People handle stress in many different ways. Some find solace in activities like long walks or talking with friends, which help them shift their focus and ease their minds. Others might resort to less healthy methods, such as overeating, which can provide temporary comfort but often leads to long-term health problems.
Ashley Bratcher, a 27-year-old wife and mother from Texas, struggled with significant weight gain as she used food to cope with the emotional pain of her mother abandoning her and her siblings during their childhood.
Ashley reflected, “If my mother had been more attentive, I think things could have been different. As the oldest, I felt a responsibility to protect my younger brother and sister, so I took on the burden to shield them.”
By the time Ashley sought help, she weighed 725 pounds. Determined to find a solution, she applied to TLC’s "My 600-Lb Life" and connected with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a leading weight-loss surgeon known for helping people reclaim their health and lives.
Dr. Nowzaradan’s blunt message to Ashley was a crucial wake-up call: if she continued her current lifestyle, she wouldn’t live past 30. This harsh reality motivated her to change.
Ashley struggled with daily tasks and depended on her 5-year-old son for assistance. “He’s my legs; he helps me with just about everything. Without him, I’d be lost,” she shared in 2016, expressing her resolve to transform her life for herself and her son.
Before Dr. Nowzaradan approved her for gastric bypass surgery, Ashley embarked on a calorie-restricted weight loss program. She successfully lost 123 pounds, and after surgery, she went on to lose a total of 255 pounds. “This journey has been both a physical and emotional rollercoaster,” she told People.
By 2018, when Ashley appeared on "My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now?", she had reduced her weight to under 300 pounds and no longer relied on food for comfort. She had regained her self-confidence and could enjoy activities like shopping and taking long showers, which she had once avoided.
Ashley often shares her progress on Instagram, where her followers admire her dedication and hard work. “Surgery is just a tool. It does not change your mindset,” she emphasizes.
Her husband, Jack, who recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary, has been a constant source of support throughout her journey.
We’re thrilled for Ashley and proud of her achievements. Keep up the great work, Ashley!
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