Surgical Weight Loss

By the time I turned 40, I knew it was time for a change. My weight had been a lifelong battle—by age 19, I had reached 315 pounds. For as long as I can remember, food was my comfort, my coping mechanism through good times and bad. But the world isn’t always kind, and I endured years of bullying in school and cruel stares in adulthood. I tried everything—diets, medications, workouts—and nothing seemed to work. I would get stuck, discouraged, and right back where I started.

Then I found JourneyLite and the gastric sleeve.

I had my surgery on April 16, 2025—just 2 months ago and eight days after my 40th birthday—and it was the best gift I’ve ever given myself. In just two months, I’ve already lost 113 pounds and feel like a completely different person. I’m almost in “Onederland,” and for the first time in years, I love taking photos again. No more deleting every picture because I hated how I looked.

The sleeve didn’t just help me lose weight—it changed my relationship with food. I now recognize when I’m full and no longer eat until I feel miserable. I’m making healthier choices, not because I have to, but because I want to. Food is no longer my comfort; it’s fuel, and I finally understand that.

JourneyLite has supported me every step of the way. When I needed an unexpected hysterectomy just two weeks after surgery, they were there with answers and reassurance. Every time I’ve had a question—no matter how random—I’ve received a response within minutes. The monthly dietitian video classes and check-ins have been game-changers in keeping me on track.

Today, I can cross my legs comfortably—something I couldn’t do before without pain. And I smile in pictures, genuinely proud of who I’m becoming.

Thank you, JourneyLite, for giving me the tools, support, and confidence to reclaim my life. I still have a way to go, but for the first time, I truly believe I can get there.

#WeightLossJourney #GastricSleeve #JourneyLite #BeforeAndAfter #WLSCommunity #Onederland #HealthyLiving #VSGJourney #ConfidenceBoost #TransformationTuesday

Bruce’s Journey: From 19 Medications to a New Life

Before my gastric sleeve surgery in October 2022, I was on 19 medications a day—five for high blood pressure, three for diabetes, plus daily insulin. At just 270 pounds, my health was spiraling. I had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and a grim outlook from my doctors. When I met with Dr. Augusto, it was clear the list of prescriptions would only keep growing. My insurance wouldn’t cover the surgery, so I made a life-changing decision: I pulled money from my 401K to pay for it myself—and it was the best investment I’ve ever made.

Within a month after surgery, I was down to just seven medications. Today, I only take one for a hormonal deficiency and one for blood pressure due to a heart valve issue. My cardiologist and primary care doctor are thrilled with my progress. But here’s the truth—surgery is just a tool. The real change has to happen in your mindset. You have to be willing to put in the work, listen to your care team, and follow their guidance. If you do that, the results will speak for themselves.

Thanks to the incredible support from the JourneyLite team, I’ve regained control of my life. They genuinely care about your success, and they give you every resource you need to keep the weight off for good.

One of the best parts? I can finally see my feet—and tie my shoes without getting out of breath.

Callie’s Journey: From Struggle to Strength
Total Weight Lost: 187 lbs
Surgery: Gastric Sleeve, August 2025

Before my surgery, my weight dominated my life. From a young age, I was painfully aware of how different I felt. Every room I entered, I compared my size, my plate, my presence to everyone around me. It wasn’t just physical—it was a constant mental battle that stole my peace and joy.

Choosing the gastric sleeve was the most empowering decision I’ve ever made. Since then, I’ve lost 187 pounds and gained something even greater: freedom. I’ve healed my relationship with food and, more importantly, with myself. I now have the energy to play with my kids, the confidence to wear what I love, and the voice to speak up and be seen.

The support from JourneyLite has been nothing short of transformational. Their unique approach doesn’t stop at surgery—it’s a long-term commitment to your success. Their team is always there, guiding and encouraging you every step of the way.

Today, I am more present, more confident, and more me than I’ve ever been. And for the first time in my life, I feel proud of who I see in the mirror.

I’m Kayla, and in January 2022, I made the life-changing decision to have gastric sleeve surgery. At my heaviest, I weighed 285 pounds. Today, I weigh 165—and the difference is more than just the number on the scale.

I spent most of my teenage and young adult life caught in a cycle of yo-yo dieting. I was always watching from the sidelines, missing out on the things I loved. One of the lowest points for me was when I couldn’t fit on a rollercoaster—it was humiliating. Another moment that hit hard was when I was cheering for my daughter at a soccer game, yelling “faster, faster!” and suddenly realizing I could barely walk comfortably myself. I felt like a hypocrite.

I’ve always loved adventure—hiking, traveling, exploring the outdoors—but my weight held me back. Since losing the weight, all of those things have become not only possible, but enjoyable again.

The surgery helped me regain control of my appetite, but it did more than that—it forced me to confront the emotional reasons behind my overeating. I couldn’t just eat my feelings anymore. I had to dig deep and learn to cope in healthier ways.

JourneyLite was a huge part of my success. In the beginning, the monthly weigh-ins kept me accountable and on track. That consistency gave me the structure I needed to stay focused.

There’s no way I could pick just one thing I can do now that I couldn’t before—there are so many! But even something as simple as walking is so much easier now. I’m no longer just existing—I’m living.

Jeremiah’s Journey: From 376 to 218 Pounds

Before turning 30, I never really saw my weight as a problem. There were tough days when I wasn’t proud of my reflection, but I never seriously tried to make a change. I went back and forth with different weight loss medications over the years, but nothing really worked. Then, a health scare shook me to my core—it was the wake-up call I desperately needed.

In December 2023, I made the decision to have gastric sleeve surgery through JourneyLite. Looking back, it’s clear: this surgery saved my life. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. Today, I weigh 218 pounds—down from my highest weight of 376. The transformation is incredible.

The JourneyLite team supported me every step of the way. From the front desk to the surgeons, and everyone in between, they were professional, compassionate, and genuinely caring. Their support made all the difference in my journey.

Now, life feels limitless. My confidence is higher than ever. I can walk five miles or hike three miles and still feel energized, something I couldn’t even dream of before. Most of my knee and back pain is gone, and I finally feel like myself again—the best I’ve felt since graduating high school over twenty years ago! After reaching a low of 201 pounds post-surgery, I’ve started to work out to build both bulk and lean muscle. The opportunities ahead are endless.

If you’re considering this journey, don’t wait. Take control of your life—you won’t regret it.

From 575 to 245: Jonathon’s Life-Changing Journey

As far back as childhood, Jonathon knew that his weight was a problem. It wasn’t just about how he looked—it was how he felt, how he moved, and how the world responded to him. At his highest, Jonathon weighed 575 pounds. Every day was a challenge, both physically and emotionally. But in December 2022, he took a courageous step: he underwent gastric sleeve surgery.

Since that life-changing moment, Jonathon has lost an astonishing 330 pounds, bringing him down to 245 pounds. But the transformation goes far beyond numbers on a scale.

“This has completely changed my life,” Jonathon shares. “My mental, spiritual, and physical health have all improved for the better.”

The surgery was just the beginning. Through it, Jonathon learned one of the most powerful tools in weight management—portion control. He also found a source of strength and encouragement in the JourneyLite team. “They’ve been amazing,” he says. “They check in all the time and are always encouraging.”

The results speak for themselves, not just in weight loss, but in freedom. One seemingly simple moment still fills Jonathon with pride: sitting in a normal chair—comfortably, without worry. It’s something many take for granted, but for Jonathon, it’s a symbol of how far he’s come.

His journey is a testament to resilience, support, and the power of taking control of your health. Jonathon didn’t just lose weight—he gained back his life.

#journeylite #gastricsleevebeforeandafter #vsgbeforeandafter

“November 18th changed my life—and my family’s.”

Before my gastric sleeve surgery in November 2024, I felt completely defeated. At just 18, I was diagnosed with PCOS and gained weight rapidly. Despite trying countless diets and workout plans, nothing worked. At 265 pounds, I was miserable in my own skin, constantly self-conscious, and missing out on the joys of life—especially time with my kids.

Since surgery, everything has changed. I’m now 176 pounds, full of energy, and finally able to keep up with my toddlers. Just last weekend, we celebrated my husband’s birthday in Tennessee, and I ran around with my family all day without getting winded or overheated. That would’ve been impossible just a year ago.

The support from Dr. Curry and the JourneyLite team has been nothing short of amazing. Despite living 3.5 hours away, they made virtual appointments seamless. From the moment I walked in for surgery, I was treated with care and kindness. Dr. Curry personally checks in with me every month on my surgery anniversary—something no other doctor has ever done. Between those check-ins and regular follow-ups with the dietitian or nurse practitioner, I’ve felt supported every step of the way.

JourneyLite didn’t just perform a surgery—they gave me my life back. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, and I 100% recommend Dr. Curry and his incredible team. They don’t just treat you like a patient—they treat you like family.