I’ve lost count of how many seasons I’ve watched of TLC’s series «My 600-lb Life,» but one particular weight loss journey that has stuck with me is Ashley Dunn Bratcher’s. It was truly overwhelming and inspiring to witness her transformation.

Indeed, the patients featured in the reality series each have their own distinct backgrounds and stories. However, Ashley’s journey resonated deeply with me and countless others.

In the fourth season, this 27-year-old from Kemp, Texas, stood out as one of the heaviest participants. The urgency of her situation was evident as time was running out for her.

When I see Ashley now, it’s almost unbelievable that she’s the same person…

Tipping the scales at more than 725 pounds

In 2016, Ashley Bratcher joined TLC’s «My 600-lb Life» with a weight of over 725 pounds. Just like any other patient on the reality series, the Texan woman turned to Dr. Younan Nowzaradan for help.

This young woman’s weight had been a constant struggle, but her doctors delivered a sobering message: if she didn’t change her eating habits, her life expectancy would be drastically shortened. Ashley’s realization hit her hard. At just 6 years old, she had already developed a habit of seeking comfort in a large amount of food and candy.

Ashley struggled to move due to her weight. She endured relentless pain, relying on her five-year-old son to assist with the daily household tasks.

”He’s my legs, he helps me with just about everything. Ashley expressed her gratitude for his presence, stating that she would feel lost without him. She joined the show in 2016.

Ashley’s daily routine was a constant struggle, with even the simplest tasks like showering becoming a fierce battle. Standing up for more than five minutes at a time was a daunting challenge for her.

«It’s incredibly challenging for me to do everyday activities due to my size,» Ashley expressed.

It was puzzling to see how Ashley found herself caught in this downward spiral. In the end, she ended up marrying her high school sweetheart and together they were fortunate enough to have a wonderful son. However, as Ashley delved into her childhood in the introspective segment that kicks off each episode, everything fell into place.

When Ashley was just 6 years old, her mother, who struggled with addiction, made the heartbreaking decision to leave her and her siblings behind. Ashley found comfort in food. In seventh grade, she tipped the scales at 250 lbs.

Reflecting on the past, Ashley held her mother responsible for her obsession with food.

If only my mother had been more attentive, she could have made a significant impact on the events that unfolded. Being the oldest, I had this strong sense of responsibility to look out for my younger siblings, who were still quite young. So I let it happen to me, so it wouldn’t happen to them,” she explained.

Ashley made the courageous decision to confront her eating disorder, driven by her love for her son.
Ashley was put on a calorie-restricted weight loss program by Dr. Nowzaradan, a weight loss surgeon who specializes in obese patients.

Ashley’s incredible transformation was nothing short of remarkable, as she shed an astounding 123 pounds with unwavering determination. Following that, the doctor gave their approval for Ashley to proceed with gastric bypass surgery. After a successful operation, Ashley encountered a few unexpected obstacles. After four months since her surgery, she found herself in a sudden rush to the hospital, where she underwent a procedure to remove an ulcer and her gallbladder.

At the conclusion of her incredible journey, Ashley had successfully shed 255 pounds and reclaimed mastery over her own life. Fortunately, her perseverance led to success.

«This entire experience has been quite a ride, not just physically, but emotionally as well,» Ashley shared with People.

There hasn’t been much news about Ashley since her appearance on «My 600-Lb Life». However, in 2018, she made a guest appearance on an episode of «Where Are They Now,» which provided the latest public update on her life.

In the episode, Ashley shared her experience of undergoing surgery to remove excess skin, which had a significant impact on her mobility and self-esteem. She also shared the news of her weight loss, mentioning that she now wears smaller-sized outfits. Ashley appears to have developed a healthier relationship with food, no longer relying on sugar as a means of emotional comfort.

If you’re interested in keeping up with Ashley’s daily life, you can find her on Facebook and Instagram. Based on the images she shares, it’s evident that she has made significant progress in her weight loss journey and is embracing a healthier lifestyle.

She says she doesn’t eat when she’s mad, sad, or happy. Instead, she goes for a walk.

Surgeries are merely tools. «It doesn’t change your mindset,» Ashley comments.

Ashley recently shared a heartwarming update on Facebook, where she opened up about the joyous occasion of her and her husband’s 12th anniversary.

She and her husband Jake crossed paths during their teenage years and quickly developed a deep connection.

Jake has been a constant source of support for Ashley, unwavering in his love for her and empathetic towards her coping mechanism of turning to food.

Witnessing people overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations is truly awe-inspiring. I truly believe that having a positive role model can be beneficial for anyone, regardless of their goals. Ashley Dunn Bratcher, a mother, is undeniably someone who sets a great example. It’s great to hear about her progress!

As long as you’re feeling happy and healthy, life is truly wonderful!