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After years of hard work, setbacks, and health battles, 1000-Lb. Sisters star Tammy Slaton has reached a milestone that once seemed nearly impossible. The reality star, who rose to fame through the TLC series alongside sister Amy, has now completed skin removal surgery following a 500-pound weight loss journey.
Tammy opened up about her experience in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, detailing the overwhelming emotions and physical changes she’s been through.
“After six years and losing over 500 pounds, I was finally approved for surgery,”
Tammy shared.
“I was just overwhelmed with excitement. I worked really hard for this, and now it's here.”
For viewers who have followed Tammy since the earliest days of 1000-Lb. Sisters, this moment was more than just another procedure; it was a celebration of strength, transformation, and the payoff of persistence.
Let’s break down this big moment and everything that led up to it.
Tammy Slaton marks major breakthrough on 1000-Lb. Sisters
Tammy’s weight loss has been a central part of 1000-Lb. Sisters from the very beginning. From mobility issues to emotional setbacks, the series has documented every challenging step. But earlier this year, Tammy hit a long-awaited goal: qualifying for skin removal surgery.
She traveled to Pittsburgh for the operation, performed by Dr. J. Peter Rubin at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. And no, she didn’t miss the opportunity to make a joke.
“The only thing I could think of was the sandwich,”
Tammy quipped about the doctor’s name.
It was a moment of pride not just for her, but for her family and fans who’ve supported her through the ups and downs of 1000-Lb. Sisters.
Surgery nerves kicked in the night before
Despite her excitement, nerves crept in the night before the procedure. Tammy admitted that she was more anxious about the skin removal than she had been for her earlier bariatric surgery in 2022.
“The night before my surgery, I was, like, seriously freaking terrified,”
she said.
The thought of seeing her body in a completely new way gave her pause.
“I was really nervous... because I was really just kind of afraid of how I'm gonna feel looking at myself without the belly there.”
That raw honesty is part of what has kept 1000-Lb. Sisters viewers are coming back each season. Tammy doesn’t shy away from the emotional weight of the physical changes she’s undergone. And in this case, the fear wasn’t about the surgery itself; it was about what came after.
Over 15 pounds of skin removed in an 8-hour procedure
The surgery itself was no small task. Over the course of eight hours, doctors removed more than 15 pounds of excess skin from Tammy’s arms, lower stomach, and chin. That’s the kind of transformation that changes more than just how clothes fit; it reshapes a person’s relationship with their body.
And her recovery? Remarkably quick.
“I surprised the doctors with how well my body was healing,”
Tammy said. In fact, she returned home from Pittsburgh four days earlier than expected.
Her recovery and resilience have continued to be documented on 1000-Lb. Sisters, allowing fans to witness both her physical and emotional healing process in real time. And with her family rallying around her, it was a true team victory.
Her siblings’ reactions said it all
Tammy’s return home after surgery was nothing short of a celebration. Siblings Amy, Amanda, Misty, and Chris welcomed her with open arms and dropped jaws.
On the season finale of 1000-Lb. Sisters, Misty summed up the mood best.
“Oh my God, she looks great,”
She said.
“When she started, she weighed 730 lbs. and we couldn’t even get her to walk to the mailbox. Now she’s lost 500 lbs.”
The family’s pride was clear. And it wasn’t just about how Tammy looked—it was about how far she had come. Misty added,
“I am so proud of her it’s just unreal.”
Moments like these are what give 1000-Lb. Sisters the emotional weight. It’s not just a transformation story—it’s a story about family, patience, and proving people wrong.
Tammy’s story is far from over. But with this surgery behind her, she’s stepping into a new chapter with confidence, and a lot less skin holding her back. Literally.
As she said herself,
“I was just overwhelmed with excitement.”
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That feeling wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was about reclaiming her independence, her health, and a body that finally reflects how hard she’s worked.
And for fans of 1000-Lb. Sisters, it’s one more reason to keep watching. Tammy’s still Tammy—funny, honest, and completely herself—but now, she’s living proof that even the most daunting goals are possible with time, support, and a lot of grit.
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