Meet the JourneyLite Surgeons
JourneyLite’s surgical program is led by Dr. Trace Curry and Dr. James Augusta—two experienced, board-certified general surgeons dedicated to bariatric surgery, minimally invasive techniques, patient education, and long-term weight-loss support.
Whether you are considering gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SADI-S, revisional bariatric surgery, or another weight-loss option, our surgeons will help you understand the benefits, limitations, risks, and lifestyle changes associated with each path.
Bariatric surgeons focused on more than the operation
Weight-loss surgery is a powerful medical tool, but the operation is only one part of a successful long-term plan. JourneyLite’s surgeons work alongside registered dietitians, nurse practitioners, nurses, clinical staff, and patient service representatives to help patients prepare carefully, recover safely, and build sustainable habits after surgery.
Individualized recommendations
Procedure selection is based on your health history, BMI, reflux symptoms, prior surgery, weight-loss goals, nutritional needs, and personal preferences.
Clear patient education
Our surgeons explain the expected benefits, limitations, risks, recovery process, and long-term requirements of each treatment option.
Long-term team support
JourneyLite combines surgical care with nutrition, medical follow-up, education, and strategies for maintaining weight loss over time.
Trace Curry, MD, FASMBS
JourneyLite Physicians and JourneyLite Surgery Center
Dr. Trace Curry
Dr. Trace Curry, MD, FASMBS, is a board-certified general surgeon, the founder of JourneyLite Physicians, and the Medical Director of JourneyLite Surgery Center in Cincinnati. For more than two decades, he has concentrated his practice on bariatric surgery, minimally invasive surgery, gastric balloon treatment, revisional procedures, and comprehensive medical weight management.
A Cincinnati native, Dr. Curry earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University in 1993. He completed his general surgery training at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati, where he served as Chief Resident.
He later pursued specialized training in laparoscopic and minimally invasive bariatric surgery and became an early adopter of procedures and technologies that have helped shape modern obesity treatment.
Dr. Curry has extensive experience with gastric sleeve surgery, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, SADI/SIPS procedures, adjustable gastric bands, gastric balloon therapy, and complex bariatric revisions.
His revision practice includes evaluating patients who have experienced inadequate weight loss, weight regain, reflux, mechanical problems, or other concerns following a previous bariatric procedure.
Dr. Curry’s leadership experience includes serving as Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Jewish Hospital and The Christ Hospital. Through JourneyLite, he has helped advance carefully selected outpatient bariatric procedures and develop a dedicated ambulatory program built around the needs of weight-loss patients.
Dr. Curry is a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. The FASMBS designation reflects professional involvement and a sustained commitment to the field of metabolic and bariatric surgery.
His own experience as a Lap-Band patient gives him an additional personal understanding of the challenges involved in losing weight, changing eating habits, maintaining motivation, and adjusting to life after a bariatric procedure.
That perspective helps shape a practical care philosophy centered on honest conversations, realistic expectations, individualized treatment, and long-term support rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Leadership and professional experience
- Founder and Medical Director of JourneyLite Physicians
- Medical Director of JourneyLite Surgery Center in Cincinnati
- Former Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Jewish Hospital
- Former Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at The Christ Hospital
- Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
- Extensive experience in primary and revisional bariatric surgery
James Augusta, DO, FACOS
JourneyLite Physicians
Dr. James Augusta
Dr. James Augusta, DO, FACOS, is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic, robotic, bariatric, and minimally invasive surgery.
He is known for a meticulous surgical approach, clear patient communication, and a compassionate care style focused on helping patients improve both their health and quality of life.
Dr. Augusta earned his medical degree from Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his general surgery residency at Grandview Medical Center.
He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and has completed robotic surgical training using the Intuitive da Vinci Xi system.
His bariatric practice includes gastric sleeve, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, SADI-S surgery, and revisional weight-loss procedures.
He evaluates patients who are considering surgery for the first time as well as those who need additional treatment following a previous Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or other bariatric operation.
Dr. Augusta also performs selected minimally invasive general surgery procedures, including gallbladder removal and hernia repair. His use of laparoscopic and robotic techniques is intended to minimize incision size and support an efficient recovery when those approaches are appropriate.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Augusta serves as an affiliate professor with the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.
His professional affiliations include the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.
Like Dr. Curry, Dr. Augusta brings personal insight to his work with bariatric patients. As a gastric sleeve patient himself, he understands that surgery can provide a powerful tool, but that long-term success also requires preparation, nutritional changes, consistent follow-up, and a commitment to new habits.
My goal isn’t just to perform a successful operation; it’s to see my patients 12 months later living a life they didn’t think was possible. We provide the tool, and we walk the path alongside you through the entire recovery and lifestyle transition. As a sleeve patient myself, I understand it is not easy but is absolutely worth it. — Dr. James Augusta
Education and professional credentials
- Medical degree from Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine
- General surgery residency at Grandview Medical Center
- Board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery
- Trained in robotic surgery using the Intuitive da Vinci Xi system
- Affiliate professor at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
Weight-loss procedures offered by JourneyLite
The right operation depends on your BMI, medical history, reflux symptoms, prior procedures, weight-loss goals, nutritional needs, and personal preferences. A surgeon will review these factors with you before recommending a treatment plan.
Gastric Sleeve
Gastric sleeve, also called vertical sleeve gastrectomy or VSG, reduces the stomach to a smaller sleeve-shaped structure. It may help reduce portions, improve fullness, and decrease hunger in appropriate candidates.
Gastric Bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass combines a smaller stomach pouch with a change in the intestinal pathway. It may be considered for weight loss, metabolic goals, significant reflux, or selected revisions.
SADI-S / SIPS
SADI-S is an advanced metabolic procedure that may provide greater weight loss for selected patients. It requires careful nutrition, vitamin supplementation, laboratory monitoring, and long-term follow-up.
Revisional Bariatric Surgery
Revision evaluation may be appropriate after a prior Lap-Band, sleeve, bypass, or other bariatric operation when a patient has weight regain, inadequate weight loss, reflux, or a complication.
Lap-Band Care
JourneyLite has extensive experience with adjustable gastric bands, including band management, removal, and conversion to another bariatric procedure when appropriate.
Minimally Invasive General Surgery
Selected JourneyLite patients may also receive minimally invasive treatment for conditions such as gallbladder disease and hernias, depending on diagnosis, medical needs, and surgical candidacy.
A shared commitment to informed, individualized care
Dr. Curry and Dr. Augusta believe patients should understand their options clearly and participate actively in selecting the treatment that best fits their health history and long-term goals.
1 Careful procedure selection
Your surgeon considers BMI, medical conditions, reflux history, previous abdominal surgery, prior weight-loss treatment, and personal goals before recommending an operation.
2 Clear patient education
Patients receive information about expected weight loss, surgical risks, recovery, nutrition, vitamin requirements, follow-up, and necessary lifestyle changes.
3 Minimally invasive techniques
When appropriate, laparoscopic and robotic techniques are used to reduce incision size and support efficient recovery while maintaining attention to surgical safety.
4 Long-term support
JourneyLite provides nutrition guidance, clinical follow-up, weight-maintenance strategies, and additional treatment options for patients who experience a plateau or weight regain.
A dedicated outpatient center designed around surgical patients
JourneyLite Surgery Center is a 9,500-square-foot outpatient surgical facility in Cincinnati. The center was designed to provide efficient, focused care for bariatric and other minimally invasive procedures in an ambulatory setting.
Patients are supported by an integrated team that includes surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians, clinical staff, and patient service representatives.
A connected team supporting every stage of your journey
Your JourneyLite care may also include registered dietitians, nurse practitioners, medical weight-loss providers, surgical staff, and patient service representatives. This coordinated approach helps patients move from consultation through preparation, surgery, recovery, nutrition progression, and long-term maintenance.
JourneyLite Registered Dietitians
Our dietitians help patients understand protein, hydration, vitamin supplementation, meal planning, post-operative diet progression, and long-term nutrition.
Meet Our Dietitians →JourneyLite Nurse Practitioners
Our nurse practitioners provide medical weight-loss care, preoperative support, postoperative monitoring, medication management, and long-term follow-up.
Meet Our Nurse Practitioners →Questions about the JourneyLite surgeons
Are JourneyLite’s surgeons board certified?
Yes. Dr. Trace Curry is a board-certified general surgeon and a Fellow of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. James Augusta is a board-certified general surgeon certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.
Which weight-loss procedures do they perform?
JourneyLite’s surgical options include gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, SADI-S/SIPS, Lap-Band procedures, and selected bariatric revisions. The procedure available to an individual patient depends on medical history, prior operations, candidacy, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
How is the right surgeon selected for my consultation?
JourneyLite’s patient service team considers your preferred location, procedure interest, medical needs, scheduling availability, and whether your visit will be in person or virtual. Both surgeons participate in JourneyLite’s coordinated bariatric care program.
Do the surgeons treat patients who had surgery elsewhere?
Yes. JourneyLite evaluates many patients who previously underwent bariatric surgery at another program. Depending on the problem, treatment may include nutritional support, medication, diagnostic testing, gastric-band management, or revisional surgery.
Does JourneyLite offer virtual surgical consultations?
Many patients can begin the evaluation process with a virtual consultation, particularly those traveling from outside the Cincinnati area. An in-person examination and additional testing may still be required before surgery.
Where does JourneyLite see patients?
JourneyLite serves patients through offices in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, and Northern Kentucky, as well as virtual consultation options when appropriate.
Will every patient receive the same procedure recommendation?
No. Bariatric treatment should be individualized. Gastric sleeve may be appropriate for one patient, while gastric bypass, SADI-S, medication, a gastric balloon, or continued non-surgical treatment may be a better fit for someone else.
What should I bring to my surgical consultation?
Be prepared to discuss your medical history, current medications, prior weight-loss attempts, previous abdominal or bariatric procedures, reflux symptoms, insurance coverage, and your personal goals. Bringing an up-to-date medication list can be helpful.
Meet with a JourneyLite bariatric surgeon
Request a consultation to discuss your health history, weight-loss goals, insurance or self-pay options, and which surgical or non-surgical treatment may be right for you.