I’m not sure how many seasons of the TLC show “My 600-lb Life” I’ve seen, but I’ll never forget the first time I witnessed Ashley Dunn Bratcher’s humbling and motivational weight loss journey.
Despite the fact that each patient in the reality series has a distinct history and life story, Ashley managed to win over my heart and the hearts of many others.
The 27-year-old from Kemp, Texas, was one of the fourth season’s heaviest competitors, and the clock was literally ticking on her life.
It’s difficult to believe Ashley is still the same person after looking at her today.
weighed more than 725 pounds.
Ashley Bratcher weighed just over 725 pounds when she appeared on TLC’s “My 600-lb Life” in 2016. The Texas woman sought the assistance of Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, just like every other patient on the reality series.
The 27-year-old had been morbidly obese for most of her life when doctors shockingly informed her that, if her eating habits persisted, she was unlikely to survive past the age of 30. Ashley, who had started eating large quantities of food and candy as a form of comfort when she was just 6 years old, was severely shaken by that.
It was nearly impossible for Ashley to move because of her weight. She was forced to ask her five-year-old son to assist her with daily household tasks because she was in constant pain.
“He acts as my legs and assists me in almost everything.
Before appearing on the program in 2016, Ashley said, “Without him, I’d be lost.
Ashley was only able to take a shower on her own, and even that was a struggle because she could only stand up for five minutes at a time.
Because of my size, it’s simply impossible for me to do the things that everyone else does, Ashley claimed.
It was very difficult to comprehend how Ashley got into this bad situation from the outside. After all, she wed the love of her high school life, and the couple was given a gorgeous son. However, everything made sense once Ashley revealed details of her upbringing in the retrospective that opens each episode.
Ashley and her siblings were left by their drug-addicted mother when they were just 6 years old.
Ashley quickly resorted to eating for solace.
She was 250 pounds by the seventh grade.
Ashley later realized that her mother was to blame for her dietary obsession.
“I believe that my mother could have changed a lot of the things that were happening if she had been paying attention. Considering that my brother and sister were so young, I felt my duty as the oldest to look out for them. So I allowed it to happen to me so it wouldn’t happen to them,” she said.
For the sake of her son, Ashley ultimately made the decision to battle her eating disorder.
Dr. Ashley was initially placed on a calorie-restricted weight loss program by Nowzaradan, an obesity-focused weight loss surgeon.
The highly motivated Ashley saw results right away, dropping a staggering 123 pounds. The surgeon then gave Ashley the go-ahead to have gastric bypass surgery. Although the procedure was successful, Ashley later experienced some setbacks. She was rushed to the hospital four months after her surgery, where a gallbladder and ulcer had to be removed.
However, Ashley had shed 255 pounds and taken back control of her life by the time her motivational journey came to an end. Fortunately, her perseverance paid off.
Ashley told People, “This entire journey has been not only a physical rollercoaster, it’s been very much an emotional rollercoaster.”.
There hasn’t been much Ashley-related news since she took part in “My 600-Lb Life.”. The last time anyone heard about her was in an episode of “Where Are They Now” in 2018.
Ashley disclosed in the episode that she had undergone surgery to remove extra skin, which limited her mobility and self-confidence. She added that she had to purchase new clothing that fit her and that she weighed less than 300 pounds. Ashley appeared to have developed self-control over her eating habits and stopped turning to sugar to numb her emotions.
Ashley has a Facebook page and an Instagram account you can follow to see what she is up to now. You can tell that she has lost a lot of weight and leads a healthier life based on the photos she posts.
She claims to go for a walk instead of eating when she is angry, happy, or sad.
“Surgery is merely a tool. Your mindset is unaffected,” claims Ashley.
Ashley recently shared an update on Facebook in which she mentioned that she and her husband recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.
“I just wanted to wish you a happy anniversary, baby.
You have my undying love.
It’s crazy how much we’ve been through in the last ten years, but I wouldn’t want to go through it all alone. We appreciate all that you do for our family. I hope to spend many more years with you, baby, because I love you. Anyway, I love my ring, baby? Many thanks. Ashley wrote, “It’s ideal.
She first met her husband Jake when they were in high school, and they fell in love right away.
Jake has always been a great support to Ashley; he has always loved her no matter what, and he has always known why his wife turned to food for solace.
It is always incredibly motivating to see others accomplish their goals in the face of challenges. I think everyone can benefit from a good role model, regardless of their goals, and mom Ashley Dunn Bratcher is certainly such a role model.
Life is wonderful as long as you are content and healthy!
Congratulations on a job well done, Ashley! I wish you and your lovely family a long and healthy life. You are absolutely beautiful and a complete inspiration to all of us women, regardless of our size—thin, thick, medium, or whatever!
Share Ashley’s inspiring journey with your friends so they can learn about her bravery!
