Drew Anderson, along with his cousins Naomi Anderson and Chitoka Light, starred in TLC's "Family By the Ton," chronicling their weight loss journeys. Facing significant weight challenges, the three cousins embarked on a path towards healthier lives through exercise, improved diets, and gastric bypass surgery. Their story is one of family support, personal resilience, and a commitment to overcoming obstacles.
The Starting Point: A Family United by Weight
The Anderson cousins began their journey collectively weighing approximately 2,000 lbs. Drew, at his initial weigh-in, was so heavy that the scale couldn't register his weight, and he wore clothing sized 18X. Chitoka, with the highest starting weight among the three, was bed-bound for four years. Naomi, while the lightest of the cousins, still weighed around 430 pounds.
Motivated by a desire for change and inspired by Naomi's mother, Beverly, who had previously undergone weight loss surgery, the cousins sought the help of Dr. Charles Procter Jr.
Gastric Bypass Surgery: A Tool, Not a Quick Fix
All three cousins underwent gastric bypass surgery, a procedure they viewed as a tool to aid their weight loss efforts, not a magical solution. Chitoka emphasized that post-surgery, the most difficult part of losing weight is understanding that there’s no magic pill and no magic fix. And you have to still work. The surgery is just an assistive device. Drew echoed this sentiment, stating that the surgery is not an easy way out.
Naomi also highlighted the mental, physical, and emotional challenges associated with weight loss surgery, explaining how people think [weight loss surgery is] a quick fix but it's really hard mentally, physically, and emotionally. She realized that taking away her coping mechanism of food forced her to confront her emotions directly.
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Drew's Transformation: A Testament to Perseverance
Drew's transformation has been particularly remarkable. Since the surgery, I've been cool beans, he said. I've just been moving around better, the weight is coming off. I've just been feeling real good about myself and it's been going great. He has become an inspiration to many, demonstrating resilience and a positive attitude despite setbacks.
Overcoming Challenges
Drew acknowledged the ups and downs of the weight loss journey, recognizing that you will have times when you put in work and you see what you get and if you don't work, you'll see it. Even when he experienced a weight gain of 14 pounds, he quickly refocused on his goals.
The Role of Family
Drew credits his family as the primary motivation behind his weight loss, particularly his desire to care for his aging mother. Maybe I wouldn’t have been able to make it through it if I didn’t have my family with me to help me along the way, he says in his Post-Op episode. Every time I think the reason I’m doing this, it all boils down to, it’s for family. He also acknowledged the support and inspiration he received from his cousins, Naomi and Chitoka.
Lifestyle Changes
Drew has embraced a healthier lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise and nutritious food into his routine. He enjoys swimming and rewards himself with time in the spa afterward. His go-to diet food is a homemade shake, he shared. It's melon, raspberry, spinach, kale and surprisingly it's - if the melon is sweet - it's very good.
Health Improvements
As Drew lost weight, he experienced significant improvements in his health. The doctor ran blood tests and took me off the medications I was taking for diabetes and hypertension, Drew, who dropped from 673 to 498 pounds, explained. He told me I didn’t have those things anymore, and I was shocked.
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A New Companion
Since his surgery, Drew has found a new best friend in his tiny puppy, Swag, whose adventures he shares on social media.
Naomi's Journey: Finding Strength and Happiness
Naomi has also experienced significant progress, losing over 100 pounds. Despite a difficult breakup with her boyfriend, Mike, she has remained positive and focused on her well-being.
Emotional Growth
Naomi has described herself as “happier” and “stronger” than she’s ever been. Having that surgery made me see myself differently and I realized how strong I am and it allowed me to get out my comfort zone. She is enjoying new activities, such as running and playing with her nephew.
Chitoka's Determination: Regaining Independence
Chitoka, who had been bed-bound for four years, has regained her independence as she lost 150 pounds. She is now able to cook in the kitchen and leave the house, activities she had previously been unable to do.
Overcoming Grief
Chitoka faced a difficult personal challenge when her mother passed away. Unable to attend the funeral due to her physical limitations, she used the experience as motivation to continue her weight loss journey. Even in that moment, I knew that it would be her desire for me not to quit, she explains.
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Dispelling Misconceptions about Gastric Bypass Surgery
The Anderson cousins are committed to dispelling misconceptions about gastric bypass surgery. They emphasize that it is not a quick fix or an easy way out, but rather a tool that requires hard work, dedication, and lifestyle changes.
Drew vouches for the operation, and he has empowering words of wisdom for others who follow his lead: My advice to anyone who chooses this particular journey of gastric bypass or sleeve is to just do your research before and figure out if it’s for you. I would recommend it to anyone who feels that they can’t do it on their own. And I wouldn’t let anyone outside make you feel like it’s cheating or like you’re 'less' because you chose to have the surgery - because the surgery is not an easy way out.
Chitoka is especially inspired by the ways her life is changing. I have been doing so many things, improving my independence, and getting better for myself, she says.
A Second Season?
While there has been no official announcement about a second season of "Family By The Ton," rumors suggest that the show may return in the future.