Tammy Slaton’s journey has been one of immense change, resilience, and inspiration. Her story, documented on TLC's "1000-Lb. Sisters," has captivated audiences and offered hope to many facing similar challenges. From her childhood struggles with food to her remarkable weight loss transformation, Tammy's path has been filled with both triumphs and tribulations.
Early Life and Challenges
Growing up in Kentucky with her sister Amy and siblings Chris, Misty, and Amanda, Tammy faced numerous hardships. Raised by their mom Darlene, who worked multiple jobs, the Slaton children experienced poverty and a lack of affection. Amy shared on the premiere episode of "1000-lb Sisters" that they "grew up very poor," relying heavily on fast food or food provided by the church. She added, "We didn’t really get much love and affection growing up. It was actually quite the opposite. We got told we were stupid, we were lazy."
The sisters found solace in their close relationship with their grandmother, who passed away when Amy was 10 and Tammy was 11. Tammy shared that her grandmother "made me feel like I was no different from anybody else," and after her death, "food was the only enjoyment we had."
As their weight increased, Tammy and Amy faced bullying and various health issues. Tammy admitted, "I’ve been overweight all my life," and recounted how "kids in school were very mean. They would push me, call me names." By the age of 20, she weighed approximately 500 pounds.
The Beginning of a Public Journey
In 2014, following a health scare where she discovered a blood clot in her right lung, Tammy decided to start vlogging with Amy. She told People in 2023, "I was bored. I was just sitting there watching YouTube videos. I was like, 'Why not? We’re funny, whatever. Why can’t we do it too?' So, I pitched the idea to her, and here we are."
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Their videos gained attention, eventually leading to a show on TLC. Amy explained, "At first, they wanted a big YouTuber weight loss show, and then they’d seen us and they were like, 'No, these two need their own show.'"
"1000-lb Sisters" premiered in 2020, chronicling the weight loss journeys of Tammy, Amy, and their siblings. Tammy revealed that at her heaviest, she weighed 725 pounds. The show documented her struggles, successes, and the complex dynamics within her family.
Turning Point: Rehabilitation and Bariatric Surgery
A pivotal moment in Tammy's journey was her decision to enter a rehabilitation center for food addiction in 2021. Although she initially left earlier than anticipated, she returned and committed to her recovery. During this time, her health took a turn for the worse, leading to hospitalization and a medically-induced coma.
In the summer of 2022, Tammy underwent bariatric surgery, marking a significant step toward recovery. This surgery, combined with lifestyle changes, set her on a path to lose over 500 pounds.
Life After Weight Loss
Since getting bariatric surgery in 2022, Slaton has made headlines for losing more than 500 pounds and viewers of the TLC reality show watched Slaton as she prepared to go under the knife to remove the excess skin from her body. In the June 10 season finale this year, after being approved for skin removal surgery, Slaton sees herself for the first time after the procedure.
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One of the most significant changes for Tammy has been her increased mobility and independence. She shared in a 2024 interview with People, “Just being able to walk without a walker or be pushed in a wheelchair, and no oxygen. I don’t even sleep with it at night anymore. Then it was being able to fit in a regular vehicle, front seat and then the belt buckle, and not have to use an extender now."
Tammy also underwent skin removal surgery to address excess skin resulting from her weight loss. She had previously said she was “insecure” about her loose skin, and was overjoyed to get the surgery. Slaton said in one of the show’s interviews “I’m shocked. Like, I feel so weird,” and “My bat wings are gone too. And I look down and there’s not nothing there but my lap now".
Maintaining Weight Loss and Healthy Habits
Tammy emphasizes that weight loss is not solely about surgery but requires a balanced approach. In a 2024 Instagram post, she highlighted the importance of sufficient protein intake. Rami Lufti, MD, FACS, medical director for Bariatric and General Surgery at Carrum Health, notes that bariatric surgery is a tool and not a cure for obesity.
Learning to control eating habits has also been crucial for Tammy. Addressing the mental aspect of food addiction is essential, and seeking professional help through therapy or support groups can significantly impact one's health. As Dr. Lufti explains, "Dealing with food addiction requires first, a true diagnosis, and then management by a multi-specialty team of professionals including behavioral therapy, dietetics, support groups and of course medical interventions."
To maintain her muscle mass throughout her health journey, Tammy has incorporated non-processed foods into her diet, maintained a steady protein intake of 90 to 100 grams per day, and completed limited exercise, including chair exercises, lifting weights, "running the bike," and walking.
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Navigating Fame and Personal Life
Tammy has had to navigate life in the spotlight, including being asked for photos in public. While she appreciates her supporters, she finds it rude when people take photos without asking.
As much as she’s opened up about her life onscreen, Tammy has still kept some aspects-including her love life-somewhat private. Two years after the death of her husband Caleb Willingham, Tammy shared she was dating a woman named Andrea Dalton. “A few years ago, I came out as pansexual," the reality star said on an April episode of 1,000-lb Sisters. “But after Caleb’s passing, I don’t want to be with men anymore.” In June, Tammy revealed she and Andrea are engaged. “I couldn’t be more thankful and blessed to have the support and love not only from my fans/besties but my girlfriend and ofc my family. This is my thank you for helping me keeping going.”
The Possibility of Ozempic
According to her doctor, she could take a diabetes drug like Ozempic if things stalled. Her bariatric surgeon Eric Smith, MD, tells Women's Health, "Let's just say she had a residual medical problem that we couldn't quite get her weight low enough to get rid of. There's nothing wrong with considering, 'Hey, we're going to add this injection in combination with the fact that you've had this surgery,'" and "If we felt like Tammy lost a significant amount of weight, but if she plateaued… it definitely could be an additional add-on."
Proud Moments
Dr. Smith has seen a significant transformation in Tammy over the years. Two of his proudest moments include Tammy's decision to seek help at a rehabilitation facility and when she walked into his exam room without her wheelchair for the first time. He recalls, "When she walked into the exam room, I may have struggled really hard to make sure the camera didn't catch me well up. I'd watched her be wheeled in so many times and struggle, and when she walked in and gave me a hug, it was just the coolest thing ever."