Ashley Reyes's story on TLC's My 600-Lb Life is one of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, success. Her journey, documented on the show, inspired many viewers.
Ashley's Initial Appearance and Struggles
In 2017, Ashley Reyes made her first appearance on My 600 Lb Life, weighing 668 pounds. Ashley felt like a “monster” and was completely guilt-ridden due to the burden she felt she’d become for her family. She revealed that the source of her weight problem stemmed from being sexually abused by an uncle starting at the age of twelve. This trauma led to emotional eating and a severe weight gain that significantly impacted her life.
Ashley also felt that her weight was placing a terrible emotional strain on her marriage with her husband, Daniel. She expressed her inability to be romantic with him and the guilt she felt for being a burden. "It strains my marriage that I can’t be romantic with him, that we can’t express our love the way we want to, but I just don’t want him to see me….It’s been such a long time that [Daniel] has taken care of me, that I can’t give back,” Ashley explained.
The Turning Point: Dr. Nowzaradan's Intervention
Despite her anxiety and emotional challenges, Ashley sought help from Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, famously known as Dr. Now, a bariatric surgeon specializing in helping individuals with extreme obesity. Ashley’s time with Dr. Nowzaradan showed immediate results. She quickly lost 54 pounds, which qualified her for gastric bypass surgery. In the months following her operation, she dropped a further 106 pounds.
Addressing Psychological Issues
After the initial physical transformation, Ashley began dealing with the psychological aspects of her weight loss. She told Dr. Now that she felt sick constantly, but Dr. Now couldn’t find anything physically wrong with her and suggested she visit a therapist, instead. There, Ashley came to understand she’d spent the better part of two decades equating food deprivation with love deprivation. This realization marked a crucial turning point in her journey, highlighting the importance of mental health in conjunction with physical health.
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Follow-Up Episode: Progress and Challenges
Ashley’s first follow-up episode aired the following year. Things were progressing positively; between the end of her first episode and the start of her next, Ashley’s weight loss had increased, to over 300 total pounds. “I had gotten up to 700 pounds,” Ashley said, “and now my body is strethced and disfigured and it’s depressing to see. By now, Ashley and Daniel’s relationship had healed to the point where he was openly, even happily helping Ashley - and she was willing to accept his help without feeling guilt. “I don’t know what I would have done without you,” Ashley told him, at one point.
During a 2018 episode of My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now?, Ashley planned to undergo her skin removal surgery in Houston. She expressed her desire to remove the excess skin, stating, “So my next big goal is to get all this off as soon as possible because I know I can’t stand to let this all hang on my body”. In the end, Ashley reflected on the process as a difficult time with “excessive amounts of pain,” but was ultimately happy with the results.
Where Is Ashley Now?
Since that update aired, Ashley has maintained a low profile, disappearing from social media. It's not unusual for My 600-lb Life participants to stay out of the limelight following their TV appearances. The most likely explanation is that Reyes wants to focus on living healthily without the gaze of others. In Ashley’s case, though, it seems more like she may have made the decision in order to focus more attention on herself and her weight loss journey.
Several of her fellow cast members have made positive public reference to Ashley in the months since her last update; given how tight-knit the cast community is, it feels unlikely that either controversy or tragedy struck Ashley.
The Impact of Ashley's Story
Ashley’s journey resonated with many viewers who struggle with obesity and related emotional issues. Her willingness to confront her past trauma and commit to a healthier lifestyle inspired countless individuals. Her story underscores the importance of addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of weight loss.
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Lessons Learned from Ashley's Journey
Ashley Reyes's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of mental health, and the strength of supportive relationships. Her journey on My 600-Lb Life offers valuable lessons for anyone facing similar challenges:
- Address underlying emotional issues: Ashley's experience highlights the critical role of therapy in overcoming trauma and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
- Seek professional help: Dr. Nowzaradan's expertise and guidance were instrumental in Ashley's physical transformation.
- Embrace support: Daniel's unwavering support was crucial to Ashley's success.
- Focus on long-term health: Ashley's decision to prioritize her well-being over social media attention demonstrates a commitment to lasting change.
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