1000-Lb Sisters: Dr. Smith Became Tammy Slaton’s Lifeline

1000-Lb. Sisters, Tammy Slaton, has a lot to be thankful for as her journey to health continues. The season three finale of the hit TLC show revealed that just a day after entering rehab for the second time, Tammy Slaton had a medical emergency that sent her to the hospital.

The rehab facility contacted her family and let them know that she was struggling to breathe and had “taken a turn for the worst.” Once she arrived at the hospital, she was immediately placed on a ventilator.

Things continued to get worse with her breathing and “her lungs were giving up,” according to her older sister, Amanda. This led doctors to place her in an induced coma.

Upon her admission to the hospital, Tammy’s siblings were terrified to see their sister for the last time. Amanda told producers, “She’s been in a bad place for so long. She’s waited too long, and now that she has the courage to go out and get the help she needs, now this.”

After hearing that Tammy Slaton’s lungs were failing and her body was essentially shutting down, Amanda was close to tears as she feared they would soon have to make funeral arrangements for her.

Amy Slaton, who has a close bond with Tammy Slaton, admits that she was afraid Tammy’s life might end. She confessed that she hated the thought of her sister not being around to see her nieces and nephews grow up and live long lives.

1000-Lb. Sisters: Dr. Smith Became Tammy Slaton’s Lifeline

An important factor in Tammy Slaton’s decision to enter rehab was a home visit made by her bariatric surgeon, Dr. Smith. After having a heartfelt conversation with him, Tammy admitted that her drinking and partying was a way to distract herself from her depression. Dr. Smith was sympathetic to her situation. However, he reiterated that neither her mental nor physical health would improve with the additional damage she was doing to her body through alcohol and smoking. He offered her support, simply telling her that she could contact him if she ever needed to talk. And Tammy Slaton did.

After watching Amy Slaton expand her family, and watching Chris continue to lose weight, Tammy felt her depression was worse than ever. She called Dr. Smith for help, and he arranged for her to enter rehab making sure there was a medical professional on site to assist her with her mental health.