Procedure: Gastric sleeve
Surgeon: Dr. James Augusta
Date: September 2024
Highest weight: 289 lbs → Current: 215 lbs (74 lbs lost so far)
I’ve lived in a larger body for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I ran slower, shopped in different sections than my friends, and—at eight years old—I realized I could fit into my mom’s clothes. Little moments like that told me I wasn’t like everyone else, and over time my weight became part of my identity, whether I wanted it to or not.
Somewhere along the way, I made a promise: When I turn 30, I’m going to make myself pretty and be skinny. I don’t know why that stuck, but it did. What surprises me most is that I actually kept that promise—not because I hated who I was, but because I wanted to feel aligned with myself.
Choosing a gastric sleeve at JourneyLite accelerated the progress I’d tried to make on my own for years. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it became the tool that finally moved me forward. Since surgery, cravings are quieter, my routine is steadier, and I’m learning how to care for myself consistently. I have more energy, I feel lighter—physically and emotionally—and I’m building a lifestyle that I can maintain.
The support from JourneyLite has been incredible from the start. Calls, texts, and virtual check-ins with the nutrition team made me feel seen and supported. I didn’t think I’d need that much help, but knowing they were there—answering questions quickly and guiding me through each phase—kept me confident and focused. That care has played a big role in my success.
The moment I’ll never forget: I’m a mom to a 9-year-old son. When he was 7, we went to Kings Island, excited for a roller coaster together. I sat down—and the safety bar wouldn’t close. We had to get off. I was devastated, not just for me, but for him. Today, that’s no longer my reality. I fit. I ride. We laugh. I even bought season passes so we can make new memories—without limits.
If I knew then what I know now, I wouldn’t have waited so long to make this change. Aside from becoming a mother, this has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I’m not at the finish line yet—but for the first time, I’m genuinely proud of the path I’m on.
