Hello! My name is JoAnne Narayan, and I am the owner and founder of BeliteWeight. In 2001, I had Lap Band Surgery and successfully lost 100 pounds. However, I was never "the thin girl" growing up and struggled with my weight my entire life. In college, I obtained a degree in Nutrition in the hopes that it would assist me with my ongoing weight issues. Soon after graduating, I was married and started having children. My weight was creeping up with each pregnancy. After having my fifth child, my weight was at its highest and I knew I had to get a grip on it or my health was surely to suffer.

That's when I started researching Weight Loss Surgery. Knowing that my insurance did not cover any Bariatric procedures, and I could not afford the $25,000 self pay pricing in the United States, I decided on a surgeon in Mexico.

I lost 100 pounds in the first year and managed to keep it off for five years. After the death of my mother, in 2007, I slowly started to gain the weight back. Although I had only gained about 35 pounds, I decided to revise my Lap Band to a Gastric Sleeve in October of 2008. Those 35 extra pounds melted off in about 2 months! I have never felt better!

My original desire for starting BeliteWeight was to assist people who couldn't afford Weight Loss Surgery in the U.S.A. The company has now evolved to where we can offer affordable surgery options in Mexico and the United States.

Nothing pleases me more than to watch our patients rise above their weight struggles and live their lives the way they were meant to be lived.

I welcome you to continue reading below and meet the wonderful group of professionals who are all here to assist you on your journey.



My name is Sylvia, somehow I found myself at 350 lbs, and to this day I cannot tell you why I let my weight get that high. I knew I had do something about it that worked! Unfortunately my insurance (like most) did not cover Weight Loss Surgery, but during my research I noticed that a lot of people were going to Mexico and paying for their own surgery. I found out it was so much less expensive in Mexico and my husband who is an Interventional Cardiologist was not at all worried about me having surgery in Mexico and that was good enough for me! I cannot tell you how my life has changed since the surgery, and how much more confident I am. I am now in my 10 year anniversary of the surgery and am still feeling amazing! As a Patient Facilitator, my goal is to reach out to people to get them on the same road to a better and healthier life! It doesn't get any better than that!


My name is Joyce, I chose the Lap Band procedure which I had in 2005. I have lost over 80 pounds, which inspired 3 other members of my family to also have weight loss surgery. We are truly a family of believers! I aspire to make every thing move as smoothly as possible for you. Most importantly, I want to share your successes and concerns before and after the surgery. Being thinner has opened up a whole new set of doors and options for me. Grab this chance to do your best…and do it with the BeliteTeam!


My name is "Ishi," I had Lap Band Surgery July of 2003. At 4'11" and 225 lbs., I was about as big around as I was tall! My journey back to a healthier, happier "me" started the day I decided to investigate further this "new" procedure called "Lap Band Surgery." I hoped it would change my life. It did, more than I imagined! I lost over 100 lbs. and have managed to maintain it for over the years! I am the proud 'grandma' of 5 active, little girls. I remember what it was like to live life as an obese person-I felt the stares from the medical community I lived in, being married to a surgeon and the unpleasant comments from the high school students. I taught. They say "the best you can do for someone is what you mean to them," as a Patient Facilitator, it's my job to make sure you have the same wonderful experience that I had. I want to make everything run as smoothly as possible for you and share your successes and concerns before and after your surgery. It's so rewarding to watch my patients take steps towards a healthier life, knowing that I've been a part of their journey!


My name is Teri and although I have not had bariatric surgery myself, I have a background in counseling and understand the challenges and pain associate with obesity. I grew up with an obese Mother and felt compassion for they many things she missed out on because of her size. Working along side my sister Joanne has helped me to witness first hand the joys and the positive life changes that come with a large weight loss. As a patient facilitator since 2006, I have always strived to improve the health and appearance of my patients, which is the most fulfilling work I have ever done. When you feel good about yourself there is no better feeling and no mountain too high. I look forward to working to help you achieve your goals and enjoy a healthy and happy life.


My name is Jessica and I am a mother of 3 wonderful boys. My struggle with weight began after having children. I gained 100 lbs. with each child and after my last son was born I tried desperately to lose the weight only to fail time and time again. My life changed forever in August of 2004. After having my band surgery I was able to lose 115 lbs. in the first year. I went from a size 22 to a size 6. For once in my life, I felt under control. My weight stays within 5 pounds of my goal weight with minimal effort on my part. I am more active than I have ever been in my life and am not an embarrassment to my family. In fact they are proud to show me off! Getting a Lap-Band is the single most important thing I have ever done for my family and myself. What a blessing it is to now be able to guide others through their weight loss journey. As a patient facilitator for BeliteWeight, I will do my best to answer any questions and guide you through the entire process of making your dreams a reality.


Hello! My name is Sa, I was first introduced to weight loss surgeries and the wonders BeliteWeight does through my family members, who had the gastric bypass surgeries. I saw how it changed their life and became intrigued about weight loss surgery and more interested in people's weight loss journeys, especially those who have disabilities. These interests lead me to becoming the patient supervisor for BeliteWeight's Medicare division. I have over 6 years of experience working with Medicare (A&B) and being apart of BeliteWeight allows me to facilitate surgeries for those with a disability. I believe that everyone has the right to live their life to the fullest. My promise to you is to make your weight loss journey easier and stress-free. It is time for you to live your life to the fullest potential and it would be my pleasure to help you, it's what I love doing!


My name is Sharon and although I have always been very active my whole life, I struggled with weight loss growing up, especially after having my daughter. I would walk down the street and feel out of breath; want to play with my daughter, but could not keep up with her. I have tried the diets, but it was a constant circle- I would lose weight, feel great, then feel deprived and binge--leading myself to gain more weight again, which made me scared to death to diet. It was time to end the circle; my cousin (who was struggling with her weight) and I did the gastric bypass in 2005, where I lost over 110 pounds! I now ride my bike, hike, swim, and recently started to surf! I now have a new way to spend time with my family and because of this we all have a stronger relationship. I enjoy my work, especially seeing the results of people and helping them through their struggle, as I can relate to their situations. As a patient facilitator, I am here for you. My biggest advice is to remember weight loss surgeries are tools so you have to use them as tools, you have to get in the mindset that you do not want to go back to the way things were and I am here to help you stay in this mindset and reach your goals.!


"People want to lose weight because of the way it makes them feel; boosting their self confidence and self esteem to the stratosphere," -Anthony Robbins.

Hi my name is Deborah and this quote that has served as my catalyst to assist others in weight loss surgery. I know what it's like to be obese. I understand the frustration of getting thin and gaining it back and the constant roller coaster it does for your self-esteem. Dropping from a size 16 to a size 4, I overcame my weight and figure problems and so can you. I genuinely believe in the innovative principles of bariatric surgery. My heart sings of joy every time I think of what a blessing it is that I have been given the gift of helping others and that it is something I truly love.


Hello, my name is Amy! Although I have not had weight loss surgery myself, I understand how difficult it is to lose weight on your own. I was 245 pounds at my highest weight and had hit rock bottom. I was fortunate enough to have my parents finance a personal trainer for me, whom all my family members were going to and lost weight successfully. Being able to converse with patients about their own diet and exercise after the surgery, I find joy in hearing that exercise is much more effective because they do not have a constant hunger afterwards. For this very reason, I am committed to assisting patients in offering advice on diet and exercise after their surgery. Similar to many stories I hear from past patients, I now enjoy hiking, swimming, and jogging...things you would have have to force me to do when I was 245 pounds, let alone enjoy it. Losing weight changes your life and allows you to appreciate things you never thought you would. No matter how you get toward your weight loss goals, those who beat obesity have gone through similar hardships. Getting to assist others through their weight loss journey with advice is why I love what I do. =)


Hi, my name is Walt and I am here to help you loose those unwanted pounds. In 2008, I had the sleeve surgery and went from 255 lbs. to 197 lbs. in 5 months! I could not think of a better way to start a new life. When I made this change I was 54 years old, who says that age matters! Anyone, no matter the age, can take off the weight with BeliteWeight's help.


Hi, my name is Diana. Having been on both on both sides of the spectrum, as a patient and a nutritional consultant, I find myself in a unique position to not only use my knowledge of nutrition, but also the practical and emotional aspects a patient experiences while undergoing the weight loss journey. I have lost a total of 114 pounds and went from a size 22 to a size 6. As a nutritional consultant for BeliteWeight, I will be here to help patients not only before the surgery, but to guide you through proper food choices after the surgery. I want you to be just as successful as I was! I look forward to taking on this journey with you.



Hello, my name is Jamie! All my life I have struggled with my weight, in 2003 I decided to do the Gastric Band Surgery, which is what started my involvement in the weight loss surgery industry. After losing 80 pounds in the first year, I kept it off for the next three years, but I could not lose any more weight. In 2009, I had some other health problems (not associated with the Lap Band) and I also moved to an area of the country where getting my band adjusted required a 12 hour drive. I decided to convert from the band to the Gastric Bypass, which resulted in a 100 lbs. weight loss in one year! My life has changed dramatically since. I have discovered passions in activities that I would not normally have been willing to try or have any effort for. I have started to garden, fish with my children and traveling has become a breeze compared to what I would go through before… I can actually buckle a airplane seat belt AND tighten it up! I am very enthusiastic and energetic about my work with BeliteWeight and I look forward to changing people's life for the better.


My name is Nadia and growing up I was always overweight and never really thought I was to the point of needing Bariatric Surgery to help me lose weight; I always figured I could lose the weight on my own. I tried every diet out there and nothing really worked. My aunt first had the Lap Band Surgery in Mexico, then my mother decided to have the Lap Band Surgery. I saw them shrink right before my eyes! This made me realize it was definitely my turn to make a change for myself!

I am 5'3" and my starting weight was 246 lbs., after the Lap Band Surgery, the weight came off steadily for the next few months. I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer to help whip me into shape! I never imagined I would feel as good as I look, or look as good as I feel! I have a new appreciation for food, and for how I perceive food. I don't think about eating all the time anymore and it does not control my life. To date, I have lost over 96 lbs. and I am so proud of myself for reaching my goal…it is an amazing feeling of accomplishment that I take with me in every aspect of my life. This is why I am so passionate about my job with BeliteWeight. Without the help of my Lap Band, I would never have gotten here. To anyone considering Bariatric Surgery, be strong and have faith in yourself and know that you deserve to be healthy and happy!


Hello, my name is Melissa. I have always been very active growing up; playing soccer and running competitively, but would always struggle with my relationship with food and my perception of the way I looked, always comparing myself to the size 00 models. I would set unrealistic goals for myself, which caused me to be incredibly unhealthy. With the help of my friends and those close to me, I was able to become more comfortable with my body, but more importantly, I established a healthier relationship with food. I am so fortunate to work with a company like BeliteWeight and absolutely love meeting patients. Every person who works, performs surgeries and uses the services of BeliteWeight has a story and history with weight loss and health, which is one of the most predominately influential aspects of this company and why I am so passionate about what I do and it does.


Hola! My name is Virginia, patients are like my friends and family and can call me "Bibi." I have worked with BeliteWeight for 6 years serving as part of BeliteWeight's administration in Tijuana, Mexico. I understand with the way that the American media reports news about Mexico, people may have some worries and misconceptions about Mexico, in particular Tijuana. I want to reassure any prospective patients that Mexico is very safe place, the hospital is gorgeous and our doctors are some of the top surgeons in the world. During your time here, I make sure that everything goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible. My goal is to have you go back home to the states leaving Tijuana with a new perspective and outlook on how beautiful and wonderful the Mexican hospitals and culture is.


Hola! My name is Alberto and I have been working for BeliteWeight's Mexico (Tijuana) Team as the driver a long time now! I am the first face you see when you arrive to go to Tijuana, Mexico, as I pick you up at the San Diego airport or Amtrak, take you across the Mexican border, then take you back across to the United States when your Bariatric Surgery is over. I encourage you to come and visit the beautiful country of Mexico! I love taking patients around to the different shopping areas, restaurants, showing them any place they would like to see. Mexico has so much history, culture, and the best margaritas in the world. I ensure that while you are here, it will be nothing but an amazing experience for you!