Tammy Slaton’s Medical History Explained (Will She Go Further Than Skin Removal Surgery?)

1000-Lb. Sisters‘ Tammy Slaton has faced significant health challenges due to lifelong obesity, but she has changed her circumstances over the last few years. Born on July 27, 1986, in Kentucky, Tammy has struggled with weight-related issues since childhood, compounded by emotional and environmental factors like bullying and an unhealthy diet. At her heaviest, she weighed 725 pounds, battling conditions including high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and a blood clot in her lung. In November 2021, a severe health crisis led to hospitalization for carbon dioxide poisoning, pneumonia, and sepsis, requiring a medically induced coma, life support, and a tracheotomy.

In July 2022, Tammy underwent bariatric surgery, a pivotal step in her weight-loss journey. The resulting 500-pound weight-loss brought her weight to 285 pounds by December 2023. During 1000-lb Sister season 7, she had skin removal surgery, removing over 15 pounds of excess skin from her chin, arms, and abdomen. Her results were dramatic. Tammy has also addressed mental health challenges, including depression and food addiction, through therapy and rehab. Her incredible transformation reflects her incredible resilience, though she continues to navigate ongoing health concerns.

Tammy’s Been Morbidly Obese Most Of Her Life

“I’ve Always Had A Weight Issue”

Tammy has struggled with weight her whole life. She and her sister, 37-year-old Amy Slaton, told People that the origins of their weight gain date back to childhood. The sisters attribute much of it to genetics, emotional eating, and socioeconomic factors. “I’ve always had a weight issue,” Tammy said. “I was born 9 lbs. 10 oz., and then I just kept gaining.” “Our whole family’s big,” Amy added. The type of food available to them was also an issue.

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Their mother, Darlene Slaton, worked three jobs to support them and their three siblings, so they were often responsible for preparing their own meals. “And at 10 and 11, you really couldn’t prepare healthy food and stuff,” Amy continued. “The microwave was our best friend,” Tammy added. “Ramen noodles, bowls of soup, things that were quick and easy — stuff that adds on carbs.” Their grandmother helped their mother raise them and, when their grandmother died in 1999, Amy and Tammy turned to food to fill the emotional void.

The 1000-lb Sisters season 7 star went on to gain more and more weight. By the time the unscripted series premiered in 2020, she weighed over 600 pounds. She was in a terrible physical and mental state. Due to her size, she couldn’t leave her house, so she essentially lived like a prisoner. She couldn’t experience the world or be with her friends and family. Her quality of life was severely diminished, which affected her mental health. Fortunately, Tammy changed her life completely and now enjoys a much more active lifestyle.

Tammy Had Problems With Her Blood Pressure, Lungs, Thyroid, & More

Losing Weight Was A Life And Death Matter For Tammy

Due to her obesity, Tammy faced severe health issues throughout her life. Her high blood pressure increased risks of heart disease and stroke. Lung complications, including a critical 2021 episode of carbon dioxide poisoning and pneumonia, required a medically induced coma and tracheotomy. Thyroid problems further complicated her metabolism, contributing to weight gain and fatigue. Additional conditions like gout, gallbladder issues, and blood clots compounded her struggles. These health challenges, rooted in obesity, limited her mobility and quality of life. Since having bariatric surgery in 2022, Tammy has focused on diet and exercise to maintain her weight loss.

Tammy’s Struggled With Her Mental Health

She Often Felt Trapped Inside Her Own Body

In May 2024, Tammy’s bariatric surgeon, Dr. Eric Smith, posted an Instagram video with the caption, “May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, a critical time to recognize the connection between obesity and mental well-being.” The video features Tammy, along with other bariatric patients, sharing their mental health struggles. The 1000-lb Sisters season 7 star explained that obesity made her feel trapped inside her own body. She needed around-the-clock care, so she had little independence.

Once Tammy regained her mobility and independence, the 1000-lb Sisters star wasted no time getting out of the house and living her life. Her social media feed is jam-packed with photos and footage from her various outings, social events, and even Slaton family vacations. She was even able to take her first airplane ride. Tammy, who used to complain about feeling lonely and left out, is now a social butterfly. Forming strong relationships and getting out more has been a major boost to Tammy’s mental health and well-being.

Will Tammy Have More Surgeries After Skin Removal?

She Has More Excess Skin To Address

Losing so much weight quickly saved Tammy’s life for the better, but it had its downsides. It left Tammy with a lot of excess skin, which makes it hard to walk. Tammy wanted skin removal surgery, but her doctor kept wanting her to lose more weight first. Tammy grew increasingly frustrated. She was so jealous when her brother, 44-year-old Chris Combs, was approved for the procedure. During 1000-lb Sisters season 6, Chris had the excess skin around his belly removed, and he looks like a new man.

During 1000-lb Sisters season 7, Tammy headed to see her doctor again. She went in, expecting to be denied again, but she was pleasantly surprised. Tammy finally got approval for the procedure that she’d been so desperate to have. The results of Tammy‘s skin removal surgery have been incredible, and she has been posting photos to Instagram and TikTok. The 1000-lb Sisters season 7 star has a lot more excess skin to address, so chances are good she’ll have another procedure at some point. Now that Tammy’s health has improved, she can focus on living the life she always wanted.

1000-lb Sisters seasons 1-7 can be streamed on Discovery+.

Sources: Dr. Eric Smith/Instagram, People, Tammy Slaton/TikTok