Surgical Weight Loss

Alicia

“I have my confidence—and my life—back.”
– Alicia, Gastric Sleeve Patient, July 2024

After serving briefly in the U.S. Air Force, an injury left me unable to stay active. Add to that years of raising kids, the heartbreak of miscarriages, and a sedentary career as an over-the-road truck driver, and my weight quickly spiraled out of control. At my highest, I was 287 pounds, battling daily joint pain, back issues, and the emotional toll of feeling stuck in a body that didn’t reflect who I was inside.

I had tried everything—diet pills, low-carb, keto—but I couldn’t get below 250. It was frustrating and defeating. In early 2024, I found JourneyLite and met with Dr. Augusta. That was the turning point. On July 25, I had gastric sleeve surgery, and it changed everything.

Today, I weigh 140 pounds. I’ve gone from a size 22 to a size 8, and from a 2XL to a small. I can cross my legs, sit comfortably on the floor, and walk 8+ miles a day without pain. The surgery didn’t just give me weight loss—it gave me a second chance.

The support from JourneyLite has been phenomenal. Whether it was the office staff, surgical team, or dietitians, they were always available—just a message or text away. They prepared me for the ups and downs, and that honest, caring guidance helped me succeed.

If you’re considering weight loss surgery or medical options, I can’t recommend JourneyLite enough. They helped me reclaim my health, my confidence, and the joy I’d been missing for years.

“Now, I get to be me—confident, healthy, and free.”
– Alexa, Gastric Sleeve Patient, April 2022

As a teenager, I knew my weight was holding me back—not just physically, but emotionally. At 298 pounds, I struggled to feel confident in who I was. It affected every part of my life.

Since having gastric sleeve surgery in April 2022, everything has changed. I’m now 138 pounds, off multiple medications, and—most importantly—I feel like the best version of myself. The procedure didn’t just change my body—it gave me the confidence and freedom to truly be me.

JourneyLite made the entire process seamless. From start to finish, their team answered every question and supported me at every step. Their guidance gave me the clarity and confidence I needed to succeed.

If you’re ready to take your life back, I can tell you firsthand—it’s worth it.

Meagan

“I feel beautiful again—and unstoppable.”
– Meagan, Gastric Sleeve Patient, October 2023

At 422 pounds, everyday life felt like a struggle. My back hurt after walking short distances, and I was down to just one or two shirts I felt comfortable wearing in public. I avoided going out, felt invisible, and battled deep depression. I no longer felt beautiful—or like myself.

Since having gastric sleeve surgery in October 2023, my life has transformed. I’ve lost 140 pounds and gained something even more important: confidence. My face has changed, my clothes fit better, and I’m no longer dreading the world—I’m embracing it. I can fit comfortably into seats at restaurants, and I even rode my first rollercoaster in 10 years—without worrying whether I’d fit.

The JourneyLite team has been a lifeline. Dr. Curry, the nurse practitioners, and dietitians have cheered me on at every step. When I hit a plateau, they didn’t shame me—they encouraged me, reminded me this was normal, and celebrated how far I’ve come. That support made all the difference.

Now? I go to the gym for 90 minutes—cardio and weights. I feel strong, proud, and like myself again.

To anyone struggling: don’t wait. You are worth this journey. You are worth feeling good again.

Tracy

“Beating cancer wasn’t the end of my story—taking control of my life was.”
– Tracy, Gastric Sleeve Patient, December 2021

For most of my life, I hovered around an “average” weight. I always had to watch what I ate, but I managed. That changed in 2018 when, at 35, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Nine months of surgery, chemo, radiation, and hormone blockers took a toll—not just physically, but emotionally. I gained weight, lost energy, and found comfort in food and drink. I felt like my body had turned against me.

By the end of 2021, I had hit 205 pounds. Despite dieting, exercising, and even fasting for days at a time, nothing worked. I felt trapped, defeated, and ashamed. My mental health suffered. I didn’t want to leave the house or see anyone. I lived in “comfy clothes” because nothing else fit. I was alive—but I didn’t feel like I was really living.

That’s when I made the decision to have gastric sleeve surgery with JourneyLite. It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

The surgery gave me back control. I stopped feeling starved all the time, making it easier to choose healthy foods. The weight came off, and so did the burden of helplessness. I felt strong again. I felt capable. And for the first time in years, I felt like myself.

The JourneyLite team has been amazing. From day one to nearly four years later, they’ve answered every question and offered support—nutritional, medical, financial, and emotional. I’ve always felt cared for, never judged.

Now at 120 pounds, I have energy, confidence, and a new outlook on life. I work full-time, keep up with my kids, and live fully—not just exist. I’m not just a cancer survivor—I’m thriving.

Lori

“I discovered a version of me I never knew could exist.”
– Lori, Gastric Sleeve Patient, April 2022

For most of my adult life, weight was a constant battle. I lived in a cycle of yo-yo dieting—losing weight, regaining more, and feeling increasingly defeated. By my early forties, I was 274 pounds, struggling with severe back pain, swollen ankles, and emotional eating that felt impossible to control. I couldn’t enjoy the life I wanted with my family. Even bending down to pick something up felt like a chore.

Since having gastric sleeve surgery in April 2022, everything has changed.

My activity level, my confidence, and my relationships have all transformed. With a smaller stomach capacity, I’ve gained control over my emotional eating—it forced me to pause, reflect, and choose better. Over time, those small choices turned into big victories.

I’ve fallen in love with movement—something I never thought would happen. I have no more back pain, no more swollen ankles, and no more need for external validation. I’ve found strength, joy, and a deep sense of self-worth I didn’t know was possible.

Today, I weigh 163 pounds. You’ll find me at the gym, outside in the yard, or playing racquetball with my husband—instead of stuck on the couch, watching life pass by.

The JourneyLite team has been phenomenal. Their support, guidance, and the help of their nutritionist were key in reshaping not just my body, but my relationship with food and with myself.

Now, I can hike with my family, fit on roller coasters with ease, and fully participate in life. And I wouldn’t trade this version of me for anything.