“Off the vapes” 1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton is advised to quit using nicotine products before crucial surgery

Fans of 1000-Lb. Sisters have followed Tammy Slaton's journey from battling extreme obesity to adopting a healthy lifestyle. Once weighing over 608 pounds, the Kentucky native's life changed in 2021 after a near-fatal health emergency put her in a medically induced coma.

That pivotal experience became a turning point, sparking a remarkable weight loss journey that would see her shed an incredible 500 pounds by early 2025. Now, as she stands on the cusp of a potentially life-altering skin removal surgery, one final hurdle remains: kicking her nicotine habit. Her doctor's directive is crystal clear:

"So 1, we got to get you off the vapes completely."

The road to recovery has been anything but straightforward for Slaton, whose battle with addiction and health challenges has captivated audiences of TLC's 1000-Lb. Sisters for multiple seasons.

1000-Lb. Sisters star Tammy Slaton’s surgical roadblock explored

Before her transformation, Tammy's life was a whirlwind of unhealthy coping mechanisms. She used drinking, partying, and vaping as escape routes from stress. Season 3 of 1000-Lb. Sisters particularly highlighted her struggle, showing her partying with friends and using vaping as a stress management tool.

"Vaping helped me cope with my anxiety," Slaton previously admitted. Her addiction reached a point where she would vape "every day, several times a day" without disclosing the habit to her doctors.

In a recent episode of season 6, Tammy met with Dr. Peter Rubin to discuss her upcoming skin removal surgery. The consultation revealed critical challenges to her surgical plans. Dr. Rubin's review of her lab reports showed that protein levels needed improvement, and her nicotine use posed significant risks.

"So we can't schedule the surgery now until we can get all these things worked out," the doctor explained, making it clear that quitting nicotine was non-negotiable.

For Slaton, the stakes are great. Dr. Rubin cautioned that prolonged nicotine usage may result in major side effects, such as possible infection and problems with wound healing. The surgery is an important part of Tammy's continuous health change and goes beyond a simple cosmetic operation.

What is up next for Tammy Slaton on 1000-Lb. Sisters?

The way that Tammy Slaton has changed has been amazing. In ways that go well beyond the scale, she has transformed her life from weighing 608 pounds to losing nearly 500.

Following her admission to an Ohio treatment center and subsequent weight loss surgery in 2022, Tammy embarked on a comprehensive lifestyle transformation, regaining her confidence, independence, and health.

As of early 2025, she's still pushing forward. While she hasn’t yet had skin removal surgery, her latest updates on social media show she's actively working toward it, with one major step left: quitting vaping, a requirement from her doctor.

Fans continue to be moved by Tammy's path, which has been filled with ups and downs. She serves as a potent reminder that with perseverance, support, and the will to keep going, real change is achievable.

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You can watch 1000-Lb. Sisters Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on TLC and streaming on Max.

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