The doctor of 1000-lb Sisters’ Tammy Slaton has shared insights about her astonishing weight loss journey and the lifestyle changes that have allowed her to shed the pounds and maintain her health ever since.
Tammy gained public attention through her appearance on the TLC reality show along with her sister, Amy, starting in 2020. Since then, the 38-year-old has undergone a significant transformation, losing an incredible 500 pounds after her bariatric surgery in 2022, followed by rehab to support her weight-loss journey.
For those unfamiliar, bariatric surgery is a medical procedure involving alterations to the digestive system, which helps significantly overweight individuals shed pounds and manage associated health conditions. This process involves adjustments that limit food intake and modify hunger signals from the digestive tract.
Dr. Eric Smith, Tammy’s bariatric surgeon and a noted leader in Robotic Bariatric Surgery, spoke about Tammy reaching ‘rock bottom’ in 2021. A life-threatening event, respiratory failure post-rehab, put her on a ventilator in a medically induced coma when she momentarily stopped breathing.
These experiences urged Tammy to embrace the assistance she needed, especially as she acknowledged her struggle with reliance on food as a coping mechanism for various mental health challenges. Her openness to receive help and adapt to new habits was crucial for her progression and readiness for surgery.
Her weight loss was a process documented on the show 1000-lb Sisters, where fans celebrated her newfound independence from a wheelchair as she reached around 300 pounds—a milestone she describes as ‘unbelievable’.
Interestingly, Dr. Eric highlights that the most compelling change isn’t just Tammy’s physical transformation but also her improved mental health. He believes this mental shift is more profound than the staggering weight loss itself. Focusing on mental well-being has been pivotal to Tammy’s success in maintaining her new lifestyle.
When Tammy first sought to transform her life, it was vital to address compliance issues regarding diet and mental health. Dr. Eric stressed the significance of allowing Tammy to make practical dietary decisions and not restricting foods entirely, believing that realistic lifestyle changes were crucial for long-term success.
The surgeon and his team helped Tammy focus on fundamental routines, such as basic activity levels and portion control. This approach encouraged her to make healthier food selections, emphasizing proteins, whole fruits and vegetables while reducing processed foods.
As Tammy navigated her routine adjustments, she began witnessing progress on the scale and in her mobility, fueling her motivation. The focus on sustainable habits and individualized support has been instrumental in Tammy Slaton’s continued success on her weight loss journey, even surpassing the visible physical changes with her newfound positivity and outlook on life.
