I’m Kelly, and in November 2022 I had a gastric sleeve with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite.
For as long as I can remember, my weight has been the lens through which I saw the world. As a child, I was always the heaviest one—at home, at school, even on my sports teams. No matter how hard I tried, I felt like the “big one” in every room, always aware of how much space I was taking up.
As an adult, my life became a series of calculations and quiet fears. At 370 pounds, everyday situations turned into stressful events. Walking into a restaurant meant scanning for a booth and wondering if the seat would hold me. Going out with friends required planning around where I might fit, what chairs had arms, and how far I’d have to walk. Theme parks, concerts, and other “fun” activities were minefields. I watched people hop on roller coasters and rides without a second thought, while I stood off to the side pretending I didn’t want to join.
The hardest part, though, was my son. I could see his childhood happening in front of me, but I wasn’t fully in it. I struggled to get down on the floor to play. Running, chasing, jumping, and being silly all felt out of reach. I was on the sidelines of his life, saying “No, I can’t” more often than I ever wanted to.
That’s when I knew something had to change. I didn’t just want to lose weight—I wanted my life back.
Choosing JourneyLite
When I came to JourneyLite and met Dr. Augusta and the team, I felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. They didn’t just see my weight; they saw me as a whole person—a mom, a woman who wanted to live a full, active life. Together, we decided that gastric sleeve surgery was the right tool to help me finally take control.
The surgery itself was the start of my transformation, not the end. It gave me powerful tools and clear boundaries that I couldn’t ignore or negotiate with:
Portion control became built-in. My new stomach simply wouldn’t allow the huge portions I used to eat.
I learned to listen to my body’s true satiety signals—that quiet “I’m satisfied” instead of the overstuffed feeling I used to chase.
Because I could only eat small amounts, I had to prioritize nutrition—protein, vegetables, and real, nourishing food instead of empty calories.
I also had to relearn how to eat and take care of myself. I slowed down, chewed thoroughly, and put my fork down between bites. I separated drinking from eating and treated hydration like a real habit instead of an afterthought. Movement became part of my daily life, and taking my vitamins and supplements became an act of self-respect instead of a chore.
Weight loss surgery didn’t “fix” me. It gave me a framework and a sense of urgency I desperately needed so I could finally break old patterns and build new ones.
The Power of Aftercare
I truly believe the reason I’ve been so successful is because of the aftercare I received at JourneyLite. The team didn’t disappear after surgery—they leaned in.
They walked me through each phase of the diet step by step, answered every question, and never made me feel like a burden. When I was unsure, they were there. When I needed encouragement, they provided it. I always felt like a person, not a number on a chart.
Their guidance, support, and genuine compassion made the process feel manageable, even on the hard days. I never felt alone in this journey, and that kind of support is priceless.
My Life Now
Today, I weigh 138 pounds. That’s a 232-pound difference on the scale—but the changes go far beyond the number.
The world that once felt so small is now wide open.
I walk into restaurants and just sit down without thinking twice about the chair. I can say yes to hikes, family outings, and last-minute plans without worrying if my body can keep up. I can buy clothes off the rack without dreading the fitting room. Theme parks, which used to feel like an obstacle course of embarrassment and avoidance, are now pure fun. I walk up to a roller coaster, pull the harness down, and feel the wind in my hair instead of the weight holding me back.
Most importantly, I’m no longer watching my son’s life from the sidelines—I’m in it. I can kneel to tie his shoes, chase him around the yard, play on the playground, and plan active adventures without fear. I’m not the mom who says, “No, I can’t” anymore. I’m the mom who says, “Let’s go!”
This journey has been about so much more than losing weight. It’s about shedding shame, anxiety, and constant fear. It’s about finally living as the person I always knew I could be—a present parent, an active participant, and a woman who enjoys her own life.
If I had to sum up what I can do now that I couldn’t do before?
I can enjoy life—fully, freely, and without limits. And for that, I am endlessly grateful to Dr. Augusta and the entire JourneyLite team.
