Featured Patient of the Month Archives

Heather’s VSG Before and After

Heather lost 110 lbs with the VSG at JourneyLite!

heather before and after losing 110 lbs with the VSG (gastric sleeve) at JourneyLite

Heather

“I’m relearning to love myself—and that has changed everything.”
– Heather, Gastric Sleeve Patient, May 2024

At 263 pounds, everyday tasks felt like obstacles. Walking into a room came with the weight of judgment. Shopping for clothes was a struggle. Even bending down or climbing stairs took effort. But the hardest part? I didn’t recognize the person I saw in the mirror—I had lost confidence, and with it, a part of myself.

After trying every diet, pill, and injection without lasting success, I made the decision to reclaim my life. The gastric sleeve wasn’t a quick fix—it was a tool. And just like any tool, success came from learning how to use it properly. This wasn’t an easy journey, but it was the right one.

The team at JourneyLite has been incredible. From the first appointment, they listened, guided, and supported me with genuine care. Access to a dietitian has been invaluable, helping me make informed choices and stay accountable every step of the way.

Today, I’m 110 pounds lighter, and for the first time, I feel confident. I can cross my legs, keep up with life, and most importantly—I’m building a stronger marriage and deeper friendships because I’ve learned to love myself.

If you’re on the fence about surgery, let me just say this: do it. It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely worth it. You deserve to live life as the best, healthiest version of yourself.

healthier version of you.

Katy’s VSG Before and After

Katy lost 146 lbs with the VSG at JourneyLite!

Katy

“For the first time, I’m comfortable in my own skin.”

At 296 pounds, I spent years hiding—skipping social events, avoiding cameras, and slowly fading from memories with my own children. I’ve struggled with my weight since childhood, and the emotional weight of embarrassment and isolation was just as heavy as the physical burden.

Choosing gastric sleeve surgery was the turning point. With VSG, I’ve reached a healthy weight—and for the first time ever, I’m in a normal BMI range. But more importantly, I’ve found confidence, joy, and a version of myself I didn’t think was possible.

JourneyLite made the entire process seamless. They answered every question and supported me through every stage with kindness and professionalism. It truly felt like a partnership—not just a procedure.

Today, I’m 150 pounds, and I no longer hide from the camera—I smile for it. I feel good, strong, and proud of how far I’ve come. If you’re considering taking this step, know that it’s more than just weight loss—it’s gaining back your life.

Christie’s gastric sleeve before and after testimonial

Christie's Gastric Sleeve Before and After Pics

christie before her gastric sleeve at journeylite

Christie

“I have my life back—better than ever.”
– Christie, Gastric Sleeve Patient, October 2023

Chubby. Thick. Fat. “Pretty face.” Obese. These words followed me from childhood into adulthood, each one whispering the same message: You are not enough. The weight wasn’t just physical—it carried a lifetime of shame, limitations, and emotional struggle. As I got older, those extra pounds began to steal my freedom, and that was no longer acceptable.

When I chose gastric sleeve surgery, I didn’t see it as a fix—I saw it as a tool. I knew I needed to change my relationship with food, challenge the habits and emotions that drove me, and believe that I was enough no matter the number on the scale. The sleeve was my guardrail as I rebuilt my life—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

The JourneyLite team supported me every step of the way. Emily Curry, my dietitian, gave me crystal-clear guidance on nutrition, portions, and timing, which I followed to a T. Melissa Peters ensured I stayed nourished and energized—no hair loss, no fatigue—just steady, healthy progress.

The result? I’m down from 286 pounds to 150. I bike 10 miles a day, lift weights, and run regularly. I’m training for a sprint triathlon. I run stairs without pain, without the handrail. But most importantly, I’m living the WHY that drove it all: to run, play, and thrive alongside my grandchild—with no limitations.

As a mental health therapist and life coach, I’ve now integrated weight management coaching into my practice. I don’t just teach it—I live it. Helping others reclaim their lives has become my mission and my joy.

Ready to take back your life too? Visit www.christiecoaching.com.

aching.com

The JourneyLite team is there for whatever you may need! Don’t be afraid to reach out.

Rebeca Before

Rebeca After

Rebeca

“I lost 160 pounds—and gained my life back.”
– Rebeca, Gastric Sleeve Patient, May 2024

I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember. At 340 pounds, I felt overwhelmed, depressed, ashamed, and too exhausted to keep up with my child. I tried every diet and workout plan, but nothing stuck—I’d always hit a wall and end up right back where I started.

On May 22, 2024, I made the decision to take control of my life with gastric sleeve surgery. Ten months later, I’m down 160 pounds, four shirt sizes, and five pants sizes. I now weigh 180 pounds—and I finally have the energy and freedom to live again.

This surgery has been a game-changer. It’s helped me manage portions, make healthier food choices, and break free from the cycle of defeat. The team at JourneyLite has been incredible—always available, always supportive. If you have a question or need help, they’re just a message away.

The best part? I can keep up with my child. We run, play, and make memories—together.

To anyone on the fence: don’t be afraid. Take the leap. You won’t regret it.

JourneyLite Featured Patient of the Month-June 2023: Ann G.

Name
	Ann G.




Program:
	Surgery
Surgery:
	gastric sleeve
Surgery date or program start date:
	January
Year:
	2022
My highest adult weight was (lbs):
	353
My current weight is (lbs):
	232
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:
	The bullying began in grade school . I was teased on a daily basis for being over weight . I remember hiding in the rest room and peaking out the door till all the students were upstairs .I made a mad dash to my class room . .By doing this I was able to avoid the bully and avoid getting teased in front of my class mates.. I often did not make it to the classroom before the bell stopped ringing . Then I experienced getting in trouble from my teacher for being tardy. This was the beginning of my very low self esteem/self confidence and depression which followed me into adulthood. It held me back from pursuing the life I deserved ,because I didn’t believe in me or believe I was worthy . I could write a book… Who knows maybe I will !!
Tell us how surgery and/or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
	Sometimes.. you have to hit bottom before you can change. On the way home from a family vacation the stewardess on my plane yelled to the front of the plane.” I need a seat belt extension on seat 15 A. “I wanted to crawl under my seat. I had reached an all time high of 353 pounds .I was in so much pain both emotionally and physically . I wanted to die . When I got home from the trip I made the decision to lose the weight . I started the next day and never turned back. I lost 60 pounds with the help of the Journey Lite Team.. Jan 26 ,2022 Dr .Curry performed my surgury with no complications. . The team has been very supportive.. I would still like to lose another 50 pounds . I’m confident I will accomplish this goal. I am able to travel comfortably … No seat belt extension ! Go me !! I can cross my legs !! I can walk miles.. I can ride a bike !! I can get onto the back of the boat without being hoisted up ! I can snorkel ! I can swim continuous !! I enjoy walking miles on the bike path with my granddaughter !! I sleep good .. I don’t snore any longer . My labs are much improved. I can wear cute clothes & I wore a bikini for the first time this year. I wish that I would have been able to get the surgury sooner . I was a self pay so we had to pay out of pocket. I believe the surgury saved my life just in the knick of time.
Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
	The team at Journey Lite has been fantastic and very supportive. I have felt comfortable every step of the way. The process was seamless and I have referred many to Dr . Curry .
What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
	My entire life has changed !! But the main thing is that I am physically fit & active & able to walk miles !! Go me
Optional Comments:
	Big Thank you to Dr Curry & team !!

pre-op picture of weight loss surgery patient Ann G — Ann before

post-op pic of gastric sleeve patient Ann G — Ann after

JourneyLite Featured Patient of the Month-July 2023:

Name
	Teresa T.




Program:
	Surgery
Surgery:
	gastric sleeve
Surgery date or program start date:
	July
Year:
	2,022
My highest adult weight was (lbs):
	429
My current weight is (lbs):
	276
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:
	My weight has affected my whole life since being a child. From experiencing bullying, not being as athletic as the other kids nor just having energy. This continued in young adulthood to current as of last year. I was not able to even do basic things such as walking through a store, standing in the shower or even to experience life. Everything was controlled by my obesity. I was just waiting to die one bite at a time. I tried many diets I have lost weight alot of weight then gained double back I could never get a handle on it. I was miserable just existed.
Tell us how surgery and/or medication has helped you get control of your weight issues:
	This program saved my life I am able to control my life, my success and where I want to go with this tool. I am able to play with my grandchildren and my niece and nephew which I was not able I able to before. I go out and try new things, I enjoy going outside walking or just hanging out with the family. I am so much more active physically, emotionally and mentally.
Tell us about the support you have received from the team at JourneyLite and how it has impacted your success:
	Your program has supported me with my challenges,my setbacks and my triumphs. Whenever I had questions it was no problem anytime or any day to ask you guys. You checked in on me helped me whenever I thought I was failing even and motivated me when I was successful in losing weight. I couldn’t of done it without any of you.
What’s one thing you can do now that you couldn’t before you lost the weight:
	Enjoy life instead of just waiting to die. I am able to walk without assistance I can go to an amusement park, I have changed career fields that I would’ve never been able to do before, I can do dishes,cook, clean and have the strength to do so.