When Tammy Slaton first appeared on TLC’s 1000-Lb Sisters, many viewers didn’t expect to witness one of the most inspiring health transformations in reality TV history. But after years of setbacks, personal loss, and hard-earned progress, Tammy has lost over 500 pounds, dramatically changing her life—and her future.
As summer brings new beginnings and health resets for many, her story is making waves again. Not just because of the number on the scale, but because of how she got there: with surgery, support, and daily choices that continue to evolve.
So how did Tammy do it? What worked, what didn’t, and what can anyone learn from her journey? Let’s break it down.
1. Why Tammy Slaton Chose to Change—and Why It Stuck
At her heaviest, Tammy weighed over 700 pounds. She struggled to breathe without oxygen support, couldn’t walk on her own, and had been turned down for weight loss surgery multiple times due to health risks.
After a near-death experience in 2022 and the loss of her husband Caleb in 2023, Tammy made the hardest decision: to try again.
“I wised up,” she told People Magazine. “I wanted to live—not just exist.”
Her motivation came from more than numbers—it was about freedom, movement, and emotional healing. This shift in intention over image is what helped her finally stay on track.
2. What Tammy Changed Before Qualifying for Surgery
Before undergoing bariatric surgery, Tammy needed to prove she could follow a doctor-approved plan. This included:
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Cutting processed foods and sugary snacks
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Tracking food intake, even when it was uncomfortable
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Drinking more water and reducing soda
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Working with a therapist to manage emotional eating
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Losing over 100 pounds naturally to meet safety requirements
This period, though difficult, built the habits she would rely on after surgery—and gave her a taste of what sustainable effort looked like.
3. How Bariatric Surgery Helped—but Didn’t Do It All
Tammy underwent weight loss surgery in mid-2022. While the procedure helped restrict her food intake and accelerate weight loss, she’s been clear: surgery isn’t a shortcut.
It required:
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Learning new portion sizes and chew timing
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Avoiding carbonated drinks, sugar, and fried foods
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Eating protein first at every meal
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Sticking to a multi-phase post-op diet: liquids, soft foods, then solids
She also dealt with side effects like fatigue, mood swings, and vitamin deficiencies—all of which she’s spoken about openly on TikTok and interviews.
“You can’t go back to old habits. If you do, the weight comes back.”
4. Tammy’s Daily Routine After Her 500-Pound Weight Loss
So what does Tammy’s lifestyle look like today? Based on recent social media posts and episodes, it’s a balance of discipline and healing.
Her typical day may include:
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Morning: Protein shake, short walk, journaling
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Afternoon: Lean protein, veggies, and a high-fiber carb
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Evening: Light meal, skin care, and screen-free wind-down
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Hydration: Sipping water all day, avoiding caffeine overload
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Movement: Short walks, chair exercises, resistance bands
She now walks without assistance and no longer needs oxygen during the day—a major milestone she shared tearfully on camera.
5. What She Eats Now to Keep the Weight Off
Tammy’s eating plan focuses on balance, not restriction. She follows her nutritionist’s guidelines and eats mostly whole, nutrient-rich foods.
Her go-to choices include:
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Protein: chicken, turkey, fish, tofu
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Vegetables: steamed or roasted, with herbs and spices
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Fruits: berries or apples in small servings
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Snacks: low-fat cheese, boiled eggs, unsweetened yogurt
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Drinks: water, herbal recipe teas (ginger-lemon is a favorite)
Portions are still small, and she avoids foods that could stretch her stomach pouch or cause dumping syndrome.
6. Tammy’s Emotional Journey and How She Deals with Triggers
One of the biggest changes Tammy made wasn’t in her diet—it was in her emotional awareness. Food used to be her comfort. Now, she practices:
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Therapy: grief counseling and eating disorder support
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Mindful eating: slowing down and checking in
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Distraction tools: coloring, music, walks, calling friends
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Saying no: to enablers, toxic comments, and trigger foods
“I still have bad days,” she admitted in a live Q&A. “But I have tools now. I don’t let one bad choice turn into a bad week.”
7. The Importance of Support, Accountability, and TLC
Tammy credits her family, doctors, and 1000-Lb Sisters team for helping her stay motivated. But more than anything, she says, she did it for herself.
The accountability of being filmed gave her structure, and seeing fan support pushed her to keep going. She also stays active online, posting videos to celebrate milestones and stay connected with others on similar paths.
This peer support + professional care combo is one of the strongest success predictors in long-term weight loss.
8. Mistakes She Avoided After Surgery (That Many Don’t)
Tammy has seen others regain weight post-op—and she’s learned from those patterns. What she’s avoided:
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Snacking mindlessly or grazing all day
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Stretching her pouch with carbonated drinks
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Skipping meals (which led to overeating later)
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Trying fad diets instead of listening to her body
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Going it alone without therapy or check-ins
Instead, she focuses on stability, hydration, protein, and emotional resilience—day after day.
FAQ
How much weight has Tammy Slaton lost?
She has lost over 500 pounds since starting her journey, going from more than 700 lbs to under 240 lbs by mid-2025.
Did Tammy have weight loss surgery?
Yes, she underwent bariatric surgery in 2022 after meeting strict health requirements, including initial weight loss and lifestyle changes.
Can she walk now without help?
Yes. Tammy no longer needs a walker or wheelchair for daily activities and recently shared she walks on her own without oxygen support.
What does Tammy eat now?
She eats small, high-protein meals, mostly whole foods, and avoids sugar, fried items, and carbonated drinks. She prioritizes hydration and portion control.
Has she had skin removal surgery?
Yes, in 2025 Tammy had skin removal surgery to address excess skin after losing hundreds of pounds. She shared photos and emotional reflections online.
Is Tammy still losing weight?
Yes, but at a slower, more sustainable pace. Her current focus is on toning, maintaining, and staying emotionally healthy.
Did she use Ozempic or weight loss drugs?
Tammy has not confirmed the use of Ozempic or similar medications. Her team has credited surgery, structured eating, and emotional work as the main factors.
How did she stay motivated?
With therapy, social media support, and visual reminders of her “why.” Her quote: “I want to live the life I almost didn’t get.”
Final Thoughts
Tammy Slaton’s weight loss journey isn’t just about numbers—it’s about choosing life again, one habit at a time. Through surgery, support, and serious self-reflection, she has redefined what’s possible, even after years of struggle.
If you’re on your own path to better health, Tammy’s story proves a few powerful truths:
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It’s never too late
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Small changes matter
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Mental health is just as important as food
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You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to keep going
Start with one step. One better choice. One walk. Like Tammy, your transformation doesn’t need to look fast or fancy—it just needs to be real.