Weight loss is a transformative journey that extends beyond physical changes, impacting relationships, self-perception, and overall quality of life. This article explores the inspiring weight loss journey of Christina and Toby Cole, who underwent bariatric surgery together, as well as the experiences of other individuals who have utilized weight loss interventions to improve their health and well-being.
A Couple's United Front: Christina and Toby Cole's Story
After years of prioritizing others, Christina and Toby Cole decided to address their own health concerns by undergoing weight loss surgery as a couple. Their journey has not only improved their individual lives but has also strengthened their marital bond, as they supported each other throughout the process. Together, they have lost almost 200 pounds and continue to maintain contact with the supportive staff at Longstreet Clinic’s Center for Weight Management.
Christina's Turning Point
As a mother, wife, and teacher, Christina Cole devoted her time and energy to others, often neglecting her own well-being. Eventually, she reached a point where she knew she needed to make a significant change. After struggling with weight issues that led her to 245 pounds, Christina decided to undergo bariatric surgery at Longstreet Clinic’s Center for Weight Management.
Toby's Supportive Decision
Inspired by Christina's success, Toby followed suit a few months later, undergoing the same procedure with the same doctor. Longstreet Clinic surgeon Dr. Eric J. Velazquez, MD, MBA, FACS, FASMBS, performed a gastric sleeve operation on both husband and wife in 2022, providing them with a renewed outlook on life.
The Gastric Sleeve Procedure
The gastric sleeve procedure, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, reduces the amount of food a person can consume by removing approximately two-thirds of their stomach. This permanent procedure results in the stomach resembling a tube or sleeve shape, limiting the capacity to about one-half to one full cup of food per meal. Additionally, the gastric sleeve procedure helps reduce the production of ghrelin, a hormone secreted by the stomach that causes feelings of hunger, thus decreasing the intensity of cravings.
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The Benefits of Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss surgery offers a multitude of benefits, including:
- Normalized Blood Pressure
- Normalized Blood Cholesterol
- Type II Diabetes Disappears
- Lower Cardiac Stress
- Lowered Risk of Heart Disease
Improved Quality of Life
Christina, who lost 100 pounds, expressed her newfound joy, stating, "I love the way that I feel now. 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, who once weighed almost 300 pounds and suffered from cardiac health issues, has lost 75 pounds and become more active, particularly with their two sons. Christina noted, "Toby can play sports with the boys, go out and play baseball. Toby’s been able to be just more active physically in everyone’s life and just have more energy. He has also joined a bowling league."
A Stronger Bond
The couple, who reside in Cumming after relocating from Las Vegas, strengthened their emotional connection by embarking on the same weight loss journey. After 15 years of marriage and 20 years together, their commitment to each other and their health has created something truly special.
Toby shared, "More than anything, being a team and being able to talk and deal with these things together has created a tighter relationship for us. I wanted to lose the weight, and I always wanted to be on track to lose that weight. Finding and sticking with a diet was so difficult; I just needed a way to do it. Well, the surgery does that for me because it limits my food intake."
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Christina added, "Since I had the surgery first, it was really nice to know what’s going to happen and to be able to support (Toby) and also know that everyone’s going to react to surgery a little bit different."
The Importance of Commitment
Dr. Velazquez emphasized the importance of commitment, stating, "Like all bariatric procedures, the results can be incredibly positive for the patient - but only when the patient is committed and understands that the surgery is just one part of a formula for success. Both Christina and Toby have been successful because they have the right mindset, and I’m so happy for them."
Patients who undergo a gastric sleeve must adhere to a specific diet based on quality protein intake, maintain a consistent vitamin regimen, and avoid carbonated beverages.
Christina affirmed, "I make sure that I eat healthy, and I make sure that I prepare for things, and it’s made me a better person, better wife, better friend, better mom. And I just feel good. I feel great and better every day. And recovery was not difficult. I had my surgery in the summer, so I didn’t have to return to work right away, but Toby was able to return to work within a couple weeks. And there were very minimal side effects."
Overcoming Skepticism
Initially, Christina’s family was concerned about her decision, while Toby's family was supportive. However, both families are now thrilled with the couple's progress and believe in their commitment.
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Toby recounted, "Christina’s family was not very happy and very concerned about the decision at first. My family, meanwhile, was very supportive. Now, both families are thrilled with the decision we made and believe in us. In the beginning, Christina’s family thought that it was going to be unsuccessful and that she was going to gain the weight back - but here we are three years later and still going strong!"
Prioritizing Health
Christina now prioritizes her health, ensuring she dedicates time to exercise and personal well-being.
She stated, "I lost myself after I had kids and kind of put everybody else first. Now I prioritize my health. I make sure I go to Pilates three-four times a week. I make sure that’s not something that gets taken off the table. Even when my plate’s full, that exercise time is something that’s not negotiable."
Toby is also enjoying life in his 50s, thanks to their decision to prioritize their health.
He recalled, "I remember waking up on one New Year’s morning before surgery and getting on the scale. It was the heaviest I’d ever been, and I was only 51 years old. And with the cardiac issues I was dealing with, I said, ‘I’ve got to figure something out.’"
Thanks to Longstreet Clinic’s Center for Weight Management and Dr. Velazquez, the Coles have discovered numerous ways to embrace their commitment to health and each other.
Christina Phillips's Transformation: A "My 600-Lb Life" Success Story
Reality television often showcases extreme transformations, and TLC's "My 600-Lb Life" is a prime example. Christina Phillips, a star from the show, underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming one of the most talked-about individuals featured on the program.
From 708 Pounds to a New Outlook
When Christina Phillips joined "My 600-Lb Life," she weighed 708 pounds and felt far from her best self. Through safe weight loss, she gained a new perspective on life, dropping over 400 pounds by the end of the season. Her gastric bypass surgery, combined with healthy nutrition and exercise, led to a final weigh-in of under 200 pounds, making her journey one of the most dramatic celebrity transformations in recent years.
Shedding More Than Pounds: Ending a Toxic Relationship
Christina Phillips's transformation extended beyond physical changes. By the end of her weight loss journey, she ended her toxic relationship with her ex-husband, Zach. When Phillips was bedridden, she relied heavily on Zach for assistance with daily tasks. Leaving that toxic dynamic and ending the relationship proved to be a positive step in her life.
In her follow-up episode, she credited her divorce from Zach as the best thing to happen to her, stating, "At the beginning I had a lot of people doubt me. I was in a really abusive relationship. And that definitely, I think, has had a negative impact on me. It hurt."
Phillips realized that her then-husband's reaction to her weight loss was not what she had hoped for. He sought to control her, which he could no longer do once she lost weight and gained independence.
Finding a Supportive Partner
After her time on "My 600-Lb Life," Christina Phillips divorced Zach and began dating someone new. In her "My 600-lb Life: Where Are They Now" special, she revealed that she was living with her boyfriend, Shane, who seemed to be a far more supportive partner, encouraging her health and independence.
Phillips gushed about Shane, noting that he encouraged her to get out of the house more often, even when she felt insecure. Shane shared that they had a strong connection, stating, "We just opened up to each other and we'll finish each other's sentences sometimes."
Embracing Motherhood
After her time on the show, Christina Phillips embarked on a new journey: motherhood. She now has four children: Ethan, Ezra, Arya and Eliana. In August 2020, she announced her first pregnancy, and motherhood suited her well.
Phillips has been open about her life's journey, including her health difficulties and complicated pregnancies. Her daughter, Arya, was born with a rare condition called Type A long gap esophageal atresia and spent over six months in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Self-Image Struggles and Triumphs
In her follow-up special, Phillips shared her self-image struggles but also expressed gratitude for being alive and able to do things on her own.
She stated, "It's still so hard to believe I've come this far."
After losing hundreds of pounds and undergoing excess skin removal surgery, she was ready to move forward, stating, "And I'm ready to live my life."
Inspiring Others
As one of the "My 600-Lb Life" stars who lost the most weight, Christina Phillips has inspired others to focus on improving their health. She has served as motivation and inspiration for viewers, proving that a healthier future is possible.
Developing a Healthier Relationship with Food
After losing a significant amount of weight, Christina Phillips initially struggled with unhealthy eating habits, consuming less than 1000 calories a day at one point. She eventually developed a healthier relationship with food and improved her self-image after seeking therapy.
Embracing Exercise
Before losing weight, Christina Phillips could barely imagine engaging in any rigorous exercise. She has since completed two 5K races, illustrating how much her life has improved.
She told People, "Before I couldn't walk eight feet without feeling like I was gonna die."
Friendship with Justin McSwain
Christina Phillips became friends with Justin McSwain, another "My 600-Lb Life" alum who underwent a major transformation. They bonded over their shared experiences and even got matching tattoos.
Other Stories of Transformation
Beyond Christina and Toby Cole and Christina Phillips, numerous individuals have achieved remarkable weight loss transformations through various methods.
Meri Brown
In January 2024, a year after her breakup with Kody Brown, Meri Brown revealed that she had begun dating Amos Andrews the previous October. But in February 2024, Meri confirmed on Instagram that they had called it quits.
Christine Brown Woolley
Going official with her and David Woolley's romance on Valentine's Day 2023, Christine shared, "I finally found the love of my life, David. The first time he held me close, it felt like my soul took its first breath. He's wonderful and kind, incredible with my children and an adorable grandpa. I never dreamed I could find a love like this."
Two months later he added to the fantasy with a spring proposal. "David treats me like a queen and tells me I'm beautiful everyday," Christine told People. "I've never been in love like this before and the world seems like a brighter place with him in it."
Tying the knot in Utah on Oct. 7, 2023, she wrote, "I'm so blessed! I've married my best friend."
Madison Brown Brush
The first of the 18 Brown children to walk down the aisle, Janelle's eldest daughter wed Caleb Brush at a 2016 outdoor wedding in Montana captured by TLC's cameras.
Leon
“Our sweet girl took her time, keeping us all in suspense, but when she decided it was time-she didn’t waste a second," North Carolina-based Maddie wrote on Instagram. "My sweetest symphony," Leon raved of their partner in 2022. "Life with you truly is so sweet." Echoed Audrey, "Being your partner and watching your growth and coming into yourself over the years has been an honor and joy."
Logan Brown
Eldest Brown kid Logan got the gang back together when he married longtime girlfriend Michelle Petty in Arizona in 2022. "It was a beautiful day and this mama's heart was mush the whole time," Janelle shared on Instagram of her son's wedding. "You always have such a sense of peace when your children find amazing life partners."
Mykelti Brown
More than six years after her 2016 wedding to Antonio "Tony" Padron, Mykelti joked that they'd already tested the limits of their marriage vows by welcoming twins Archer and Ace into the fold in November 2022. "We have 3 kids and 4 moves under our belt," Mykelti, who is also mom to eldest daughter Avalon, wrote on Instagram at the time. "A whole lot of good times and some hard times #surprisetwins But here we are still doing this whole marriage thing."
Aspyn Brown
Since their 2018 wedding, Christine's oldest daughter and husband Mitch Thompson have traveled everywhere from Paris to Alaska. But in December 2022, they put down roots, with Mitch sharing on Instagram, "We bought our first home! Aspyn announced her pregnancy with the couple's first baby in April 2025.
Gwendlyn Brown
Before hitting their one-year anniversary, Christine's third oldest daughter and love Beatriz Queiroz went to the happiest place on earth and marked six months together with chocolate fondue. Then came the really sweet part, with Gwendlyn sharing a glimpse at the candlelit, rose-filled proposal on Instagram in November 2022, writing simply, "i'm engaged!!" The couple wed in July 2023, captioning a photo from the ceremony: "Say hello to mrs (x2) queiroz."