In a stunning juxtaposition of past struggles and present triumph, Tammy Slaton, of “1000-Lb. Sisters,” has unveiled a dramatically slimmed-down figure to the world. Yet, as admirers applaud her transformation, a wave of unsettling reactions followed.
Tammy Slaton showcased her trimmed-down figure in a poolside photo on Instagram, shared by her friend, psychic medium Haley Michelle. Tammy wore a dark blue one-piece swimsuit with a deep v-neck cut as she sat beside Michelle, who sported black-and-white swimwear.
Michelle 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 that her weight has been a lifelong challenge. Now, fans are impressed by her transformation and have 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 fan 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, “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, amidst 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, “Omg this pic is horrifying.” The negative remarks on Tammy’s photo continued.
“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. She underwent bariatric surgery in July 2022 and has 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.
Tammy’s 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.
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 is the goals that she’s achieving of actually living a healthier and happier life,” he added.
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’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 shared 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.”
Over the years, both sisters have faced numerous health issues due to their excessive weight. Despite these challenges, they supported each other and tried to lose weight on their own.
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 Slaton took to Instagram to share updates. She posted photos of herself in a leather jacket, sitting on an overturned crate, showcasing her weight loss. These images have garnered reactions from fans.
Comments include: “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. 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.
