Ep 1. Brandi & Kandi's Story

Brandi and Kandi's Story is the first episode of the fifth season of the reality show My 600-lb Life, which follows the journeys of individuals who are morbidly obese and their efforts to lose weight and regain control of their lives.

The episode introduces viewers to Brandi and Kandi, who are identical twins and weigh over 600 pounds each. They are both struggling with severe health issues and are unable to perform even the most basic activities of daily living without assistance. The episode follows the sisters as they start their weight loss journey under the care of renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan.

Brandi and Kandi live with their mother in Texas and the episode shows how their excessive weight has affected their family and relationships. They are dependent on their mother for everything and their mobility is limited to the point where they can't leave the house. Their mother is their caretaker, and she struggles to take care of them as she also suffers from her own health issues.

The episode depicts the sisters' first visit to Dr. Nowzaradan's clinic, where they undergo extensive physical and psychological evaluations to determine if they are eligible for weight loss surgery. Dr. Nowzaradan is known for his strict approach, and he tells the sisters that they must lose a significant amount of weight on their own before he will consider them for surgery, as he wants them to demonstrate their commitment to the process.

Throughout the episode, the sisters face various challenges as they try to make changes to their diets and lifestyles. They struggle with cravings for junk food and complain about the blandness of healthier options. The episode shows them going through ups and downs in their weight loss journey, including moments of triumph where they successfully resist the temptation to eat junk food and experience small weight losses.

The episode also explores the sisters' psychological struggles and how their weight has affected their self-esteem and relationships. Brandi opens up about the abuse she suffered in the past, contributing to her weight gain and mental health struggles. Kandi reveals that she feels like the "ugly twin" and that her weight has prevented her from finding love.

As the episode progresses, it shows the sisters making progress in their weight loss journey, but also facing setbacks and challenges. They have to navigate the emotionally charged dynamics of their family relationships and find ways to stay motivated in the face of difficult circumstances.

Overall, Brandi and Kandi's Story is a poignant and compelling episode of My 600-lb Life that offers an intimate and empathetic look at the struggles of people dealing with extreme obesity. It shows the complexities of the weight loss journey, from the emotional barriers to the physical challenges, but also leaves viewers with a sense of hope as they see the sisters make progress towards their goals.