Tammy Slaton's unforeseen struggle: 1000-Lb Sisters star on her sudden realisation after life-changing skin removal surgery
1000-Lb Sisters star Tammy Slaton has opened up about one of the most challenging parts of her weight loss journey – her life-changing skin removal surgery.
After transforming her life and losing 524lbs (237kgs) Tammy underwent surgery to remove her excess skin.
It was a step that saw Tammy encounter some unforeseen struggles and make some positive realisations about her personal progress.
Tamy opened up about her life-changing skin removal surgery. Instagram @poprecoverysystems
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In a video posted on Instagram, Tammy spoke about the care she received from POP Recovery Systems, a pre and post recovery support for patients of bariatric and plastic surgery.
"After having surgery on my jaw and my face it made it harder for me to eat," Tammy said.
"Getting in and out of the shower was going to be hard for me," she added.
Despite the challenges, Tammy said the surgery made her realise how much motivation and perseverance she'd developed over the years.
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Where are they now? 1000-Lb Sisters' Amy and Tammy Slaton's transformations and milestones
"I think I'm realising myself how much pain tolerance I have cause I was quick on my feet," she said.
"Two days after my surgery I was going to museums."
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Tammy reacts to her skin removal surgery
During her surgery, Tammy's doctor removed almost five kilos of excess skin.
Looking at her new self in the mirror, Tammy couldn't help but smile.
A dramatic before-and-after shows Tammy's incredible progress. TLC
Before and after photos show a drastic change, after excess skin was removed from under her chin, her arms and stomach.
In her first confessional interview, Tammy told cameras: "I'm shocked, I feel so weird".
"My bat wings are gone and I look down and there's nothing there but my lap now," she shared.
"It's going to take a while for me to get used to seeing myself like this."
Tammy showed off her incredible results. TLC
Ahead of the episode airing, fans were already expressing how happy they were for the star.
"I've never been so proud of a stranger as much as I am of Tammy ❤️" one fan wrote on TLC's Instagram.
"I literally am so proud of her. I've been watching her for the entire show now 🔥👏" shared another.
Tammy's weight loss journey
In the early seasons of 1000-Lb Sisters, Tammy struggled to reach her weight loss goals.
At her heaviest she reached 725 pounds (328 kgs) and at the end of 2022 she was made to wear a trach tube to help her breathe following a scary medical incident.
Tammy has lost more than 200kg in recent years. 9Now
After admitting she was knocking on death's door, Tammy turned things around for good and checked into a food addiction rehabilitation facility. In addition to making lifestyle changes, Tammy underwent bariatric surgery in 2022.
In recent seasons, she has worked hard to completely transform her life – especially as she worked towards her goal of skin removal surgery.
Tammy's personal life
In July 2025, confirmed her engagement to girlfriend Andrea just months after their relationship went public.
Tammy, 39, let the news slip while speaking on the Creative Chaos podcast.
When talking about her relationship, the reality star referred to Andrea as her "fiancée", stopping the host in his tracks.
Tammy blushed as she confirmed the exciting news and held up her sparkling engagement ring.
Tammy shows off her engagement ring. YouTube / @ezellfilmco
"My and my fiancée we kind of just chill at home..." Tammy began. That's when the host jumped in: "Hold on, you said fiancée?"
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The news came as a shock to the host and to Tammy's millions of fans who only recently learned about Tammy and Andrea's relationship although it turns out the couple have been an item for "almost three years" now.
Before Tammy made her relationship with Andrea official, she expressed concerns that her family wouldn't be accepting of her dating a woman.
Her relationship with Andrea was Tammy's first connection since the death of her husband Caleb Willingham in June 2023.
Tammy pictured with her ex-husband Caleb who sadly passed away in June 2023. TLC
Stream episodes of 1000-Lb Sisters for free on 9Now.
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