"My 600-lb Life" is a reality television series that follows the adventures of people who are severely obese as they try to lose weight and start a new life. The show highlights their efforts to better their health and quality of life by focusing on their physical, emotional, and psychological issues. The presentation opens with the introduction of a contestant weighing 600 pounds or more. The person discusses the circumstances that contributed to their severe weight gains, such as emotional trauma, poor eating habits, or medical issues, in their personal narrative. They exhibit a desire for change and indicate a wish to undergo weight loss surgery. The participant flies to Houston, Texas, to visit with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, a bariatric surgeon. Dr. Nowzaradan does a thorough medical evaluation, which includes physical tests, a review of medical records, and an assessment of the individual's capacity to make essential lifestyle adjustments. He also takes into account any obesity-related health issues that may have an impact on the operation and post-operative treatment.
After successfully completing the pre-operative phase, the individual will have weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery according to the format of the reality show My 600-lb Life. The precise method is chosen based on the individual's health and demands. The procedure is performed by Dr. Nowzaradan or another skilled surgeon. Following surgery, the individual begins their recuperation process. They must follow a rigorous post-operative diet that includes eating little amounts of nutritional food while avoiding high-calorie or harmful alternatives. As their mobility improves, they also add physical exercise to their regimen.
For long-term success, the show underscores the significance of continual assistance and monitoring. Dr. Nowzaradan, nutritionists, therapists, and other medical specialists provide counseling to participants. They attend monthly follow-up meetings to monitor their weight reduction progress, address any obstacles or setbacks, and receive further counseling to help them sustain their new healthy lifestyle. Viewers follow the contestants' weight loss progress throughout the episode. Periodic weigh-ins and body measurements are commonly used to track their progress. The show often includes updates on the participants' weight reduction successes, overall health gains, and capacity to engage in previously impossible activities.
Controversies
Over the years, "My 600-lb Life" has encountered some controversy. The participants and their hardships were allegedly used by the show for entertainment purposes, according to several critics. Concerns have been expressed concerning the show's possible detrimental effects on the mental and emotional health of the subjects. Allegations have been made that the participants of the show did not get enough long-term assistance after their episodes aired. Tragically, a number of "My 600-lb Life" contestants have passed away since their performances on the program. The medical assistance and support given both during and after the filming process have come under scrutiny in light of these deaths.
Some participants said that their tales were edited in a way that did not correctly reflect their experiences, and they were unhappy with how they were depicted on the show. They contend that in order to create drama, their problems and efforts were either minimized or sensationalized.
Casts who died in My 600-lb Life show
As of 2023 we have lost around 15 cast members who appeared in the reality Tv show My 600-lb Life. They are Henry Foots,Kelly Mason, James King, Ashley Randall, Laura Perez, Sean Milliken, James "L.B." Bonner, Lisa Fleming, Robert Buchel, Renee Biran, Destinee LaShaee, Angela Gutierrez, Gina Krasley, Coliesa McMillian, and Larry Myers Jr,. In this article we will be learning about how they died and their weight loss journey in the reality Tv show:
Patient Name | Starting Age | Location | Starting Weight | Ending Weight | Total weight loss | Notes |
Henry Foots | 47 years old | Houston, Texas | 715 pounds (324 kg) | 275 pounds (125 kg) | 440 pounds (200 kg) | Deceased, age 54 |
Ashley Randall | 24 years old | Killeen, Texas | 617 pounds (280 kg) | 253.1 pounds (114.8 kg) | 364 pounds (165 kg) | Deceased, age 40 |
Laura Perez | 41 years old | San Antonio, Texas | 594.6 pounds (269.7 kg) | 357.8 pounds (162.3 kg) | 237 pounds (108 kg) | Deceased, age 48 |
Sean Milliken | 26 years old | Cameron Park, California | 919 pounds (417 kg) (later 1,003 pounds (455 kg)) | 548 pounds (249 kg) | 455 pounds (206 kg) (LPW) | Deceased, age 29 |
James King | 46 years old | Paducah, Kentucky | 735 pounds (333 kg) (later 840 pounds (380 kg)) | 788.6 pounds (357.7 kg), dismissed from the program in Month 11 | 55 pounds (25 kg) (LPW) | Deceased, age 49 |
James "L.B." Bonner | 29 years old | Lexington, South Carolina | 642.3 pounds (291.3 kg) | 326 pounds (148 kg) | 316 pounds (143 kg) | Deceased, age 30 |
Lisa Fleming | 49 years old | Mobile, AL | 704.3 pounds (319.5 kg) | Unknown, dismissed from the program in Month 6 | Unknown (no second weigh-in) | Deceased, age 50 |
Robert Buchel | 41 years old | Forked River, New Jersey | 842.1 pounds (382.0 kg) | 502 pounds (228 kg), died during filming in Month 9 | 340 pounds (150 kg) | Deceased, age 41 |
Renee Biran | 53 years old | Valdosta, Georgia | 631.8 pounds (286.6 kg) | 381 pounds (173 kg) | 250 pounds (110 kg) | Deceased, aged 56 |
Destinee LaShaee | 27 years old | Pineville, Louisiana | 669 pounds (303 kg) | 440 pounds (200 kg) | 229 pounds (104 kg) | First transgender patient on the show. Deceased, age 31 |
Kelly Mason | 41 years old | Greensboro, North Carolina | 725.5 pounds (329.1 kg) | 383 pounds (174 kg), died during filming in Month 10 | 342 pounds (155 kg) | Deceased, age 41 |
Angela Gutierrez | 44 years old | Ross, Ohio | 608.4 pounds (276.0 kg) | No second weigh-in, a left program in Month 8 | Unknown | Deceased, age 49 |
Gina Krasley | 28 years old | Tuckerton, New Jersey | 606.7 pounds (275.2 kg) | 556.2 pounds (252.3 kg) | 50.5 pounds (22.9 kg) | Deceased, age 30 |
Coliesa McMillian | 41 years old | New Roads, Louisiana | 643 pounds (292 kg) | 499 pounds (226 kg) | 144 pounds (65 kg) (@6 mos.) | Deceased, aged 41 |
Larry Myers, Jr, | 49 years old | Albany, New York | 648 pounds (289 kg) | 529.9 pounds (240.4 kg) | 118.1 pounds (53.6 kg) | Deceased, age 49 |
- Henry Foots
Henry Foots, better known as "Big Hank," appeared in the reality television show "My 600-lb Life." His episode aired during the first season of the show. Henry Foots suffered from extreme obesity, eventually weighing more than 715 pounds. His weight has hampered his movement and general health, prompting him to seek assistance through the show. Henry's episode followed him in his effort to lose weight and improve his health. He came to Houston, Texas, to see Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, who evaluated his medical condition and advised him on essential lifestyle adjustments. During his weight loss quest, Henry experienced various obstacles, including emotional and psychological difficulties. He had to deal with underlying emotional difficulties that contributed to his weight gain. He worked with Dr. Nowzaradan, dietitians, and therapists throughout the episode to address these difficulties and achieve substantial lifestyle adjustments.
Henry experienced a medical crisis while operating a shuttle bus in Houston, Texas, in 2012. As a result, he lost control of the vehicle. According to social media, the car lost control and slammed into a pedestrian, sadly killing her. There were no other deaths, however, 11 additional people on the bus were treated for various ailments. Henry, who weighed 600 pounds and died a year later in May 2013, was 54 years old. Since Henry's official cause of death was never disclosed, it is uncertain if the collision from a year earlier or his weight loss endeavors were factors in his passing.
- Ashley Randall
During the first season of My 600-Lb Life in 2012, Ashley Randall, a 24-year-old from Killeen, Texas, was introduced and shared one of the most devastating stories in the show's history. Ashley, who weighed 617 pounds at the time, was one of the youngest cast members to appear on TLC's long-running medical reality series. Ashley Randall, like the majority of the cast members on My 600-Lb Life, has struggled with both weight and personal trauma throughout her life. Ashley stated on the show that she lost her father, who was one of her biggest supporters, to cancer.
Despite her personal suffering, Ashley ended her tenure on TLC's famous reality show My 600-lb Life weighing 253 pounds, having lost over 400 pounds while on the show. Ashley died on October 2nd, 2021, at the age of 40, joining a lengthy list of past My 600-Lb Life members who died at an early age. Ashley died as a result of septic shock. She had been battling a horrible illness in the days immediately up to her death and had even contracted pneumonia while in the hospital.
- Laura Perez
Laura Perez was one of numerous My 600-lb Life stars that have admirers who are interested in her life after the program. Laura weighed 594 pounds when she was presented to viewers, and she recognized she needed to start losing weight. Laura's My 600-lb Life weight reduction journey was not without bumps, which made her determination all the more impressive.
Dr. Younan Nowzaradan had to do a gastrectomy instead of a gastric bypass treatment. Due to her enormous liver and spleen, the surgeon excised four-fifths of her stomach. Unfortunately, she almost died of pneumonia following the operation, which was featured in the episode. She ultimately recovered, and by the conclusion of her TLC term, she had lost an incredible 237 pounds. She finally dropped to 182 pounds, one of the lowest weights recorded by a My 600-lb Life star. Later on, she died at the age of 48 years.
- Sean Milliken
Sean Milliken made his TLC debut as Dr. Younan Nowzaradan's patient on My 600-lb Life in 2016. His time on the reality program is gone, and viewers want to know what happened to him. He was able to lose almost 400 pounds after filming the weight loss-focused series. Unfortunately, that physical transformation adventure came to an end in 2019. Sean was able to lose 400 of his 900-pound weight.
He accomplished this aim after relocating to Houston to live with his mother, Renee Milliken. Many people thought of her as an enabler. Fans of My 600-lb Life will always remember how he added a pleasant vibe to the show. Although it is unfortunate that Sean went away at the early age of 29, one can only hope that he is now with his mother, Renee, in a much better place.
- James King
James King was known after his episodes from the 2017 season 5 of My 600-lb Life aired. James King was one of the show's heaviest cast members ever. He started out at 791 pounds and struggled mightily to lose weight while appearing on the show. Unfortunately, James was fired from the show for breaking the terms of the weight loss program, and he still had a lot of problems in his life. James King, 49, died at Saint Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 3, 2020.
- James "L.B." Bonner
James “L.B.” Bonner appeared in My 600lb Life on season 6. James "L.B." Bonner battled extreme obesity. In order to deal with the loss of his leg, Bonner turned to food and drink after a vehicle accident in 2013. He weighed more than 650 pounds at his heaviest. His weight had a huge influence on his physical and emotional well-being, so he turned to the show for assistance in making good changes in his life.
My 600-Lb Life actor James "L.B." Bonner was found dead on Thursday. He was 30. A police officer from the Lexington County Sheriff's Department discovered Bonner dead in a ditch with a gunshot wound at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to an incident report obtained by PEOPLE. Someone worried for Bonner's well-being phoned the police at the reality star's South Carolina residence. At the location, which was close to his home, Bonner's death was officially pronounced.
- Lisa Fleming
Lisa Fleming took part in the reality television program "My 600-lb Life." She was a part of the sixth season of the show. Lisa Fleming battled extreme obesity. She weighed almost 700 pounds at her heaviest. She turned to the show for assistance since her weight has negatively impacted both her mobility and general health. The episode about Lisa followed her journey as she tried to lose weight and get healthier. She made the trip to Houston, Texas, to visit with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, who examined her and advised her on the required modifications to her lifestyle.
Lisa encountered several difficulties as she lost weight. She had to deal with traumatic experiences, ingrained mental problems, and familial relationships that contributed to her weight gain. The episode focused on her initiatives to deal with these problems and alter her way of life. Sadly, Lisa died on August 23, 2018, just after her episode was filmed. Her underlying health conditions and weight-related consequences led to her demise.
- Robert Buchel
Robert Buchel took part in the reality television program "My 600-lb Life." He showed up in the sixth season of the show. Obesity was a serious problem for Robert Buchel. He reached out at more than 800 pounds. He sought assistance via the program to make big changes in his life since his weight has negatively damaged his health. Robert's episode followed him as he lost weight under the direction of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now. The episode focused on his battles with obesity, his reasons for wanting to change, and the difficulties he encountered in his quest for better health.
Like many other contestants, Robert Buchel had several difficulties while trying to lose weight. He had to contend with physical restrictions, emotional difficulties, and previous traumas. As he sought to change, his episode explored these problems. Sadly, Robert Buchel passed away while his episode was being filmed. He had a heart attack on November 15, 2017, while still being treated by Dr. Nowzaradan. Unfortunately, she died at the age of 49.
- Destinee LaShaee
In 2019, Destinee LaShaee, the first transgender star of My 600-lb Life's seventh season, made history. At the start of their adventure, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, offered assistance to Destinee, who was then 27 years old and 668.5 pounds. They ultimately met the requirements for weight-loss surgery. After that tragic event, Destinee was honest about having depression. They went to treatment on Dr. Now's advice, and he gave them the go-ahead for a gastric sleeve operation. Destinee weighed 440 pounds at the conclusion of their My 600-lb Life episode after losing 229 pounds. Later, they kept on losing weight. Destinee passed away tragically in February 2022 at the age of 30.
- Kelly Mason
Kelly Mason took part in the reality television program "My 600-lb Life." She was a part of the eighth season of the show. Obesity was a serious problem for Kelly Mason. She weighed almost 700 pounds at her heaviest. She turned to the show for assistance since her weight has negatively impacted both her mobility and general health. Kelly's episode chronicled her efforts to lose weight while working with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now. Her battles with obesity, her drive for change, and the difficulties she encountered on the road to improved health were all topics covered in the episode.
Kelly passed away while her season of My 600-lb Life was still on television. Kelly suffered from a number of underlying conditions, including type II diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, thyroid difficulties, a blood clot in her thigh, a pulmonary embolism, and cardiac concerns. In February 2019, she suffered a heart attack in her sleep and died just a few days before turning 42.
- Angela Gutierrez
Angela Gutierrez appears on the reality television program "My 600-lb Life." She took part in the seventh season of the show. Extreme obesity was a problem for Angela Gutierrez. She weighed nearly 600 pounds at her heaviest. She turned to the show to get treatment since her weight has negatively impacted both her health and quality of life. In Angela's episode, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, guided her in her efforts to lose weight. Her battles with obesity, her individual reasons for making a change, and the difficulties she faced on the way to a better life were all represented in the episode.
Angela completely lost it during the seventh season of My 600-lb Life when she was given a washroom that was not handicap accessible. Angela's lack of a trustworthy "caretaker" framework had a significant role in her decision to leave the show.
- Gina Krasley
Gina Krasley takes part in the reality television program "My 600-lb Life." She was a part of the eighth season of the show. Granular adiposity was a problem for Gina Krasley. She weighed nearly 600 pounds at her heaviest. She turned to the show for assistance since her weight has negatively impacted both her health and mobility. Gina's episode chronicled her efforts to lose weight while under the direction of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also referred to as Dr. Now. Gina's coping strategy as she dealt with abuse, sadness, and anxiety was eating, which was undoubtedly a significant source of comfort. She revealed that she weighed around 450 pounds when she received her high school diploma. At age 19, she gained 500 pounds. On August 1st, 2021, Gina died. She told her admirers that she was able to reduce her weight to about 300 pounds in one of her YouTube videos.
- Coliesa McMillian
Coliesa McMillian appeared in the reality television program "My 600-lb Life." She was a part of the eighth season of the show. Coliesa McMillian suffered from extreme obesity. She weighed nearly 600 pounds at her heaviest. She turned to the show to get treatment since her weight has negatively impacted both her health and quality of life. In Coliesa's episode, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, also known as Dr. Now, guided her in her efforts to lose weight. Coliesa had a number of difficulties as she lost weight. She had to overcome psychological and emotional challenges as well as deal with the underlying problems that led to her weight gain. Unfortunately, complications from her weight loss operation caused her to pass away on September 22, 2020.
- Larry Myers, Jr.
In the reality television program "My 600-lb Life," Larry Myers Jr. the "Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits" struggled with obesity, topping out at around 940 pounds. He started his weight loss journey from 648 pounds (294 Kg) and lost weight up to 118.1 pounds (53.6 kg) to reach 529.9 pounds (240.4 kg). Later due to the family tragedy he depended on food to recover the pain and reached a weight of 940 pounds (426.377 kg).
Actor Larry Myers Jr. from the show My 600-Lb Life died on June 13, 2023, just three days after celebrating his 49th birthday on June 10, according to his cousin Todd Darrell who confirmed Larry’s death via a facebook post on June 17, 2023. Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits, as he was lovingly called, died of a heart attack three days after turning 49.
Many of his fans know him by the name "Mr. Buttermilk Biscuits" as recently he went viral after singing about the food at a chicken restaurant. The reality Tv star has featured in the 13th episode of season 10 of the Show My 600-lb Life.
