Ep 8. Laura & Shay

In season 3 episode 8 of My 600-lb Life Where Are They Now?, we catch up with Laura and Shay, two individuals who were featured in previous seasons of the show. Laura started out at an astonishing 594 pounds and was struggling with lymphedema, a condition that causes swelling in the limbs. Meanwhile, Shay weighed in at 701 pounds and was dealing with multiple health issues, including pulmonary embolisms and a deteriorating spine.

Since we last saw Laura, she has managed to shed some weight and is now down to 423 pounds. However, she is still struggling with her lymphedema and is unable to stand or walk for extended periods of time. Her husband, Joey, has been her primary caretaker, but the strain of caring for someone with such extensive medical needs has taken a toll on their relationship.

In this episode, we see Laura undergoing a risky surgery to remove the excess skin on her arms and legs, which is causing her lymphedema to worsen. The surgery is a success, but Laura's recovery is far from smooth sailing. She experiences intense pain and develops an infection, which puts her in the hospital for several weeks. Throughout the episode, we see Joey struggling with the emotional and physical burden of taking care of Laura, and their relationship is put to the test as they navigate these challenges.

Meanwhile, we catch up with Shay, who has managed to lose a significant amount of weight since we last saw her. She is now down to 297 pounds and is feeling more confident and hopeful about her future. However, she is still grappling with the aftermath of her past weight and health issues. She has undergone several surgeries to address her spinal problems, but they have been only partly successful, and she is still in significant pain.

We learn that Shay has also been struggling with her mental health, experiencing anxiety and depression as she tries to adjust to her new body and life. However, she has been working with a therapist and is determined to keep pushing forward. In this episode, we see her embark on a new fitness regimen and even try out surfing for the first time.

Throughout the episode, we see both Laura and Shay grappling with the physical and emotional toll of their weight and health issues. They are determined to keep pushing forward and improving their lives, but the road is far from easy. As always, the show offers a candid look at the realities of life for those struggling with obesity and the challenges that come with trying to lose weight and reclaim one's health.