The article shares behind-the-scenes facts about the reality TV show "My 600-lb Life." It highlights the show's surgeon, Dr. Nowzaradan, who has performed over 2,000 weight loss surgeries and has a unique approach to treating "super-morbidly obese" patients. The article also discusses how some participants have appeared on other TV shows before joining the program, the importance of therapy in the weight loss process, and the challenges that come with having enablers who hinder their progress.
Additionally, the article touches on the personal life of Dr. Now, including his divorce and his son's involvement in the show's production. It also addresses the misconception that weight loss surgery is a quick fix and emphasizes the need for lifestyle changes to achieve successful weight loss.
The article also explores the physical and emotional challenges faced by the show's participants, including childhood trauma, severe pain, and limited mobility. It highlights the successes of some participants, such as Paula Jones, who became a motivational speaker after losing hundreds of pounds, but also notes that not all participants have inspiring stories.
Finally, the article discusses the impact of weight loss surgery on the participants' relationships, including romantic relationships and family dynamics. It notes that some partners may feel threatened by their loved one's weight loss, while others may not want them to change at all.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. My 600-lb Life has been on the air since 2012.
2. Dr. Nowzaradan, also known as "Dr. Now", performs weight loss surgeries on the show.
3. Dr. Now is in his mid-70s and has performed over 2,000 weight loss surgeries.
4. Dr. Now specializes in patients who are "super-morbidly obese" with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 50 or more.
5. The University of California at San Francisco Medical Center has a weight limit of 450 pounds for weight loss surgery.
6. Dr. Now's scale can measure up to 900 pounds.
7. Jonathan Nowzaradan, Dr. Now's son, is a TV producer and executive producer for 17 episodes of My 600-lb Life.
8. Dr. Now's patients often require therapy to deal with emotional issues related to their weight.
9. Many participants on the show have experienced childhood trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
10. Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix and requires lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise.
11. Some participants on the show have been known to be abusive to hospital staff and have been kicked out of hospitals for ordering food while a patient.
12. Many participants on the show have significant others, including husbands, wives, or live-in partners.
13. Romantic relationships on the show can change after weight loss surgery, sometimes for the worse.
14. Dr. Now had a messy divorce in 2002, with his wife citing "insupportability" and "cruel treatment".
15. The court awarded Dr. Now's wife 70 percent of the couple's joint assets in the divorce.