From Feeling Limited to Living Without Limits

For Pam Haynes, weight had been a struggle since her teenage years. Over time, the physical and emotional effects became harder to ignore. She says she often felt insecure in her clothes, hiding behind larger fabrics and trying to cover up the parts of her body that made her uncomfortable.

As the number on the scale continued to rise, everyday activities became more difficult. Walking up stairs left her out of breath. Cleaning the house required planning because she knew she would need time afterward to recover. Pam described feeling like she was spending much of her life in “recovery mode” from physical activity.

Why Pam Chose Gastric Sleeve After Trying a GLP-1

Before choosing weight loss surgery, Pam tried a GLP-1 medication. She says it helped curb hunger, but it did not feel sustainable for her. After about 30 days, she experienced side effects that made her feel sick, and she realized she wanted a more permanent tool.

Pam chose vertical sleeve gastrectomy, commonly known as VSG or gastric sleeve surgery, with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite in August 2025. Since surgery, she has gone from 230 pounds to 138 pounds, a total weight loss of 92 pounds.

How VSG Helped Pam Regain Control

After gastric sleeve surgery, Pam says she regained control over her life. The stairs that once left her breathless are no longer a challenge. Now she can run up them. She can work out without feeling out of breath, and she looks for opportunities to move her body.

The emotional transformation has been just as meaningful. Pam says she has rediscovered herself and her sense of style. She feels confident in clothes she never thought she could wear before, and she no longer feels the need to cover up.

The JourneyLite Support System

Pam credits the JourneyLite team with giving her the tools she needed to be successful after gastric sleeve surgery. She says the program was not about crazy diets or extreme restrictions. Instead, she learned practical ways to fuel her body, maintain energy, and build in extras in a manageable way.

Pam says the JourneyLite team wanted to see her achieve her goals just as much as she did, and that support helped her stay focused on long-term success.