Michael’s gastric sleeve success story
At age 60, Michael chose gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite after new health concerns changed the way he viewed his weight. He has lost approximately 106 pounds, gained confidence, and reports major improvements in his health and everyday stamina.
A lifetime of feeling like the heavier guy
Michael had been short and stocky for as long as he could remember. Although childhood comments could be painful, he generally brushed off other people’s opinions as an adult. He lifted weights, kept up with his family, and did not feel that his size defined what he could do.
Years earlier, supervisors told him that he needed to lose weight because of how he looked in a training role. The experience stayed with him, but it was not until later health concerns emerged that he decided a major change was necessary.
Choosing gastric sleeve surgery at 60
By age 60, Michael was managing high blood pressure and prediabetes and had been diagnosed with fatty liver disease. After researching his options, he kept returning to gastric sleeve surgery. He chose to approach treatment fully committed—listening to the experts, changing his eating habits, and learning which routines would support his health long term.
“Saying yes to the gastric sleeve with Dr. James Augusta at JourneyLite gave me my health—and my confidence—back.”
Structure, education, and accountability
Michael underwent gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. James Augusta in May 2025. He continued lifting weights, and the smaller stomach—combined with education and accountability—gave him the structure he needed to build healthier habits.
He describes Dr. Augusta as outstanding and credits JourneyLite’s dietitians with helping him understand what was working, troubleshoot challenges, and stay accountable through group education, individual check-ins, and regular weigh-ins.
Health improvements beyond the scale
Michael’s weight decreased from 299 pounds to 192.6 pounds. He says that everyday activities now feel easier and faster, with greater stamina and less concern about overexertion.
Michael also reports that he no longer needs medication for high blood pressure or prediabetes, that his fatty liver disease has reversed, and that he is wearing clothing sizes he had not seen in 40 years. For him, the most important transformation was learning to listen, follow a plan, and change the thinking that shaped his previous habits.
Michael’s journey at a glance
- Procedure
- Gastric Sleeve Surgery (VSG)
- Surgeon
- Dr. James Augusta, JourneyLite
- Surgery date
- May 2025
- Starting weight
- 299 lbs
- Current weight
- 192.6 lbs
- Total weight loss
- Approximately 106 lbs
Michael gave JourneyLite permission to share his story and images. This testimonial reflects one patient’s personal experience. Individual results vary. Medication changes and medical outcomes require evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
