Fans have spent the past few years watchingTammyandAmy Slatondeal with their weight loss struggles as documented on TLC’s1000-Lb. Sisters. However, the sisters say their body issues began when they were children.
“I’ve always had a weight issue. I was born 9 lbs. 10 oz., and then I just kept gaining,” Tammy, 37, tells PEOPLE exclusively in this week’s issue.
Tammy and Amy Slaton photographed in Nashville on Dec, 4, 2023.Diana King
Diana King
But in addition to genetics — “Our whole family’s big,” Amy says — diet also contributed to their weight gain. The sister duo say they were often left to fend for themselves while their mom, Darlene, worked three jobs to support them.
“Mom was always at work, so we had to learn how to cook and stuff for ourselves," Amy, 36, explains. “And at 10 and 11 you really couldn’t prepare healthy food and stuff.”
“The microwave was our best friend,” Tammy adds. “Ramen noodles, bowls of soup, things that were quick and easy — stuff that adds on carbs.”
Tammy in 4th grade in 1995 and Amy in 8th grade in 2002 in Morganfield, KY.TLC (2)
TLC (2)
It became even more difficult to control their weight when their grandmother, who helped care for them, died in 1999 when the girls were still young.
“[We] took it hard and turned to food for comfort,” Tammy says while Amy adds, “I started eating my feelings.”
The Slaton sisters in 2004.TLC
TLC
Tammy was previously so heavy that she couldn’t walk more than a few steps. The rare times she left the house, she had to be transported in the back of a van. Amy, who has diabetes, also previously weighed so much that she struggled to get pregnant.
They “leaned on each other” and tried to lose weight on their own.
Tammy Slaton at the height of her weight struggles on TLC’s 1,000-Lb. Sisters.TLC
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But it wasn’t until a TLC producer reached out to invite them to become stars of their own reality show that they were able to really commit to losing weight. They documented their incredible transformations on1000-Lb. Sisters— the show chronicled their attempts to lose enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery.
“We were already trying to lose weight before the show even got a hold of us, so it was like the perfect opportunity,” says Amy, whose highest weight was 406 lbs. She qualified for surgery in 2019 and is now 230 lbs.
Amy Slaton photographed in Nashville on Dec, 4, 2023.Diana King
Meanwhile, after peaking at 725 lbs., Tammy had her surgery in July 2022 and is down to 285 lbs.
Although the sisters still receive unkind messages about their weight, even after making so much progress, Tammy and Amy have no regrets about going public with their journey.
Tammy Slaton photographed in Nashville on Dec, 4, 2023.Diana King
They praise how life-changing their weight loss has been: Amy was able to have two children and Tammy can finally fit in a regular car seat without needing an extender on her safety belt.
“By putting our stories out there, we’re helping others see they can lose weight too. They’re not alone,” Tammy says, noting that the show and their newfound fame has opened up her world.
Tammy and Amy Slaton photographed in Nashville on Dec. 4, 2023.Diana King
For more on Tammy and Amy Slaton, pick up this week’s issue on stands Friday.
source: people.com
