Ep 3. Donald's Story
- TVPG
- February 8, 2012
- 43 min
-
5.4 (22)
Donald's Story is the third episode of the first season of the American reality television series, My 600-lb Life, which premiered on TLC on February 8, 2012. The episode features Donald Shelton, a 43-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, who weighs over 675 pounds and struggles with his eating habits.
The episode begins with Donald's daily struggle to move around his apartment due to his excessive weight. Donald relies on his wife, Brenda, to care for him and do everything for him. Donald's obesity is so severe that he is unable to work, and he spends most of his days lying in bed watching television and eating large amounts of unhealthy food.
Dr. Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon in Houston, Texas, provides Donald with a chance to turn his life around. Dr. Nowzaradan agrees to take on Donald as his patient, but he first requires him to move to Houston for a few months to begin his weight loss journey. Donald is hesitant to leave his wife and children behind, but he ultimately decides to take the opportunity to save his life.
Upon arriving in Houston, Donald meets with Dr. Nowzaradan, who puts him on a strict 1200-calorie diet. The diet consists of healthy, low-fat, and low-calorie foods, which are a significant departure from the fast food and junk food that Donald has been eating for years. Dr. Nowzaradan also requires Donald to exercise several times per day to help him lose weight quickly.
Over the course of the episode, viewers see Donald struggling with his new diet, with the temptation to sneak in unhealthy foods. However, with constant guidance and encouragement from Dr. Nowzaradan, Donald manages to remain committed to his diet and exercise regimen, which leads to significant weight loss.
Throughout the episode, viewers also get a glimpse into the emotional turmoil that Donald has been dealing with his entire life. Donald's mother died when he was just a child, and he believes that her death is the root cause of his eating disorder. He also talks about the strain that his obesity has put on his marriage and relationship with his children.
Despite the challenges he faces, Donald remains committed to his weight loss journey and his relationships. Through therapy sessions, Donald begins to understand the root causes of his eating disorder and the emotional issues that he has been struggling with.
In the end, viewers witness a remarkable transformation as Donald sheds a significant amount of weight, making him eligible for gastric bypass surgery. The episode concludes with Donald's successful surgery and his optimistic outlook for the future.
Overall, Donald's Story is an inspiring and emotional episode that showcases the struggles of a man battling obesity and the determination required to overcome it. Through the support of Dr. Nowzaradan and his family, Donald is able to take control of his life and turn it around, showing that it is never too late to make positive changes.