1000-lb Sisters” star Tammy Slaton is wearing her heart on her sleeve and sharing candid reflections about the struggles she has faced with losing weight. She spoke about her journey in a TikTok video on August 28. While her words were certainly poignant, social media users could not help but express concern for how much weight she has lost.
User comment about Tammy Slaton, posted on August 29, 2024 | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
User comment about Tammy Slaton, posted on August 29, 2024 | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
Seated in a brown leather armchair in a green top and black pants, Tammy started her video message by talking about why she takes a lot of pictures of herself. After clarifying that she does not photograph herself because she looks good—which was quickly followed by a cheeky “Well, I do. A little bit”—she explained why.
Tammy Slaton speaking about her emotional struggles amid her weight loss journey, posted on August 28, 2024 | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
Tammy Slaton speaking about her emotional struggles amid her weight loss journey, posted on August 28, 2024 | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
“I want to remember how big I was, what I look like. And, I reflect, ‘Dude, I was huge!’ […] Like I would not be able to sit in this chair,” she expressed. Tammy then went on to confess that by focusing so much on trying to lose weight, she lost herself in the process.
Tammy Slaton | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
Tammy Slaton | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
Revealing the emotional turmoil she went through further, Tammy disclosed that she turned to alcohol to try to numb the pain. “At the same time, I was still eating. So I was doing both. Damage in two different ways,” she highlighted.
Tammy Slaton | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
Tammy Slaton | Source: TikTok/tammy.l.slaton
Tammy then explained the epiphany she had, which saw her reconcile with the fact that it would be easy for her to fall back into bad habits which would lead to her gaining all the weight back.
However, she realized, “Then what was this all for? Wasted time, wasted money, wasted effort […] It’s not a diet. They say it’s a lifestyle change, which it really is.”
Tammy Slaton posing for a picture, posted on December 7, 2023 | Source: Instagram/queentammy86
Tammy Slaton posing for a picture, posted on December 7, 2023 | Source: Instagram/queentammy86
She shared how she had many internal demons that she had to fight, which Tammy said she is still fighting to this day. Ending her remarks with a message of hope for those who may be facing the same struggles, Tammy asserted, “You’re not alone. You can do anything once you put your mind to it. Never give up.”
Her caption reflects the same words she shared in her video and also reveals that, thus far, she has lost a whopping 500 lbs. Observers who saw Tammy’s TikTok video are taken aback by how drastically different she looks.
“Wow it’s like a different person. Inside and out,” marveled a netizen. Another begged, “Tammy, stoooop 😭 You don’t need to lose more weight!” Similarly, someone else wrote, “Oh God…Please do not lose more weight.”
“Tammy you lost too much weight! Please stop 🙏🏻,” added a TikToker. On the other hand, some people think Tammy looks good and are pleased by the fact that she’s lost a lot of weight.
“Tammy you look so healthy now,” praised a fan while another gushed, “Tammy you are a totally different person so amazing.”
After sharing her heartfelt video on TikTok, Tammy took to Instagram to share a post about how she lost herself. She penned a lengthy caption alongside the post, sharing even more encouraging words for those who may be going through a tough time.
“✨ Remember Who You Are ✨ No matter where life takes you, it’s so important to stay true to yourself. Losing weight, overcoming challenges, and transforming your life are incredible achievements, but in the process, never forget who you are at your core,” she began.
Tammy Slaton went on to note how everybody’s journeys and what they go through in life are unique to them and highlighted how one’s resilience lies in all the highs and lows they have been through. “Stay grounded, stay you, and keep shining. 🌟,” penned the TV personality at the end of her caption.
The comments of concern come after she garnered a wave of praise and unsettling reactions after posting a swimsuit photo.
Tammy showcased her trimmed-down figure in the poolside photo, which was shared by her friend, psychic medium Haley Michelle. She wore a dark blue one-piece swimsuit with a deep v-neck cut as she sat beside Haley, who sported black-and-white swimwear.
Haley expressed support for Tammy’s impressive transformation, and captioned her post with, “Proud of you #tammyslatonweightloss.”
Tammy has openly discussed her struggles with body image, revealing last year (2023) that her weight has been a lifelong challenge. Upon seeing the swimsuit photo, fans were impressed by her transformation and shared their enthusiasm and support.
One happy fan exclaimed, “You are getting so thin!!!!” Another became emotional and wrote, “Holy wow! The transformation is incredible! So happy to see how far you have come I may have cried a little.”
Others continued to shower Tammy with praises and words of encouragement. An excited admirer commented, “I am so happy for Tammy!! She looks like a totally different person!! Keep going, girl!!”
Another one recognized Tammy’s ongoing improvement with her looks, noting, “I know you need to finish losing before skin removal, but if it could be removed now, you could be even happier and be done. I think you’d be pretty small. You already are.”
However, amid the positive reactions, some responded negatively and deemed Tammy’s transformation somewhat unsettling. One critic remarked, “I like Tammy but she looks creepy in this pic lol.”
An unenthusiastic user expressed, “Sorry but this is scary,” while someone echoed a similar sentiment with, “Omg this pic is horrifying.”
“I’m wondering how is this iconic. More like frightening,” a critic commented. Another netizen added, “That is one of the most scariest things, I have ever seen.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Tammy’s significant weight loss marks a major transformation. After undergoing bariatric surgery in July 2022, she had since dropped from 725 pounds to 285 pounds, losing 440 pounds.
She shared her joy over newfound freedom, such as improved mobility and less reliance on medical aids. “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,” Tammy said.
Her other milestones also included fitting into the front seat of a car and fastening the seatbelt without an extender. She noted that these achievements, while seemingly small to others, are huge for her.
Tammy posing for a picture, posted in April 2024 | Source: Instagram/queentammy86
Tammy posing for a picture, posted in April 2024 | Source: Instagram/queentammy86
Dr. Eric Smith, medical director of the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, who has accompanied Tammy throughout her journey, emphasized celebrating non-scale victories. “I’m most proud about […] the goals that she’s achieving of actually living a healthier and happier life,” he mentioned.
Tammy Slaton in an episode of TLC’s “1000-lb Sisters” reality TV show, posted in April 2023. | Source: YouTube/TLC
Tammy Slaton in an episode of TLC’s “1000-lb Sisters” reality TV show, posted in April 2023. | Source: YouTube/TLC
The doctor recalled how Tammy previously needed to be transported to his office in a minivan with the seats removed due to her size. He noted that Tammy’s weight loss was a “huge accomplishment,” far from what she experienced back then.
Tammy Slaton steps out of a car in an episode of TLC’s reality show “1000-lb Sisters,” posted in January 2023. | Source: YouTube/TLCAustralia
Tammy Slaton steps out of a car in an episode of TLC’s reality show “1000-lb Sisters,” posted in January 2023. | Source: YouTube/TLCAustralia
Tammy’s struggles extend beyond her personal journey, influenced by family genetics and lifestyle choices. “I’ve always had a weight issue. I was born 9 lbs. 10 oz., and then I just kept gaining,” Tammy revealed.
She and her sister, Amy Slaton, divulged their tough childhood experiences growing up in rural Kentucky, where they often fended for themselves in the kitchen while their mother worked three jobs.
Their diet consisted mainly of quick, carb-heavy foods like ramen noodles and canned soup, with Tammy noting, “The microwave was our best friend.”
They also faced bullying due to their weight and turned to food for comfort, especially after the loss of their grandmother in 1999, leading Amy to admit, “I started eating my feelings.”
Tammy and Amy Slaton appear in an episode of TLC’s “1000-lb Sisters” reality TV show, posted in January 2020. | Source: YouTube/TLC
Tammy and Amy Slaton appear in an episode of TLC’s “1000-lb Sisters” reality TV show, posted in January 2020. | Source: YouTube/TLC
Over the years, both sisters have faced numerous health issues due to their excessive weight. Despite these challenges, however, they supported each other and tried to lose weight on their own.
Amy and Tammy Slaton participate in a swimming exercise in TLC’s “1000-lb Sisters” show, posted in December 2023. | Source: YouTube/TLCAustralia
Amy and Tammy Slaton participate in a swimming exercise in TLC’s “1000-lb Sisters” show, posted in December 2023. | Source: YouTube/TLCAustralia
The sisters’ struggles became a cornerstone of their public story when the TLC network documented their weight loss journey on the reality TV show “1000-lb Sisters.” On this platform, they candidly shared the trials and triumphs of their experiences.
As the show captured their progress, Tammy took to Instagram to share updates. Last year (2023), she posted photos of herself in a leather jacket, sitting on an overturned crate, showcasing her weight loss. Those images then garnered reactions from fans.
Tammy Slaton posing for a picture, posted on December 7, 2023 | Source: Instagram/queentammy86
Tammy Slaton posing for a picture, posted on December 7, 2023 | Source: Instagram/queentammy86
Comments included, “You look so different, well done,” and “Oh my Tammy, you look so healthy and fantastic.” Another fan said, “That doesn’t even look like her; she’s doing a great job.”
The series also followed Tammy’s 14-month stay in a weight-loss rehab program, providing a detailed look at her transformation. At that time she commented on her weight loss and what she most looked forward to saying, “Just being able to travel and sit in an actual car seat or in an airplane—just get in an airplane.”
Despite still facing unpleasant comments about their weight, Tammy and her sister remain unapologetic about making their wonderful journey public.
“By putting our stories out there, we’re helping others see they can lose weight too. They’re not alone,” Tammy said, highlighting how the show and their newfound visibility have broadened their horizons.
