Five years.
It’s hard to believe it has been five years since weight loss surgery-and sometimes even harder to believe the woman I see in the mirror is me.
162 pounds lost.
The physical transformation has been incredible. My body changed. My face changed. The way I dress changed. But maybe most importantly, the way I carry myself changed.
I wear the dress. I take the picture. I walk into the room with confidence. I don’t spend my energy trying to hide or worrying about how much space I take up. I allow myself to be seen.
Five years later, maintaining this transformation still takes work. There have been fluctuations, challenges and plenty of reminders that surgery was a tool-not a finish line.
But I look at how far I’ve come and feel incredibly proud.
Yes, I lost 162 pounds.
But I gained something I never could have measured on a scale-the confidence and freedom to show up fully as myself.
And that may be my favorite transformation of all. 
Surgery done by - Team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
I'm doing great! I have lost 150 pounds. I have started a travel advisory business this year and my confidence level is through the roof!
I'm doing so much now without the "weight" of my size! I thank God everyday for giving me my life back!!
Thank you!
Surgery done by - Team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
Everything with the program in its entirety was smooth and very straight forward even with the language barrier I was never left in the unknown. Everything was explained and translated perfectly.
The hospital is very relaxed and focused on making you and your partner comfortable.
My weight dropped slowly the first couple months but always dropping every month. I was checked often. I went from a 5x shirt now to a 1xl. Went from a 54" waist down to a 38" waist.
What made the biggest impact on my journey was the fact that I was able to get rid of my blood pressure meds and my diabetes was over. I no longer need insulin and blood pressure meds.
I regained control of my life and body and future.
Surgery done by - Team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
I had my VSG surgery with BeLiteWeight in 2021, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Since my surgery, I’ve lost 115 pounds and have maintained that weight loss for the past four years.
From the very beginning, the entire team treated me with genuine kindness, compassion, and professionalism. I always felt cared for and supported throughout my journey.
Because of my positive experience, I’ve referred many friends to BeLightweight, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone considering bariatric surgery. I’m incredibly grateful for the care they provided and for helping me achieve a healthier, happier life.
Surgery done by - Team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
Our bariatric journey wasn’t a quick decision—it came after years of trying, failing, and starting over. We were tired of feeling stuck and knew we wanted more out of life.
In January 2026, we chose to have bariatric surgery in Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal at BeLiteWeight. It was a big decision and definitely came with fears, but having the right team and doing it together made all the difference.
We leaned on each other every step of the way. From the moment we arrived, we felt cared for. The hospital was clean, safe, and state-of-the-art, and the care we received helped ease our worries and made us feel confident in our decision.
Since surgery, we’ve lost a combined total of over 100 pounds—but we’ve gained so much more: energy, confidence, and a stronger relationship.
This wasn’t the easy way out—it was the tool that helped us take our lives back.
Surgery done by - Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
Our bariatric journey wasn’t a quick decision—it came after years of trying, failing, and starting over. We were tired of feeling stuck and knew we wanted more out of life.
In January 2026, we chose to have bariatric surgery in Mexico with Dr. Jose Rodriguez Villarreal at BeLiteWeight. It was a big decision and definitely came with fears, but having the right team and doing it together made all the difference.
We leaned on each other every step of the way. From the moment we arrived, we felt cared for. The hospital was clean, safe, and state-of-the-art, and the care we received helped ease our worries and made us feel confident in our decision.
Since surgery, we’ve lost a combined total of over 100 pounds—but we’ve gained so much more: energy, confidence, and a stronger relationship.
This wasn’t the easy way out—it was the tool that helped us take our lives back.
Surgery done by - Dr Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
I had surgery 6 years ago in December. This has been one of the best decisions I have made in regards to my health. Both physically and mentally.
The journey is not easy but when you reach your goal it is worth every trial and tribulation you may have encountered.
I highly recommend BeLiteWeight for your life changing experience.
Surgery done by - Dr Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
This is me now after losing 65 pounds!
Surgery done by - Dr Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
I just want to say how amazing my experience with BeLightweight has been!
I’m officially 100lbs lighter exactly, and I truly could not have done it without the incredible support from the team. From day one, they have constantly checked on me, encouraged me, and made me feel supported every step of the journey.
I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done and for helping me become a healthier and happier version of myself.
Thank you all so much!
Surgery done by - Dr Jose Rodriguez Villarreal, MD, FACS
I'm doing well! I've lost 70 lbs since surgery
Surgery done by - Team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez , , MD, FACS
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.webp "Victoria .B RNY gastric bypass 2 years update *")
.webp "Carmen D - RNY gastric bypass 3 years update*")
I am glad I had this surgery and do not have any regrets
RNY gastric bypass
Surgeons - The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez- Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Everything is going amazing. As of yesterday, my weigh was 135.7 so 100 pounds down for me.
A1c is 5.7 no diabetes anymore!! No more high blood pressure, no more high cholesterol. I'm living my best life thanks to everyone there.
I got to go skydiving 2 weeks ago! That would not have been possible for me a year ago.
Thank you all so very much for changing my life.
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeon - The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez- Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hey, yes, it's been great.
Initially I weighted at 241 the day before surgery and now I am at 136, that's after giving birth to my daughter and I am now 17 weeks pregnant. Overall, my health definitely has improved. I've just been trying to maintain my eating habits because it's hard to keep food now.
RNY gastric bypass
Surgeon Dr. Jose Rodriguez
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Thank you for reaching out.
Four years out, I am doing very well with my weight loss journey and am very pleased. I started off at 248 pounds and have maintained at 165 for quite some time... settling out at an 83 pound loss. There's times I have got down to around 160 but I have never gone past 168!
It has been so comforting to be able to go to store simply pick out a "large" or a size 10 jeans without having to try everything. I started wearing a size 20 or 22 jeans. Deciding to have weight loss surgery has been absolutely the best decision I ever made in my life!
I don't take any medication. I simply take vitamins and continue to maintain a good intake of protein.
I have so much energy and able to do just about anything I want to!
I climb four stories of steps at my job daily… Nothing I would've been able to do at 248 pounds!
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeon - Dr. Jose Rodriguez
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Doing great, I lost 230 lbs in 2 years, kept it off all this time. I AM A HEALTHY at 148 lbs and couldn't be happier
At 50 years old, I am healthier than I was at 30
Mini bypass
Surgeon - Dr. Jose Rodriguez
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I've lost 90 pounds. I have been maintaining but would eventually like to lose 40-50 more but I'm in no rush
I started at 363??? I'm at 264 right now
Gastric sleeve
Surgeon - Dr Jose Rodriguez
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In total I have lost 123 pounds. I am maintaining give or take 5 pounds. I have definitely had my ups and downs, but overall, I am still happy with the decision to have the surgery because I am healthier.
Gastric sleeve
Surgeon - Dr Jose Rodriguez
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I'm doing ok. Maintaining. Feel pretty good. My lowest I got was about 193. Maintaining about 200 to 205
gastric bypass
Surgeon - Dr Jose Rodriguez
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Hello, I am doing well! I've lost over 140 pounds
sleeve to bypass revision
Surgeon - Dr. Jose Rodriguez
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I'm doing great I'm down to 187 pounds I feel and look great
-Gastric sleeve
Surgeon - Dr Jose Rodriguez
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I am currently steady at 120 doing great
sleeve to RNY gastric bypass revision
Surgeon - Dr. Jose Rodriguez
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Thanks for checking in. I'm doing good and maintaining 140lbs, I have lost 130 lbs. I feel amazing!
RNY gastric bypass
Surgeon- Dr. Jose Rodriguez
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.webp "Kroeger D-gastric sleeve update after 2 years*")
I am doing great! I have been between my happy spot! 125 - 135. I have been maintaining my happy weight!
gastric sleeve
Surgeon - Dr Jose Rodriguez and Dr Rafael Vizcarra
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.webp "Janice C- Gastric bypass revision 4 years update*")
Size 4 and I feel great! Wish I had done this sooner!
Had the gastric sleeve to bypass revision
Surgeon - Dr Jose Rodriguez and Dr Rafael Vizcarra
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Since my surgery I've found a new zest for life. I have a lot more energy which allows me to do more with my kids. I have more confidence in myself. I can also shop for clothes online and I know they'll fit. This wasn't the case before and buying clothes is fun now! I have arthritis although it'll never go away, less weight on my bones gives me a little bit of relief.
- mini gastric bypass
surgeons - Surgeon Dr Jose Rodriguez and Dr Rafael Vizcarra
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Down to 120 pounds. Been at a stall the last three or four weeks.
Huge difference in my size!!
I went from barely fitting into a size 14 to a size 3, being a little loose now
- Gastric Sleeve
Surgeon- The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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That's a recent pic I have maintained my weight I am actually still losing my A1c has went from 13.4 to currently 5.4 I am actually 217
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeon- The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hello,
I am extremely happy my only regret is not doing it sooner. I have lost the 68lbs. I'm not at my goal of 100lbs but I started running last summer. I will be doing my first half marathon April 28th and full marathon at the end of year. None of this would be possible if not for my weight loss surgery. I still plan on working on losing the lost 30lbs but I'll refocus once I get done with my half marathon training.
I can't thank you and your team enough, you have changed my life and I would not have been able to on my own." Here are some of photos from my half marathon, I'm really proud of myself for sticking to it I finished 4 minutes past my goal but I had a lot of fun and it couldn't of been possible without you guys at BeLiteWeight "
Gastric sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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I started my weight loss at 685 lbs and lost weight on my own, down to 454 lbs before I then stalled. I contacted BeLiteWeight to help me finish the job. I had the RNY Bypass in May of 2022.
I am currently UNDER my goal weight, now at 247 lbs and still losing!
RNY gastric Bypass
Surgeon- Dr. Jose Rodriguez- Dr Rafael
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I have pretty much maintained my weight. I am doing well. My life has changed so much for the better. More energy, I feel great, staying active with my grands. The surgery was definitely one of the best things I ever did for myself. Thank you.
Sleeve to RNY Bypass Revision
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
.webp "Before And After")
Have lost way more since last update I think I am just maintaining now. Current weight 138
Sleeve to RNY Bypass Revision
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
.webp "Before And After")
Thanks for reaching out, I can't believe I've been on this journey for nearly a year. I'm down 94 pounds. Starting weight was 292 and I'm currently 198. I feel so much better. Life has been such a blessing. I'm off my blood pressure medications now. My self confidence is at an all time high. I'm so thankful for this opportunity, and for the new lifestyle I have now. Thanks again.
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
All is well .. 3 yrs and maintaining 155 lbs .. still active in the gym just trying to build muscle which is a challenge.One picture was 9 yrs ago when I decided to start working out.Second one - this was last weeks picture. Pretty fit .. long ways from where I was.
Band to RNY Bypass Revision
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
.webp "Before And After")
I started at 280 a year ago and now I'm at 149 and I feel fabulous.
Metabolic RNY Bypass for Diabetes
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hi,
I didn't begin putting on extra weight until after high school. I was very active playing basketball and softball so extra pounds had never been a concern for me. Over the next couple of decades, I would lose and gain the same weight using all the fads and pills. I finally made the decision in 2020 to have Gastric Sleeve Surgery. BeLiteWeight was recommended by a colleague and so began my journey.
My insurance did not cover bariatric surgery of any kind for any reason. Being able to use this company has been a life changer for me. On the day of surgery in March of 2021, I was over 300 pounds. As of March 2024, I maintain a weight between 125-130 pounds. I have been able to run in several 5K's and I also work out using an elliptical and lift weights 3-4 times a week. (Women, lean muscle mass is very important for us!) In 2023 I began having skin removal surgeries as well. I won't be able to get it all removed, but I am satisfied with what I've been able to do up until this point as these procedures are painful and take time to recover. I am not shy about sharing my story as this will change your life.
The surgery was the easy part as recovery was simple. The difficult part is making the decision each day to move your body to reach your health goals. I still struggle with wanting to overeat, but my body just won't allow it anymore. It's not a magical solution as you can still gain the weight back, just by eating smaller portions during the day. It's still a decision I have to make every day and will have to make in the future to continue to be able to live the life I want. I know my story has already helped others and I hope it can help you as well. Please reach out if you have any questions as this truly is a life-changing decision.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention this as well...not everyone will be on your side as you go through this process. You will hear things like, 'oh, I didn't know you had surgery, I thought you did it the natural way', 'what are you going to do with all the flabby skin', and my least favorite is when you find out the nice things said to your face are not always what was said behind your back...yes, I know. Anyway, people are going to have their own opinions no matter what you do, but this is about you and your goals so go out there and make them a reality!
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
.webp "Before And After")
Yes I'm still at the same address. And I'm maintaining my weight between 240 -255. Thanks for checking on me
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
.webp "Weight Loss After And Before")
3 years for my mom's successful bypass
4 years for me on my revision! Holding around 140 lbs, a total of 90 pounds off.
RNY Gastric Bypass
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
I'm doing good I've lost 95 pounds. I'm down to 115. It was a little rough for a little bit. But all in all, I did good. Very happy with the results
- RNY Gastric Bypass
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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We are maintaining now!
Adam: RNY Bypass
Amanda: Sleeve to RNY Bypass Revision
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hi Ms. JoAnne,
I'm doing GREAT... I am done losing weight, my lowest was 143 2 yrs ago, I felt that was too much and I gained a few to 150 and was there for a bit and now I'm at 165 and been maintaining that for over a year. This was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I've recommended so many people to you guys. I talk to a lot of people and know many that have had the surgery and didn't keep the weight off, not sure how or why because I find it so easy to eat healthy and not over eat anymore.
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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I never got to my goal weight. However I came within 5 lbs of it. I have gained about 15 back but I'm staying steady for quite awhile with that. I would love to lose 20 or 25 more lbs to make it a perfect success. Overall I'm very happy I had the surgery because I feel so much better with my weight now even tho it isn't where I want to be yet. So I'm still striving! Weight loss 240 to 160.
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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I'm doing well I've been at the same weight for over a year. Wanting to gain a couple pounds.
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hi! I'm doing well I'm down around 60 lbs and have met my goat weight!
Gastric Sleeve
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Yes it's been a year and I have lost 100Lb. Doing great thus far. Thanks for the check in.
Mini Gastric Bypass
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hi JoAnne! Great hearing from you. Doctors feel like I have done well keeping weight off. I fluctuate within 5lbs. Still at 140 lbs. loss.
Metabolic RNY Gastric Bypass for Diabetes
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
*See Below
RNY Gastric Bypass
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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Hey JoAnne,
I am doing great. Not done losing yet. Got about 17lbs to go, so I'm 206lbs down (Started at 365). Woohoo.
RNY Gastric Bypass
Surgeons: The surgical team of Dr. Jose Rodriguez-Villarreal, MD, FACS
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1-800-215-6497
1-800-215-6497