Ep 5. Angel's Story

Angel's Story is the fifth episode of the third season of the immensely popular television show My 600-lb Life. This series focuses on the lives of morbidly obese individuals who are seeking to lose weight and improve their overall health. Each episode follows a different person as they navigate the challenges of weight loss, including physical and emotional struggles.

In Angel's Story, viewers are introduced to Angel Parrish, a 42-year-old woman from Marysville, Washington. At the start of the episode, Angel weighs in at an astonishing 570 pounds and is barely able to move around without the assistance of a motorized scooter. She lives in a small apartment with her husband and son, but her weight has left her feeling isolated and alone.

Angel's weight struggles began in childhood when she first turned to food as a way of coping with the emotional turmoil she experienced at home. As she got older, her eating habits spiraled out of control, and she found that she was using food to numb her emotional pain. By the time she reached her thirties, Angel was completely bedridden and could barely spend any time with her family.

In this episode, viewers follow Angel on her journey as she travels to Houston to meet with Dr. Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon who specializes in working with morbidly obese patients. Dr. Nowzaradan examines Angel and determines that she is a good candidate for gastric bypass surgery. However, he also cautions her that surgery alone is not enough to ensure long-term weight loss success.

Over the course of the episode, viewers watch as Angel undergoes gastric bypass surgery and begins to make the necessary lifestyle changes to support her weight loss goals. This includes following a strict 1,200 calorie-per-day diet plan and participating in regular physical therapy sessions. As she begins to lose weight, Angel also begins to rediscover her self-confidence and connect with her family in new ways.

One of the most powerful aspects of this episode is the way in which it emphasizes the emotional toll of obesity. Angel's struggles with food are deeply rooted in her past trauma and her feelings of loneliness and isolation. As she begins to lose weight, she must also confront these emotional issues head-on, including the fact that her marriage is strained due to her weight and the fact that she has been unable to be a present mother to her son.

Overall, Angel's Story is a moving and inspiring installment of My 600-lb Life that showcases the true potential for change and transformation in even the most difficult circumstances. With the support of her family and the guidance of medical professionals, Angel is able to take control of her health and reclaim her life. It's a message that is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.