Ep 11. Jeanne's Story

In this episode of My 600-lb Life, we meet Jeanne. She is a 45-year-old woman who weighs over 600 pounds and has been bedridden for over two years. Jeanne used to be a nurse, but her weight has prevented her from working and taking care of herself. She relies on her husband Ed to take care of her, including bathing her and bringing her food. Jeanne's weight has caused a strained relationship with her husband, who feels overwhelmed and exhausted from taking care of her.

Jeanne decides to seek help from Dr. Nowzaradan in hopes of losing weight and regaining her independence. However, her journey is not going to be an easy one. Dr. Nowzaradan puts her on a strict diet and exercise plan, which is difficult for her to stick to as she is used to consuming large amounts of food. Jeanne's first weigh-in is shocking, as she weighs in at 679 pounds. Dr. Nowzaradan explains that she needs to lose at least 30 pounds in the first month in order to qualify for weight loss surgery.

Throughout the episode, we see Jeanne struggle with her addiction to food. She admits that she uses it as a coping mechanism for her anxiety and depression. Jeanne also grapples with her feelings of guilt about burdening her husband with her care. She knows that she needs to lose weight not only for her health but also for the sake of their relationship.

As the episode progresses, we see Jeanne make progress, but also face setbacks. In one scene, she sneaks food behind her husband's back, which sets her back in her weight loss journey. Additionally, Jeanne has to deal with medical complications such as lymphedema and breathing difficulties.

One of the most poignant moments in the episode is when Jeanne's daughters surprise her with a visit. She hasn't seen them in a long time and is emotional about the reunion. They express their concern for her health and encourage her to stick to her diet and exercise plan. This motivates Jeanne to continue on her path towards weight loss.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Jeanne's progress over a six-month period. She has lost a significant amount of weight, but is still far from her goal. Dr. Nowzaradan stresses the importance of sticking to the diet and exercise plan in order to reach her goals. Jeanne remains determined to lose weight and improve her quality of life.

In this emotional episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the struggles of someone who is morbidly obese. It highlights the importance of seeking help and the difficulties of breaking unhealthy habits. Jeanne's story is a reminder that it is never too late to turn your life around.