As husband and wife of 15 years, Christina and Toby Cole shared a tight bond. But the Cumming residents also shared a battle with their weight, and weight-related issues.
So, when each determined to do something about it, their love and support for each other made a big difference in what is now a successful weight loss journey.
Both Christina and Toby opted to undergo gastric sleeve surgery with Longstreet Clinic Center for Weight Management and surgeon Eric J. Velazquez, MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS. Christina went first, in June 2022. Toby followed a few months later.
“More than anything, being a team and being able to talk and deal with these things together has created a tighter relationship for us,” said Toby.
After tipping the scales at 245 pounds, Christina has since dropped 100 pounds and is feeling better than ever. Toby, meanwhile, has lost 75 pounds after weighing almost 300 pounds and is making significant progress after dealing with cardiac issues prior to surgery.
“I love the way that I feel now,” said Christina. “I love how it’s changed my body. I also love shopping now. That’s not something that was fun before. Now, it’s crazy to go in and look at virtually anything in a store and know that they’ll have it in my size. Shopping and Pilates are probably my two favorite things to do.”
Toby, meanwhile, is loving playing sports with the couple’s two boys and has also joined a bowling league.”
“Dr. Velazquez was amazing,” Christina said. “In fact, I had two friends that had surgery after me – with him – because of my testimonials about how phenomenal he is. He was very understanding and very easy to work with.”
Learn more about the Coles journey and how the Center for Weight Management helps everyone to see a better and healthier vision for themselves – and how to follow through on it.
