Ep 15. Angela's Story

Angela's Story is the 15th episode of the seventh season of My 600-lb Life. This emotional and inspiring episode chronicles the journey of Angela Gutierrez, a 47-year-old woman from Ross, Ohio, who has been struggling with obesity for decades. Angela's weight has escalated to a dangerous 608 pounds, taking a significant toll on her health and personal life.

The episode begins with Angela sharing her struggles and the reasons behind her weight gain. She explains how food has been her source of comfort throughout her life, and how her abusive childhood trauma has caused her to turn to food for solace. Angela's weight started to become a problem when she was in high school, and since then, it's only gotten worse.

Angela's weight has limited her ability to do everyday activities, and she is entirely dependent on her husband, her adult daughter, and her mother to take care of her. Her health is also seriously compromised, with high blood pressure, lymphedema, and Type II diabetes. Angela realizes that she's reached a breaking point and knows that she needs to make drastic changes to save her life.

The bulk of the episode follows Angela on her journey to change her life. She decides to visit Dr. Now, hoping that he will give her the tools to achieve her weight loss goals. Dr. Now is initially hesitant to take Angela on as a patient as he deems her risk level too high; however, he gives her a chance to prove that she's committed to the process.

Angela must follow a strict diet and exercise routine to lose weight, which quickly becomes evident to her that it's easier said than done. The first several months prove challenging as Angela struggles with the changes in her diet and exercise. She experiences setbacks and moments of self-doubt, but with the encouragement of her family, she perseveres. The emotional toll of this process is also highlighted in the episode, showcasing the mental and psychological battles that come along with the physical ones.

As Angela's weight begins to decrease, she gains more confidence and becomes more independent. She notices physical changes in her body and is surprised at how quickly she feels more mobile. There are also the ups and downs during the journey as Angela faces challenges, victories and setbacks, and has to relearn how to manage her emotions without turning to food.

Near the end of the episode, Angela gets the opportunity to undergo surgery to eliminate excess skin from her massive weight loss. The surgery is a success, and Angela looks like a completely different person.

The episode ends on a high note as Angela reveals the result of her weight loss journey. She not only shed pounds but also gained back her confidence, independence, and control over her life. The people around her are proud of her and are in awe of how far she's come. Angela's journey from obesity to a healthy life is truly inspiring and is a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance.