It forced me to think about the choices that I was making in that moment and how they were affecting my bod. Over time, it helped me to begin to see greater successes and to know that one bad decision doesn’t need to result in quitting.

I have fallen in love with exercise and crave the movement that I used to dread. I have no more back pain and no more swollen ankles. I no longer require external validation to see my self worth and to feel confident in who I am on the inside and the outside. I have discovered me that I never knew existed and did not know could exist. Instead of watching television, you can find me at the gym, working in the yard, or playing racquetball with my husband.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
The Journey Lite team was always very supportive. They provided me with needed support, information, and encouragement. Having a nutritionist to help me navigate my new relationship with food and to no longer view it as an enemy was instrumental.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I can fit on roller coasters with ease. I can go on hikes with my family. I can enjoy quality time with others in was that I never could before.

Tracy

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: December 2021

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 205
My current weight is (lbs): 120

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After the age of 30

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
I’ve always been what was considered ‘average size’. Not thin by any means but not unhealthy overweight either. I am 5’3 and I would fluctuate between 145-155 throughout young adulthood. I’ve always had to watch what I ate or I would easily creep up in the 170’s but I always got back down to a comfortable weight through diet and exercise. However, when I was 35 (2018) I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. I went through surgery, chemo and radiation over a 9 month period. During that time I was on multiple steroids and other hormone blocking medications. And honestly, I felt sorry for myself and eating and drinking unhealthy things made me feel better…as well as feeling like ‘what did it matter, I could very possibly die from this anyway”. Going into 2020 I was approximately 180lbs. I was back to work and feeling awful from treatments, weight gain, and continued medications. I struggled through that year and my oncologist stressed heavily that I get a hysterectomy, being that my breast cancer was hormone receptive and despite the hormone blocking medications I was on it wasn’t enough or as effective as having a hysterectomy. In December of 2020 I had a complete hysterectomy. A large majority of women who have a hysterectomy go on some type of hormone replacement therapy, I however could not do that seeing how the whole goal was to reduce/eliminate the amount of estrogen in my body. From December 2020 to December 2021 my weight increased nearly 20 lbs. My diet and exercise was not working! I tried everything! I was fasting for days at a time and would lose half a pound for the week. I felt so defeated and miserable, and thought ‘I can’t maintain this fasting regimen the rest of my life, but I can’t be happy at this weight either’. My mental health had began to take a hard hit. I did not want to go anywhere or socialize with anyone. I was rarely wearing anything but ‘comfy clothes’ and never wanted to leave my house. So in December 2021 at nearly 205lbs I had a gastric sleeve. Best. Decision. Ever. At the time I felt ashamed and didn’t tell many people that I was having surgery. When I would tell people they often replied “you’ve been through so much and you are still beautiful”. It made me feel like beating cancer was all they thought I could have or hope for. That I should just be happy I’m still alive and my weight is just a cosmetic complaint.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
When I returned to work 9 days after surgery. I began to tell people why I was off. I knew I would begin losing weight and certainly didn’t want to mislead people and them think I was sick again.
Once I started losing it made things so much easier! I felt better physically and I felt more in control of my life. I didn’t feel trapped like I had for the few years prior to surgery. I wasn’t ‘starving’ all the time which made making healthy food choices much easier.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
Journeylite has supported me every step of the way! From my initial consult to now, nearly 4 years later. They have been available for questions, whether they were post operative questions, nutritional questions, financial questions, or anything in between. I felt completely comfortable and taken care of!

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
Honestly, everything is easier! I have so much more energy. I’m able to work full time and still go home and be the mother I want to be for my kids. I have more confidence and mentally I feel more in control and have a much more positive outlook on my life.

Meagan

Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery date: October 2023

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 422

My current weight is (lbs): 282

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After having kids

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life: My weight over the years just kept progressing and soon it became so hard to walk long distances without my back feeling like it wanted to snap, I was so self conscious out in public and I only had 1 or 2 shirts I could comfortably wear outside of work. I no longer felt beautiful and it made me so very depressed.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues: After having the sleeve done the first few months of weightloss were wonderful everyday I notice things changing like my face, the way my clothes fit and most importantly my confidence. I love being able to go out in public and fit into normal seats at restaurants and I rode my first Rollercoaster in 10 years without the embarrassing moment of not fitting in the seat.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: The dieticians, nurse practioners and my doctor Dr.Curry have been amazing. I have been at a stall for a few months doing everything right but the scale wasn’t moving instead of telling me I was failing they gave me encouragement not to give up and that it was natural and congratulated me on the amazing weight loss I have done.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight: I can go to the gym and work out for an hour and a half ! Cardio and weights!

Heather

Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery date: November 2023

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 353

My current weight is (lbs): 211

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life: As far back as I can remember I was always overweight. My sister was always super tiny and was able to have the cute clothes and go on rides at amusement parks and do everything that I couldn’t. I always felt left behind or alone because everyone around me was able to do more than I was.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues: Surgery has been a major tool in my weight loss journey. It is not a fix all! It has helped me to realize I am capable of taking back my health and being successful at it.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: Dr. Curry and his team have been absolutely phenomenal! I could not of picked a better physician or place. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone! No matter what you are thinking about doing.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight: I can buy clothes ANYWHERE.

Piotr

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: April 2024
My highest adult weight was (lbs): 360
My current weight is (lbs): 240
I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After the age of 30

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life: Overweight destroy my hip and now I need hip implant. Beside of that, I have high blood pressure and diabetes type 2.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues: After surgery I eat much less and I lost 120 pounds.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: JourneyLite has very friendly and professional staff. They help me in every step even before my surgery. Thank you.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight: A lot of things!

Optional Comments: My weight lost surgery was the best think I ever done.

Rebeca

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: May 2024
My highest adult weight was (lbs): 340
My current weight is (lbs): 180
I first noticed that my weight was a problem:As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life: I have been overweight my entire life. This has led to feelings of depression, and shame.. I wasn’t able to do things with my child. No energy, etc.

I had surgery 5/22/24 today is 3/19/25, I am 10 months post op, and am down 160 pounds, 4 shirt sizes, and 5 pants sizes.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues: I have tried all of the diets, and exercises and just couldn’t get past a certain weight, and eventually gave up and got back into the same pattern. This surgery has helped me not only with portion control; but making better food choices.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: The JourneyLite team is there for whatever you may need! Don’t be afraid to reach out.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight: Keep up with my child!

Optional Comments: Don’t be afraid, take the leap, you will not regret it!

Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery date: April 2022

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 298
My current weight is (lbs): 138

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a teenager

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life: Being heavier hindered my way of life by not allowing me to be confident.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues: This procedure changed my life allowing me to be the best version of my self, decreasing amount of medications and allowing me to be as confident as I feel

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: Journey lite was amazing from start to finish allows answering any questions that I had.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight: Be me!

Christie

Surgery: gastric sleeve
Surgery date: October 2023

My highest adult weight was: 286 lbs
My current weight is: 150 lbs

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life: Chubby, thick, fat, overweight, “pretty face”, obese -all words that carry shame and the message “I am not enough”. The extra pounds have been a burden that has weighed me down my whole life. The older I got, the more my extra weight limited me and that was not OK with me.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues: I went into gastric sleeve surgery knowing this was a tool not a solution. I knew my mindset about food, my habits, and my emotional coping strategies needed to change. I knew I needed to know “I am enough” regardless of the number on the scale. The sleeve acted as a guardrail on the new road I was learning to navigate physically, emotionally and mentally. Once the weight started coming off, my momentum and motivation kept growing.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: Emily Curry, my dietitian, gave me very clear cut guidelines for food choices, macros, portions, and eating schedule. I followed everything she suggested. Melissa Peters, my medical practitioner, helped make sure I was eating nutritionally and supplementing my diet with the correct vitamins. This meant, not only steady weight loss, but also no hair loss and plenty of energy throughout.
What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:

I literally feel, move, and live better than I did 20 years ago. I bike 10 miles a day, lift weights, and run 3 miles a couple of times a week. I could not go up and down stairs without much difficulty and pain. I run up and down them without pain and without the hand rail. In addition, I am training for a sprint triathlon. Lastly, my big WHY – to be able to run and play with my grandchild actively without limitations. I have my life back – better than ever.

Optional Comments: As a mental health therapist, I knew the importance of addressing my root cause issues that led me to cope with my emotions with food. In my life coaching business, I have now added weight management coaching. Not only do I have the education, experience and skills, but also the testimony of achieving and maintaining my weight loss goals. I love helping others reclaim their lives back. www.christiecoaching.com

Alicia

Surgery: gastric sleeve

Surgery date: July 2024

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 287
My current weight is (lbs): 140

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: After having kids

Tell us in your own words how your weight has affected your life:
Once I came out of High School I joined the US Air Force where I was injured and discharged in the first 6 months. Once I came home I had issues with being able to work out or do much in the way of exercise due to my injury. When I had my oldest son in 1997 I went from 165 lbs to 245 lbs in my pregnancy and after that I just had issues with losing weight. I was a stay at home mother and after 3 children and 2 miscarriages I basically gave up on trying to lose weight or get healthy again. I became an over the road truck driver which left me sedentary for long periods of time and not eating at all healthy. I wound up gaining another 30 lbs over the timeframe of being on the road due to not getting any kind of exercise or eating healthy at all. I wound up with major joint pain in my knees due to the excess weight as well as back pains. In January 2024 I finally decided to start looking into weight loss options as when I did try weight loss things such as diet pills, low-carb, keto, low-fat I could never get below 250 lbs which was frustrating. I did some research and got in touch with Journey Lite and made my first appointment with Dr. Augusta in Moraine, Oh in March 2024. Through my work my insurance approved my process with the requirements of 3 months supervised dietary visits before my surgery date. When I first visited the office on March 19, 2024 my starting weight was 244.8 lbs and a BMI of 42.

Tell us how surgery, balloon, or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
Since undergoing my Gastric Sleeve procedure on July 25, 2024 I have not only regained the ability to control my weight but have regained my confidence in life again. I have gone from a size 22 pants and 2xl shirt that I have been in well over 10 years and am not down to a size 8-10 pants and a small-medium shirt. I have not had nearly the pain in my knees or lower back since losing this weight. I have had to make several life changes between diet/exercise and I have been able to maintain and stick with.
Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
Between the in office staff, surgical staff, and dietician staff I have had the best support all the way around. I have been able to text and message when I have any questions about my plan, goals or just a possible concern of something not going correctly. They have all been open and forthcoming about the ups and downs I would face and having that knowledge in advance helped get through all of the process successfully.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
I am able to cross my legs and sit comfortably in Indian style for long periods of time with no pain in my hips. I am also able to walk over 8 miles a day without being in total pain and limping out of work daily.

Optional Comments:
I would highly recommend Journey Lite to anyone who is interested in weight loss either by medication or surgical options.

Katy

My highest adult weight was (lbs): 296
My current weight is (lbs): 150

I first noticed that my weight was a problem: As a child

How has your weight affected your life? I avoided social events because I was so embarrassed. I stopped being in pictures with my kids.

How has VSG surgery helped you get control of your weight issues? With gastric sleeve I’m finally at a healthy weight and for the first time a normal BMI.

Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success: JourneyLite has been an absolute dream to work with through this entire process! All my questions were answered and I always felt supported every step of the way.

What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight? Be comfortable in my own skin!