Different people cope with stress in various ways. Some choose relaxing activities like long walks or chatting with friends to redirect their thoughts and distract their minds. Others, however, turn to destructive measures such as overeating. While finding comfort in food can provide temporary relief, it often has long-term negative effects on overall health.
Ashley Bratcher, a 27-year-old wife and mother from Texas, gained excessive weight by eating unhealthy food to escape the pain of her mother abandoning her and her siblings at a young age.
“If my mother had been paying attention, I think she could’ve changed a lot of things. As the oldest, I felt I had to protect my brother and sister. So I let it happen to me, so it wouldn’t happen to them,” she explained.
When Ashley finally decided enough was enough, she weighed 725 pounds. Desperate for a solution, she applied for TLC’s show My 600-Lb Life and connected with Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a renowned weight loss surgeon who has helped countless individuals regain control over their eating habits and lives.
The first thing Dr. Now told Ashley was that if she continued her lifestyle, she wouldn’t live past 30. This stark reality was the wake-up call she needed. Ashley struggled with even the simplest tasks, relying on her 5-year-old son to help her with everything.
“He’s my legs; he helps me with just about everything. Without him, I’d be lost,” she said in 2016 when she joined the show. She was determined to make a change for herself and her son.
Before Dr. Now approved her for gastric bypass surgery, Ashley was placed on a calorie-restricted weight loss program. Impressively, she lost 123 pounds. Her surgery was a success, and she went on to lose a total of 255 pounds, finally gaining control of her life. “This whole journey has been not only a physical rollercoaster but also an emotional one,” she told People.
In 2018, Ashley appeared on My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now? She shared that she weighed under 300 pounds and no longer used food for comfort. She had regained her self-confidence and could now enjoy activities she once couldn’t, like shopping and taking long showers.
Ashley frequently shares photos on her Instagram account, where she has many followers who admire her dedication and hard work. “Surgery is just a tool. It does not change your mindset,” she says.
Ashley’s husband, Jack, with whom she recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary, has been a huge support throughout her journey.
We are so happy for Ashley. Keep going, girl!
