I have been the ‘fat’ kid my entire life and really thought it was just the life I had to live.

Julie

“I’ve lost 202 pounds—and gained a life I never thought was possible.”
– Julie, Gastric Sleeve Patient, June 2023

I’ve been the “fat kid” for as long as I can remember. Bullied, teased, humiliated—even having a can of Fruitopia thrown at me in high school. Doctors told me to lose weight but never offered real tools. By adulthood, my weight kept climbing, and the hope of change felt further and further away.

By my early 30s, I had severe arthritis in both knees, needed replacements, and developed asthma after COVID. I reached 378 pounds. I was exhausted, breathless, and felt like I was slowly dying. That’s when I knew I had to do something—not just for my body, but for my life.

I started with JourneyLite’s medical weight loss program, learning to make better food choices and working through emotional issues with food in counseling. Surgery became the tool I needed to maintain what I had begun. As a lifelong yo-yo dieter, I could lose weight—but I could never keep it off.

Since my gastric sleeve surgery in June 2023, I’ve lost 202 pounds. And for the first time ever, I’ve kept it off.

The support from JourneyLite has been phenomenal. The dietitians, nurse practitioners, and Dr. Curry have been by my side the entire time—answering questions, offering guidance, and celebrating each step. Dr. Curry made me feel heard and helped me create a plan that worked for me.

Now? I’ve completed multiple 5Ks and even a 10K. I walked a 5K every day in January. Before surgery, I could barely walk to the bathroom without losing my breath.

When I visited Disney in May, my husband took a series of photo shoots to celebrate me—because for the first time, I feel like someone worth celebrating. From fitting in seats without worry to being under 200 pounds, every win matters.

My life has changed because of JourneyLite—and I’ll never stop being grateful.