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Megan and Angelo haven't known life without weight struggles - and the complicated emotions and health problems that come along with them.

"I probably started dieting when I was about 10," Megan admitted, who suffered from joint pain. "I've had hip issues since I was a kid. The pain was so intense."

Angelo, manager of the popular eatery The Original Bizarro in Indialantic, shares a similar tale.

"I'm a very emotional eater," he said. "I was always the big one. It never bothered me until I was in high school."

But then came his weight-related back pain, surgery and complications. With hopes of starting a family someday, the couple decided their health had to be in order first.

Through determination, dedication and gastric sleeve surgery through Health First's NewFit program, both Angelo and Megan have embraced a healthier lifestyle. Angelo is down 145 pounds since his September 2018 surgery. Since Megan's procedure in March, she has lost 63 pounds.

"I am so much happier," Megan said. "I was depressed, I was having medical issues, my legs were swelling. That has since gone away."

"He said I have my smile back," she added.

Both Angelo and Megan are adamant the surgery was a last-ditch effort - not an easy fix, which some people perceive it to be. The program is multi-faceted, with guidance for the nutritional, behavioral, physical and psychological aspects of weight loss and maintenance.

"It's still challenging," Megan said. "You're changing your whole eating habits and lifestyle. It's totally worth it."

Having the NewFit team, which includes a closed Facebook group for 24/7 support and monthly group meetings, has been major - not to mention having each other.

"We're fortunate," Angelo said. "We have each other to hold each other reliable. It's a lot easier when it's two people doing it together."