My name is Tina, and in February 2025 I had a gastric sleeve with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite. Today I’m down from my highest adult weight of 250 pounds to 162 pounds—and I feel like I finally have my life back.
As a young adult, I started to realize that my weight was becoming a real problem. At first it was little things: feeling winded walking up a flight of stairs, dreading photos, constantly tugging at my clothes to hide my body. Over time, those “little things” turned into big problems. I woke up every morning with aches and pains. My joints hurt, my back hurt, and even simple tasks felt exhausting. I couldn’t walk very far without needing to stop and take a break.
It wasn’t just physical. Being morbidly obese affected me emotionally and mentally in ways that are hard to put into words. I became the person who never wanted to go out in public. I’d turn down invitations, avoid social events, and come up with excuses to stay home because I hated how I felt in my own skin. My world slowly got smaller and smaller.
By the age of 52, I felt stuck. I had tried every diet out there—if it had a name, I probably tried it. I would lose a little, gain it back, and often end up heavier than when I started. Each “failure” chipped away at my confidence. I started to believe maybe this was just my fate.
That’s when I made the decision to move forward with the gastric sleeve at JourneyLite.
From my very first visit, I knew I was in the right place. Dr. Augusta and the entire JourneyLite team didn’t just see a number on the scale—they saw me as a whole person. They listened to my story, my fears, my past attempts, and my hopes for the future. They didn’t judge me. They encouraged me.
My journey from pre-op to post-op has been nothing short of amazing. The office staff, nurses, nutritionists, surgeons, and surgery center team have all treated me with kindness and respect. They answered every question I had—no matter how big or small—and never made me feel silly for asking. I truly felt like I had a team behind me every step of the way.
One of the biggest ways JourneyLite has changed my life is through education. I didn’t just have surgery and get sent on my way. They taught me about portion control, how to recognize when I’m truly satisfied, and what foods help my body versus what foods hold me back. I learned which choices support my health and which ones I need to stay away from. For the first time, I feel like I have the tools to maintain my weight loss instead of just “being on a diet.”
The changes in my day-to-day life are incredible. I wake up now with very minimal pain. I can move more freely and walk longer distances without needing to stop and catch my breath. I actually look forward to going places instead of dreading how hard it will be.
Shopping for clothes has completely changed too. I don’t have to hide behind baggy shirts anymore. I can buy clothes that are actually in style and feel excited to wear them. I can cross my legs comfortably—something that might sound small, but to me it’s a big deal.
And here’s one of my favorite “non-scale victories”: I used to use my lap and belly as a little shelf when I was putting on my makeup. I could balance things there without even thinking about it. Now, when I try to do that, everything just slides right off and ends up on the floor. The difference is, now I can bend over easily to pick it all up!
The support from the JourneyLite staff hasn’t stopped just because my surgery is over. They’ve always been there for me, no matter what my question is. Knowing I can reach out and get guidance, reassurance, or just a little encouragement has made a huge impact on my success.
Choosing gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Augusta at JourneyLite was not an “easy way out.” It was a brave decision to take control of my health after years of struggling and feeling defeated. I’m still on my journey, but I finally feel hopeful, capable, and proud of how far I’ve come.
If you’re reading this and you feel like I used to—tired, in pain, hiding from life, and afraid nothing will ever work—I want you to know there is hope. With the right team, the right tools, and a willingness to change, you really can rewrite your story.
I’m living proof.
