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Gastric Sleeve

Pam’s JourneyLite VSG Before and After Story

Gastric Sleeve Patient Story Pam Lost 92 Pounds With Gastric Sleeve Surgery at JourneyLite After struggling with her weight since her teenage years and finding GLP-1 medication was not sustainable for her, Pam chose gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite. 230 Highest Weight 138 Current Weight 92 Pounds Lost VSG Gastric Sleeve […]

Pam before and after gastric sleeve surgery
Gastric Sleeve Patient Story

Pam Lost 92 Pounds With Gastric Sleeve Surgery at JourneyLite

After struggling with her weight since her teenage years and finding GLP-1 medication was not sustainable for her, Pam chose gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite.

230 Highest Weight
138 Current Weight
92 Pounds Lost
VSG Gastric Sleeve

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.

“I wasn’t living.” — Pam, JourneyLite gastric sleeve patient

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.

“I needed something more permanent. I needed tools — not just a shot.” — Pam

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.

“VSG helped me regain control over my life. I can not just walk up my stairs — I can run, fast and far.” — Pam

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.

“There is nowhere on my body that I try to cover up anymore. I am proud of my body.” — Pam

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.

More Than Weight Loss

Pam’s story is about more than losing 92 pounds. It is about feeling strong, confident, and capable again. Before surgery, her weight affected her energy, her confidence, and her daily life. After gastric sleeve surgery at JourneyLite, she says she can move without limits, wear clothes she loves, and feel proud of her body.

Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery Right for You?

If you have tried diets or GLP-1 medications and feel like you need a more durable weight loss tool, gastric sleeve surgery may be an option to consider. JourneyLite offers bariatric surgery and medical weight loss options for patients in Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas. Our team can help you compare your options and decide which path makes the most sense for your goals, health, and lifestyle.

Educational information: This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice. Treatment recommendations and eligibility vary. Please discuss personal questions with your JourneyLite care team or another qualified healthcare professional.
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