Tammy Slaton, known for her role on reality TV, battled severe depression and suicidal thoughts before beginning her weight loss journey. Over the years, she has undergone a remarkable transformation, inspiring many with her perseverance and strength.
Since 2020, fans of “1000-lb Sisters” have followed Tammy Slaton’s weight loss journey. After undergoing bariatric surgery in mid-2022, she has continued to inspire viewers with her progress, sharing her transformation on TV and social media.
Tammy Slotan appears on “1000-lb Sisters” | Source: YouTube/TLC
In January 2022, Slaton faced a serious health scare. On the season finale of “1000-Lb. Sisters,” she was rushed to the hospital after her condition worsened at a weight loss rehab facility in Ohio.
Tammy Slotan appears on “1000-lb Sisters” | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight
After struggling with heavy drinking, vaping, and depression, her family received devastating news that her lungs were failing, and her body was shutting down. Slaton was placed in a medically induced coma and put on a ventilator.
Several days later, she regained consciousness and expressed her love for her family. Doctors performed a tracheotomy for emergency breathing support, and after three weeks, she returned to rehab.
In an exclusive teaser from People in January 2023, Slaton’s health scare reportedly left her family deeply concerned after she stopped breathing and was rushed to the hospital.
Before her weight loss, the reality star spent time in a weight loss clinic during one of the lowest periods of her life. In February 2024, she opened up about this challenging experience in a TikTok video that has since been deleted.
Tammy Slotan on “1000-lb Sisters” | Source: YouTube/EntertainmentTonight
“My quality of life has changed so much. Before I was in rehab, I was bitter, unhappy, very super suicidal, depressed, and just mean. Everybody hated me—and they still do. Oh well,” Slaton divulged.
Online users have even expressed disliking her, with one person writing, “Tammy is literally the worst human I’ve ever seen. Frustrates me so badly I had to stop watching the show. I could go on but it would not be nice. Am I the only one who feels this way?”
One echoed, “She is ROTTEN,” while another admitted, “I started watching and I can’t stand how rude and nasty she is!!” Someone else remarked, “She’s a horrible toxic human. I feel sorry for the rest of the family.” “Does TLC encourage her to behave like this for the sake of drama, or is she really this bad?” asked another.
Despite the backlash, Slaton admitted she still has some of her past “I don’t care” attitude but is working on controlling her emotions. She now reflects before reacting and apologizes when needed. She also tries to manage her temper and words more carefully.
“I’m more or less like giving myself a pat on the back for achieving something and doing it. Getting the weight off and living. That’s what I’m doing. I can finally say I’m living life,” said Slaton.
The reality star proved that by marrying Caleb Willingham in November 2022 at Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio. It is where they first met while in treatment.
The couple celebrated their love with a small ceremony, inviting 30 friends and family members to join the special day. “Our wedding day was perfect, there was so much love in the room. I literally married my best friend,” said the newlywed in an interview.
Tragically, Willingham passed away in June 2023 at 40. His stepmother confirmed the news of his passing, though she did not disclose the cause or provide additional details.
Reflecting on her loss, Slaton said, “He was my best friend and I loved him dearly.” She shared that her spouse had always been her guardian angel, and now, in his passing, he truly watches over her.
Slaton later held an emotional memorial service, tearfully expressing, “I’m having my ups and downs, I guess. It hurt when Grandma died, but this is a different kind of hurt.” Despite the pain, she found some comfort in the beauty of the day.
After losing her beloved husband and nearly dying herself, the YouTuber has successfully shed over 500 pounds as of August 2024. This marks a noteworthy milestone in her weight loss journey.
At 285 pounds, Slaton now finds reasons to smile, though she admitted she once hated everything about life. Now, she’s learned to go with the flow and embrace life more positively.
In an August 2024 Instagram post, Slaton reflected on her weight loss journey and proudly shared her progress. Dressed in a teal top and black pants while seated on a sofa, she aimed to spread positivity through her video.
However, some online users quickly noticed and commented that she wasn’t wearing a bra underneath her outfit. “You need to put a bra on sister,” said one individual. Another asked, “Why don’t you [wear] a bra. You would look better.”
One pleaded, “Please get a good bra,” while another user expressed the same sentiments. Meanwhile, others were too focused on how Slaton’s arms looked, with one commenting, “Her arms need something done to them.”
Another questioned, “Are you going to have skin removal surgery? It would make a huge difference on you! You deserve to see exactly how small you really are.”
Despite the naysayers, Slaton has impressed many with her significant weight loss and received praise from social media users. “[…] You look amazing! Super proud of you and how far you’ve come and of how hard you’ve had to work to get there and maintain it!” wrote one user.
Another gushed, “Tammy, my husband and I have watched and supported you from the beginning. So proud of your progress and the woman you’re becoming.” One echoed, “She’s come so far.”
Someone else also showered her with compliments, writing, “You look so good now, keep fighting all the way. I love how good you look.” “Tammy, you’ve come so far physically and mentally. You are a beautiful soul,” penned one person.
Another noted how much the reality star has matured, adding, “Years back, I never would have guessed you would have made this much progress.”
Tammy Slaton’s journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and personal growth, inspiring many along the way. Her resilience and strength remain at the heart of her story as she continues to navigate life’s ups and downs.
