Fans have been “blown away” by Tammy’s recent announcement that she has achieved a significant weight loss goal.
Tammy gained popularity on TLC’s 1000-Lb Sisters, where the show documented her and her sister Amy’s efforts to lose weight.
When she was at her heaviest, Tammy weighed 725 pounds, relying on a walker and wheelchair for mobility, and needed an oxygen tube to help her breathe.
Tammy’s mental health was also affected during that time. In a TikTok video posted in February, she said, “I was bitter, unhappy, very super suicidal, depressed, and just mean.”
Her journey to losing weight hasn’t been easy. She attended rehab multiple times to combat food addiction, and at one point, her weight even increased by 15 pounds from when she first started the program.
In addition to her struggles with weight loss, Tammy experienced a heartbreaking setback last year when her husband, Caleb Willingham, passed away at the age of 40 in July 2023.
Even with all these challenges, Tammy remained determined and eventually lost enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery to further her progress.
During the October 15 episode of 1000-Lb Sisters, viewers watched as Tammy met with her bariatric surgeon, Dr. Eric Smith, for a weigh-in to check on her progress.
Tammy shared with viewers, “The last time I saw Dr. Smith was about nine months ago, and I was around 420 lbs. He told me I had to lose 100 lbs before my next appointment. I’m extremely nervous.”
But it turned out that her worries were not necessary. Tammy currently weighs less than half of her heaviest recorded weight. She stepped on the scales at 303.8 lbs, which is an incredible achievement.
Dr. Smith called Tammy’s progress “unbelievable,” telling People, “Tammy has consistently demonstrated her dedication to making sustainable lifestyle changes to maximize the benefits of her surgery.”
Dr. Smith said, “I’ve emphasized the importance of making small, daily adjustments to ensure not only her continued progress but also her long-term success. She’s truly committed to her health journey.”
He also mentioned that the next step for Tammy is to undergo skin removal surgery, which they plan to schedule “sooner rather than later” due to how her loose skin is affecting her daily life.
Tammy’s fans quickly showed their support on Instagram. One fan commented, “She has blown me away!! This truly shows you never give up! Tammy had an awful attitude before and bam, she changed! So proud of her honesty and struggles! Go girl!!”
Another supporter added, “I knew a strong-headed person like her could do it!! Great job Tammy! And great job to the doctors who never gave up!!!”
