Patient Stories

I was born with medical conditions that make it hard to lose weight and I did a crappy job preventing weight gain.

After surgery, I was able to get pregnant, have a baby and my symptoms have improved greatly. I can now ride the rides at six flags, buckle my seat belt in an airplane without the extension. Dr Carlton is the best!! He makes me feel like I’m truly part of the Lonestar family every single time. I love that he’s a straight shooter and how he made me feel comfortable. The staff is great – especially Candy at the front desk, she remembers me every time! I love going to the office for my visits.

Before surgery, I had anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes, PCOS, and stage 3 congestive heart failure. My body was literally giving out. I didn’t like leaving my house because I felt like everyone was staring at me. I am a completely different person now, physically and mentally! I have lots of energy, very social and outgoing, and playing sports again. My health has dramatically improved. My heart was able to relax and has repaired itself. I cannot thank Dr. Carlton and his team enough for giving me my life back and for giving my children their mom back. Now after surgery, I can walk into any store and buy clothes. I can run and be active. I can fit into any seat or booth (I only have to buy one seat on the airplane). I can ride water slides and rollercoasters. I don’t have to check for weight limits on chairs or activities. Dr. Carlton saved my life. He is a brilliant surgeon. I had minimal pain and scarring. His office staff is very responsive. They all want you to succeed. I am eternally grateful to Dr. Carlton. He gave me my life back!

Before surgery, I was vomiting daily and could not use weight. I felt awful, gross and worthless. I found Lonestar Bariatrics on Google and decided to schedule an appointment. After my initial consultation, I didn’t believe I’d have the success/ results they told me I could have but I decided to take a chance and started the process. 18 months after surgery, I’ve lost 130lb , have improved blood pressure, decreased anxiety, can cross my legs and don’t need to use an extender when flying. I spent 14 years losing and gaining huge amounts of weight starting when I was 37 years old I wish I’d done this surgery sooner. Dr Carlton and his staff are SO genuine, you feel like part of a big family.

I Googled the best Bariatric Surgeon and found Dr Carlton. I was at a stagnant point with my weight and exercise was no longer working. My health was failing, and I was tired of taking at least 15 different meds a day. Before surgery I felt tired, drained, on lots of medication, unable to move around like I wanted to. My preop experience was educational, supportive and a smooth process.

After surgery, I was up and walking around a few hours later – I felt like I hadn’t had surgery. I now wear a small – medium. I can cross my legs and be more active with my family. I went from 15 medications to 1 medication. My confidence has increased – I am healthy and doing well. Dr. Carlton and his team were professional throughout the process and are still available to support my journey of health.

I was diabetic, had high blood pressure and MS flares constantly. I was the least healthy of my adult life. A girl’s trip where I couldn’t keep up with my friends due to my weight was the final straw. At that point, I Googled weight loss surgeons in my town and Doc C was the first option.

Before I had surgery, I was depressed, tired, angry, and disappointed. Being a retired RN, my pre-op expectations and standards were very high. Doc C exceeded my expectations. His staff is great and so supportive. My pre-op concerns were my health and baggy skin, but overall I was excited once surgery day rolled around. Post-op, recovery was very easy and the states were manageable.

A year post surgery, I’m down 140 lbs, and I can walk, hike, jog, enjoy theme parks, and wear new clothes – I like myself in the mirror. I’m no longer diabetic nor do I have high blood pressure. My mental health has improved considerably in relation to negative self talk. I’m happy with who I am. Doc C is a consummate professional. His staff are supportive and helpful. This surgery has changed my life!

I was referred a couple of years ago from a girl I met online that worked for Dr. Carlton. I’d been thinking about weight loss surgery for a few years before I actually did. I just finally got tired of not being able to walk & get around. I was tired and in alot of pain. I felt hopeless and mad at myself for letting my weight get so far gone. I was pre diabetic, high cholesterol, vitamin deficiency, & fatty liver.

Now after surgery, All my labs are great. I feel like a normal person now. I feel like I’m good enough now. I feel attractive again I can cross my legs. Walk around Walmart. Bend over & touch my toes. Play with my kid. Run if I want. Fit in an airplane seat. See my legs when I’m driving. I see my feet when I look down now instead of my stomach

I absolutely love Dr Carlton. He makes you feel amazing. He doesn’t see you as a patient. Dr Carlton saved my life! I never thought I would feel so good again. I’m not at my goal weight & I might not get there but I’m extremely happy with my results & my life today! It’s all because of Dr Carlton and his team.. I didn’t do this surgery to get skinny. I did this surgery to have a better life & I do. I would highly recommend him to anyone!

Prior to the bariatric surgery, I was on 3 separate blood pressure medications, had pre-diabetes that required two separate medications to manage, and generally was in poor health. Basic daily activities were always a challenge and my energy level was low.

Since surgery, I no longer require any of the medications I took prior to surgery and I have more energy than I know what to do with. I’m reminded daily in almost everything I do how everyday life has been made better by the decision to have a gastric bypass. For example, I’m able to buy clothes off the rack without having to go to the “fat guy store”, I fit in airplane seats and restaurant booths with great comfort, and physical activity is no longer something I avoid.

At 8 months, I’ve lost a total of 188 lbs. My weight has been a nice way to measure progress, but there is no direct measure for how wonderful I “feel”. Dr. Carlton is simply amazing, but his extended team is equally wonderful. His expertise is evident in every aspect of the surgery and his confidence is reassuring, but his staff contributes greatly to the total experience. From the surgery coordinator to the dietician to the office staff, everyone I’ve worked with has been spectacular and world class. They are efficient in their operations, eager to respond to any questions you have (before or after surgery) and are truly vested in your success. It is refreshing to workl with such a professional team of experts.

I had tried diets and pills, and working out, I tried everything!!! Thankfully, a friend told me about Dr. Carlton, so I reached out. Before surgery, I felt tired and worn down all the time. My back hurt and my knees hurt! My blood pressure was extremely bad and my cholesterol was high.

My pre-op experience with Dr. Carlton and his staff was absolutely nothing short of amazing. Everyone was awesome and the communication was great. Dr. C treated me with hands down the best bedside manner and made me feel like I was taken care of.

My pre-op concerns were the complications and “what if’s”. On surgery day, I was anxious but relieved to finally get to the big day. I had to wait 6 months due to insurance. During post-op, I had pain that lasted a short period. I walked a lot to help, and the staff was very helpful. Dr. C was very informative about recovering and what was to come.

Now, I can run faster than my 8-year-old son, I work harder, and don’t get fatigued like I used to. I do not snore anymore. I feel so much better. I no longer have high blood pressure or high cholesterol and I don’t have to use a sleep apnea machine anymore. I love myself and feel like it’s been a mental war the last year, but ultimately it has made me a stronger person and I’ve learned a lot about myself and seen who I am deep down.

I can’t say enough about Dr. Carlton and his staff. Honestly, they’re the best. The only thing I would say negative is I wish I would have found LoneStar Bariatrics sooner. This has SAVED MY LIFE. It has given me the opportunity to live a healthy life and see my kids and grandchildren grow up and not have to worry about dying of obesity, which runs in my family.

I was so tired of not enjoying life. I was tired all the time and miserable with the way I looked. It was taking a toll not only on my physical health but my mental health as well. Once I decided to get surgery, I was referred to Dr. Carlton by my best friend who was one of his past patients.

Before surgery, I was nervous but so excited for the opportunity to change my life. Dr. C and his entire staff were so friendly and positive about the whole process. My biggest concern was if I would really be able to be successful at this. When surgery day rolled around, I was more excited than nervous. I knew I would be asleep for the hard part!

Post-op I had some pain, which was to be expected but it was quickly managed by the nursing staff. At 3 months I had lost 44 lbs, at 6 months I was down 61 lbs, at a year out I was down 85 lbs. They say you stop really losing well after a year, but I am now down over 100 lbs!! I am able to do anything I want! I even climbed an inflatable rock wall while playing with my niece and nephew! I am so much happier than I have ever been! I work out at least 3x a week and that boosts my endorphins even more!!

Dr. C is amazing and so uplifting. I was never talked down to or felt judged by him or his staff, which was amazing in itself. He was always so positive about my progress and that helped me to want push even further! Don’t let others scare you about losing weight. There are so many that will tell you all kinds of horror stories, but you know what else is horrible? Not living your best life because everything hurts and you are ashamed. Do this for you and no one else! Have a support system around you to lift you up and hold you accountable. Find a gym that you love and start building stamina even before surgery, it will make a world of difference during your recovery!

I found Dr. Carlton on Google when issues with my lap-band occurred and I got tired of fighting it. I was in pain, tired, and frustrated with not being able to do the things I wanted. Pre-op was fantastic! Dr. C is funny and we vibed right away. His staff were all knowledgeable and super sweet! I wasn’t too concerned about surgery – I was very ready to get it done, and when surgery day rolled around, I was just excited!

Post-op wasn’t too bad. I had a little more pain than some because of removal of the previous lap-band. I was very tired for a good week, but overall it wasn’t bad.

Having lost 115 pounds in less than 2 years, I can work out and actually enjoy it. I’m more active in general. I spent a week at Disney World and was able to walk without pain, ride anything I wanted, wear whatever was comfortable in the heat and not worry about it. I have SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE! ’m no longer on any medications (I took blood pressure meds and thyroid meds before). I have a connective tissue disorder and the chronic pain has gotten better now that the extra weight isn’t making my joints hurt worse. I have more self confidence and more energy to do the things that make me happy. I’ve had many people tell me I’ve blossomed and seem so much happier now.

I LOVE Dr. Carlton and his staff! I’ve recommended Dr. C to several friends – and they’ve gone to see him too. When you see him, remember to trust the process. Follow what Dr. C tells you to do and you’ll have the best results. If you’re debating doing the surgery, go talk to Dr. C and ask all your questions and then DO IT! Don’t wait to take your life back!

I had tried every diet out there to lose weight and nothing helped – I actually continued to gain weight when on diets. I was at a crossroads between a long, happy life and a shortened miserable life, so I chose to live life to the fullest and become healthy again. Through a lot of research and speaking with several people on social media that had previously been in my shoes, I didn’t hear one bad review regarding Dr. Carlton and his practice. I set up a consultation and after meeting with Dr. C and his team, I knew that this was the place for me!

Before surgery, I honestly didn’t realize how much pain I had pushed through to be able to do things until I got help and lost weight. I thought I felt normal because I have always been a rather large individual. However, looking back now I know that I was miserable and just didn’t know what feeling good was like.

My pre-op experience was the best experience ever! The team answered any question I had. They even called to check on me a few weeks after my initial consult because I had gotten Covid-19 and was hospitalized for 10 days. That in and of itself was an eye opener that spurred me on to make a change.

Some of my pre-surgery concerns were how surgery would affect my life, as well as some of the things that I enjoy to eat and drink. I like spicy foods and have heard that those kinds of things were a no go after surgery, but that was ultimately a risk I was willing to take to live a better life.

When surgery day rolled around, I was nervous to be put under but very excited to finally take charge of my life and live a happy and healthy life! Post-op was absolutely AMAZING! DR C. called me on his personal cell on a Saturday about a month out after I left a voicemail on the office phone regarding what I thought was a complication (it turned out to be a gout flare due to the high protein diet I was on). Now, I can enjoy myself, go on walks, even run. I am going to the police academy next month and that is something that I was beginning to think would never happen, because I couldn’t walk around a store without back pain let alone run a mile+ at a time. I used to have to use a 4 wheeler to get from my deer camp to my deer stand. But, this past deer season I walked to and from my stand 2 times a day, everyday that I was out there. The path is about a mile of very steep hills. I am much more confident in everything that I do.

Dr. Carlton and his entire team are the absolute best team out there! Hands down I could not have asked for a better experience! This has been a long journey but one that I will never regret! I cannot thank Dr. C and his team enough for helping me change my life for the better. Weight loss surgery is often times known as the “easy way out”. But I’m here to tell anyone that is considering this path, that is not the case at all! Weight loss surgery is simply a tool, not a miracle worker. This tool will help you as long as you are ready for the lifestyle change. I am an open book and will speak with anyone that ever has any questions regarding surgery!

For years, I tried diets such as Keto, low fat, Atkins, Jenny Craig, Medifast, counting calories, countless weight loss medications, and workout regimens. You name it, I tried it. I could only ever loose 20 pounds and stall. We are talking 3 to 6 months of working at weight loss with minimal results. It’s draining. I could never get myself under 200. I made a promise before I was 30 I would lose the weight and keep it off. So, I hopped on Google and found Dr. Carlton!

Before surgery, I was excited, nervous, and scared. It was a mental battle at that time. What if I lost weight and gained it right back? What if I didn’t lose any weight at all? I let go of my fears, and the what ifs and chose to push forward.

My pre-op experience was amazing. The staff are all super friendly, to the point, and really put my mind at ease. They make you feel apart of the family instantly. I never felt judged because of my weight or how I looked.

Truly, my biggest pre-op concern was that I was having surgery. I have never had any major surgeries in my life. This was the first time I was going to be ‘put under’, but I ultimately knew Dr. Carlton was the best doctor there was and trusted him and his experience. His confidence shines through and you just know you’re in good hands with him.

When my surgery day finally rolled around, I was anxious. It was the first step to the life I’ve wanted since I started to gain weight after having my son.

There was definitely pain post-op, but the nurses are there to help you and Dr. Carlton comes to check on you. He even keeps in communication with the staff to ensure your vitals are stable. WALK, WALK, WALK that’s my advise. Even though it hurts and you feel like you can’t walk it out, try to anyways. Also, take small sips of water and don’t over do it. Do not try to eat or drink more than your body tells you it can handle. Remember your eyes are always bigger than your stomach.

Honestly I could do the same things before surgery that I can do now, but it was a strain or struggle. I would lose my breath just trying to tie my shoes or put my pants on. I no longer feel like the fat girl just for bending over. I was always active in some way, but now I can run faster, longer, and I’m pushing myself harder in the gym. It’s so much easier to want to work out when you go into the gym and don’t feel immediately defeated just by comparing yourself to others. I play soccer on Mondays and work out 3 times a week – I do cardio and weight training. The scale doesn’t scare me anymore. I’m focused on what I want my body to look like more than what I want the scale to say. The mental health changes are the deepest. I was so self conscious beforehand. I hated shopping or trying new styles. Now, I’m confident more than ever before. I even have stretch marks that I wear proudly. I wear crop tops and I don’t let anyone tell me I can’t. My mental health has changed a full 360. I’m no longer shy, reserved or scared. I walk around confident in myself and it feels amazing. It’s something I’ve never experienced before.

Dr. Carlton and his staff were friendly, organized, and to the point. They know why you’re there and they will do everything they can to ensure you are taken care of and walk away looking and feeling amazing. Truly, if you are like me, you’ve dealt with the weight your whole life, you’re not as confident as you should be, eating is an emotional connection, and you are just ready to fully commit to a life change. Then go with Dr. Carlton. They will do everything in their power to guide you on this journey. My surgery was April of 2021. I’m almost 2 years out and I’m still 150 pounds. I’ve kept off over 100 pounds for over a year. I’m going to fight everyday to keep it off.