Tammy Slaton, known for her role on TLC's "1000-Lb. Sisters," has captivated audiences with her remarkable weight loss journey. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of a healthier life. This article explores Tammy's path to losing over 500 pounds, the challenges she faced, and how her experiences have inspired others.
Early Life and the Beginning of a Dream
Tammy Slaton always aspired to fame. Raised in Kentucky alongside her sister Amy and siblings Chris, Misty, and Amanda, Tammy's early life was marked by financial hardship. Amy recalled growing up very poor, with fast food being a staple due to their mother working multiple jobs to support the five children. Affection was scarce, and the siblings were often told they were "stupid" and "lazy." The sisters shared a close bond with their grandmother, whose passing when Amy was 10 and Tammy was 11 deeply affected them. Tammy shared that her grandmother made her feel like she "was no different from anybody else," and after her death, food became their primary source of comfort.
As their weight increased, Tammy and Amy faced bullying and a range of medical issues. Tammy remembers being overweight her entire life, facing taunts and physical abuse from schoolmates. By the age of 20, she weighed around 500 pounds.
Launching a Career on YouTube
In 2014, following a health scare where she discovered a blood clot in her lung, Tammy decided to start vlogging with Amy. Bored and seeking an outlet, she proposed the idea, recognizing their comedic dynamic. Their videos gained traction, eventually catching the attention of TLC executives. Initially, the network was looking for a weight loss show featuring prominent YouTubers, but they decided that Tammy and Amy needed their own show.
"1000-Lb. Sisters": A Platform for Change
"1000-lb Sisters" premiered on TLC in 2020. Over seven seasons, the show has documented the weight loss transformations of Tammy, Amy, and their siblings. At her heaviest, Tammy weighed 725 pounds. In 2022, she underwent bariatric surgery and committed to lifestyle changes.
Read also: 725 Pounds to a New Life
Tammy believes their story helps others realize they are not alone and that weight loss is achievable. Despite the challenges and heated arguments with her siblings that have been captured on camera, Tammy doesn't regret sharing her journey. She stated that fighting with her siblings is how they grew and how it made her a different person.
Navigating Fame and Personal Life
Tammy embraced the attention, even when approached by strangers for photos. While she appreciates her supporters, she dislikes those who are rude and do not ask for permission.
While open about many aspects of her life, Tammy has kept her romantic relationships relatively private. After the death of her husband, Caleb Willingham, Tammy revealed she was dating a woman named Andrea Dalton. Tammy, who came out as pansexual a few years ago, stated that she no longer wants to be with men after Caleb's passing. In June, Tammy announced her engagement to Andrea.
Weight Loss Milestones and Health Improvements
Since 2020, viewers have witnessed Tammy's journey on "1000-lb. Sisters." As of August 2024, she has lost 500 pounds.
Tammy's weight loss has led to significant health improvements. She no longer needs a walker and has ditched the oxygen support tank she used for 15 years. After losing the weight, Tammy underwent skin removal surgery to address the excess skin. She expressed her relief and joy, noting the absence of "hanging skin" and "bat wings."
Read also: 725 Pounds to a New Life
Maintaining Muscle Mass
Tammy's bariatric surgeon, Dr. Eric Smith, emphasizes the importance of maintaining muscle mass during weight loss. Losing muscle mass can lower the number of calories needed to maintain a new weight, eventually making it difficult to create a calorie deficit and leading to weight regain. Tammy has maintained her muscle mass through non-processed foods, a steady protein intake of 90 to 100 grams per day, and limited exercise, including chair exercises, lifting weights, and walking.
Dr. Smith recommends resistance training to build muscle, starting with bodyweight exercises and progressing to bands or heavier weights. He advises patients to incorporate 20 minutes of activity that adds resistance to their muscles three times a week.
Doctor's Perspective
Dr. Smith has witnessed Tammy's transformation over the past three years. He is proud of her decision to seek help at a rehabilitation facility and the moment she walked into his exam room without her wheelchair.
Potential Use of Ozempic
Dr. Smith mentioned that Tammy could consider a diabetes drug like Ozempic if her progress stalled due to a residual medical problem. He emphasized that it could be an additional add-on in combination with her bariatric surgery.
Read also: 600-Pound Journey