Toni Carelock

“It wasn’t to change the outside. It was to make me well on the inside.”

My weight was the one thing in my life I thought I could always control. If I wanted to lose weight I’d lose it. If I didn’t I wouldn’t. But one day I couldn’t lose it anymore. My health grew worse. I developed diabetes, high-blood pressure and other health conditions prematurely. On top of that, I didn’t change my eating habits. My doctor warned me that I might collapse without any notice and never see my kids again. That was my wake up call.

I tried all the regular over-the-counter diets and other prescription weight loss medications. Some worked at first, but after awhile, I just couldn’t do it and keep off the weight. I was told that I really need to go to the seminar and learn more about the surgical weight loss options. So I did. I got all my information and I was told I was a good candidate. I put it off at first for a few months, but then I kept hearing people tell me to go back. I finally listened.

In December of 2012, I had the gastric sleeve procedure, performed by Dr. Alford. I knew he was caring and compassionate doctor from my prior experience with him when he was my Mom’s surgeon. The nurses were great. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I’ve lost 85 pounds and have my mind set on another 50. But if I don’t lose another pound, I’m happy with that.

I do not feel like I’m missing out on anything. I just have so much energy. I just want to go and go and go. I’m to a point where my kids will go, “Will you slow down. We can’t keep up.” I tell people it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. And I believe it truly saved my life.