This reality TV star shocked fans after revealing she went from 725 pounds to 238. See her stunning transformation that left netizens convinced she is a “totally different person from before.”
What started as a deeply personal journey to regain her health in the public eye has evolved into one of reality TV’s most astonishing transformations. Now, Tammy Slaton is leaving fans completely stunned.
In a recent confessional aired on TLC’s 1000-lb Sisters and shared via Instagram on April 15, Tammy Slaton revealed a staggering milestone: she has now lost over 500 pounds. “When I was at my heaviest, I was 700-plus pounds. Right now, I’m weighing in at 238,” the 38-year-old shared.
Tammy even drew comparisons to her sister, Amy Slaton, who lost 176 pounds after undergoing bariatric surgery. “Everyone is telling me I look smaller than Amy,” Tammy said with a surprised smile. “That’s kind of hard to believe. I can’t believe I did that.”
Tammy’s incredible transformation ignited a wave of support across social media, with fans flooding platforms with messages of love, admiration, and celebration for her inspiring journey.
One fan captured the collective sentiment, commenting, “You go girl!!!!! What an inspiration you are!!! Watching episode 2 now and look at you being all positive for Amy!!!! Congratulations 🎊🎈🎉 You are doing amazing! ❤️”
Another supporter wrote, “I’m so happy for Tammy!! We saw her on [sic] her lowest and it was a big battle for her to make a change. She’s very strong and inspiring.”
A third viewer shared, “Just saw this episode yesterday and my jaw DROPPED. I’m so proud of your progress!” Others chimed in with heartfelt messages like, “Wow! Amazing Tammy!🙏🏾” and “Your weight loss is incredible! Congratulations!”
Amy and Tammy first captured the public’s attention as the stars of TLC’s hit reality series 1000-lb Sisters, which premiered in January 2020. Hailing from Kentucky, the sisters shared their deeply personal weight loss journeys with viewers, starting with a combined weight of over 1,000 pounds—Amy at 406 and Tammy at 605.
While Amy experienced early progress following bariatric surgery, Tammy’s path was far more challenging. Her journey was marked by numerous setbacks and moments of doubt, making her eventual transformation all the more powerful and inspiring. From the very beginning, it was clear that Tammy’s battle would be a longer, more complex road to recovery.
A scene on “1000-lb Sisters” where Tammy lost 60 pounds while in rehab, posted on Nov 13, 2021. | Source: YouTube/TLC
In Season 1, Tammy faced a crushing setback when her doctor declined to approve her for bariatric surgery, citing insufficient weight loss. The disappointment was palpable. Over the next three years, her battle intensified—not only against the scale, but also against addiction, depression, and a steady physical decline that threatened her life. Her journey became one of perseverance through some of her darkest moments.
Tammy’s struggle with food addiction led to multiple stints in rehab, as her health continued to deteriorate and hovered dangerously close to the brink. Then came a turning point in 2021. Weighing in at 689 pounds upon entering a rehabilitation facility, Tammy was given a daunting goal: lose 100 pounds. It was a challenge that seemed overwhelming—but it marked the beginning of a life-changing transformation.
A scene on “1000-lb Sisters” where Tammy lost 60 pounds while in rehab, posted on Nov 13, 2021. | Source: YouTube/TLC
After eight grueling weeks of dedication, Tammy managed to shed 60 pounds—bringing her weight down to 631.3. Overcome with emotion, she expressed a mix of disbelief and pride. “Honestly, I didn’t think I could get that much off,” she said. “It’s hard work and it’s paying off. I can conquer the world.”
But Tammy’s greatest trial was still to come. In 2022, shortly after checking into a rehab facility in Ohio, her health took a frightening turn. Just one day into her stay, tragedy nearly struck—Tammy stopped breathing, and her family received the devastating news that her condition had become critical.
A scene on “1000-lb Sisters” where Tammy lost 60 pounds while in rehab posted on Nov 13, 2021. | Source: YouTube/TLC
“They’re just telling us that her lungs have given up, and like her body is shutting down,” her sister Amanda tearfully recalled. The family prepared for the unthinkable, even beginning to discuss funeral arrangements.
Tammy was rushed to the hospital, placed on a ventilator, and put into a medically induced coma. Doctors later performed a tracheotomy to assist her breathing. For three harrowing weeks, she remained under constant medical supervision. Then, against all odds, Tammy made a remarkable recovery—defying expectations and taking the first step toward an extraordinary comeback.
Returning to rehab marked a crucial next step in Tammy’s journey, but she did more than just recover—she made significant progress. By the end of 2022, she had lost 180 pounds, bringing her weight down to 534 pounds—low enough to qualify for bariatric surgery.
“I need to get to 550 lbs. for me to be approved for surgery,” she had said earlier in her journey. When the scale finally confirmed that she had fallen under that threshold, it was a moment of triumph—a major victory in a battle that once seemed insurmountable.
A scene on “1000-lb Sisters” where Tammy cooks with her new nurse, posted on November 29, 2021. | Source: YouTube/TLC
Tammy Slaton’s turning point came in Season 4 of 1000-lb Sisters. After years of setbacks and struggles, she was finally cleared for bariatric surgery. The stakes were incredibly high, and even her sister Amy expressed her fears.
“Anything could happen during surgery,” Amy said, visibly concerned. “I couldn’t picture a life without my sister.”
But Tammy made it through the surgery, and what followed was nothing short of extraordinary. The transformation she underwent, both physically and mentally, became a powerful testament to her resilience and determination.
Amy during a scene on “1000-lb Sisters” from a video dated November 29, 2021. | Source: YouTube/TLC
By 2024, Tammy’s progress had left even her doctors in awe. When she stepped on the scale and saw 303.8 lbs., it was a moment of triumph. “I surpassed Dr. Smith’s goal, my goal, all the goals!” she exclaimed, her pride fully earned.
Tammy had lost nearly 500 pounds. But her transformation wasn’t just physical—it represented a complete shift in her way of life. No longer reliant on a wheelchair or walker to get around, she could now sit comfortably in a standard car seat without needing a seatbelt extender. Simple milestones, once thought impossible, had become her new reality.
Tammy during a scene on “1000-lb Sisters” from a video dated November 29, 2021. | Source: YouTube/TLC
With her mobility restored, Tammy set her sights on a new challenge: skin removal surgery. The rapid weight loss had left behind excess skin, which not only impacted her appearance but also affected her balance and overall quality of life. Determined to continue her journey, she sought the surgery to remove the excess skin, taking yet another step toward reclaiming her health and confidence.
In the season finale, Tammy traveled to Pennsylvania with her sisters, Amy and Misty, to consult with a new surgeon. Her previous doctor had declined to take on her case, explaining that the procedures she needed were too complex. This new consultation marked another pivotal moment in her journey, as she hoped for a fresh perspective and a chance to move forward with the next step in her transformation.
“I want skin removed pretty much everywhere on my body,” Tammy shared during the consultation. “My legs, my stomach, my arms, my face. I wish it was possible to just do all of it at once.”
She opened up about the physical toll the excess skin had taken on her life. It wasn’t just a cosmetic issue—it disrupted her balance, made walking difficult, and impacted her confidence. With her trademark humor, she joked, “I walk like a daggone penguin. My belly goes this way and I’m going that way.” Her candidness highlighted just how much the excess skin was affecting her daily life, making the decision for surgery all the more crucial.
After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Peter Rubin, a plastic surgeon based in Pittsburgh, approved Tammy for skin removal procedures on her lower stomach and chin. While her physical transformation stunned viewers, her emotional journey has been just as remarkable.
In 2022, Tammy met Caleb Willingham at the Windsor Lane Rehabilitation Center in Gibsonburg, Ohio. Both were patients facing similar challenges, and their connection was instant. In October, Caleb proposed, and by November, they were married. Tammy referred to him as the love of her life, marking a beautiful new chapter in her story of growth and recovery.
But their time together was heartbreakingly brief. In June 2023, just seven months after their wedding, Caleb tragically passed away at the age of 40. Tammy was left devastated by the loss. “He was my best friend and I loved him dearly,” she said, her voice filled with sorrow. “When I met Caleb, he became my guardian angel—and now he really is watching over me.”
Caleb’s passing marked a significant turning point for Tammy—a moment that went beyond just grief. In a recent episode of 1000-lb Sisters, she courageously revealed a secret she had kept from her family, opening up in a way that would further shape her path to healing and self-discovery.
“The person I’m dating is a woman,” Tammy shared in the emotional reveal. “A few years ago, I came out as pansexual.” She explained that Caleb’s passing had a profound impact on her outlook on relationships.
After losing him, Tammy felt a shift in her desires and realized she no longer wanted to be with men. Her new relationship represents the next chapter in her life—a journey that has been filled with unexpected turns, personal growth, and an incredible amount of strength.
