Ep 3. Bethany's Story

Bethany's Story is the third episode of Season 8 of the hit TLC show My 600-lb Life. The episode follows Bethany Stout, a 46-year-old woman from Oklahoma who weighs over 700 pounds and has spent years relying on her family to take care of her every need. Bethany is desperate to lose weight and take charge of her life again, but she'll need the help of renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan and her own inner strength to make it happen.

The episode begins with Bethany's childhood, where she grew up in a loving family who enjoyed cooking and eating together. However, she also experienced trauma in the form of sexual abuse, which led her to turn to food as a coping mechanism. As she got older, she struggled with her weight and became increasingly dependent on her family for support. She currently lives at home with her mother, who she relies on to help her with basic needs like showering and using the bathroom.

Dr. Nowzaradan meets with Bethany and is concerned about her level of mobility – she is unable to stand or walk for more than a few minutes at a time without becoming winded. He assigns her a strict diet plan to follow in order to lose weight before she can undergo weight loss surgery. Bethany struggles with the new diet at first, but with the help of her supportive family, she begins to see some results on the scale.

As the weeks progress, Bethany continues to work hard and lose weight, but she experiences setbacks along the way. She has trouble sticking to her diet when she attends a family gathering and is tempted by unhealthy food, and she struggles with feelings of guilt and shame when she slips up. However, she remains determined to succeed and keep moving forward.

In addition to her weight loss journey, Bethany also opens up about the emotional issues she has been dealing with throughout her life. She discusses her past traumas and how they have affected her relationship with food, as well as her struggles with anxiety and depression. Dr. Nowzaradan counsels her on how to address these issues in conjunction with her weight loss, emphasizing the importance of taking care of her overall mental and physical health.

As the episode comes to a close, viewers will see whether Bethany is successful in meeting her weight loss goals and whether she is cleared for surgery. Along the way, they will witness the ups and downs of her journey, the pain of confronting past traumas, and the power of determination and support to help her overcome her struggles.