My 600-lb Life: Coliesa McMillian’s Story

Coliesa McMillian, a 41-year-old mother of four, stars in tonight’s episode of My 600-lb Life Season 8. It airs on TLC at 8 p.m. ET. She weighed 643 pounds before seeking help from Dr. Younan Nowzaradan. He’s a celebrity bariatric surgeon. Coliesa wanted to lose weight and take back control of her life.

The episode, “Coliesa’s Story,” focuses on her struggles. The TLC description highlights her daughters as her main motivation. Coliesa faced a heart attack and the loss of her partner in a car accident. To cope, she turned to constant eating as an escape. The show warns that without change, another heart attack could be deadly.

My 600-lb Life: Coliesa McMillian Struggled With Her Weight Since Childhood

Coliesa’s childhood was tough, with an alcoholic father and family tragedy. Losing her mother at 3 separated her from her siblings. She faced abuse from relatives and struggled with weight gain. Coping with trauma, food became her solace.

Despite early food addiction, she had four kids in her twenties. Her weight soared with each childbirth. After her husband’s arrest, she found the courage to leave.

Moving to Louisiana, she met Melvin, her fiancé. Their love brought joy until tragedy struck. Losing Melvin and suffering a heart attack, she turned to food again.

“Shortly after [the heart attack] I lost Melvin… he got into a car wreck and didn’t survive, and that destroyed me,” says Coliesa in a voice-over. “But I did what I had to do to get through it, and that was to eat so I wouldn’t fall apart.”

Coliesa adds, “I wasted my life on food. Just the hunger and the need and the desire. It has taken over my life, and I am exhausted. I am exhausted from this life. Life like this is not life. If I don’t lose this weight, I’m going to die.” She continues: “I know I’m gonna die because I feel like a ticking time bomb. My heart can fall out at any time and I can feel the weight that’s weighing me down. It feels like my body is trying to give up, I can feel it, but I can’t give up. I have to be here for my children.”

“Living like this is not living.” Tune in to a new #My600lbLife tonight at 8/7c. pic.twitter.com/JTN73ULoqQ

— TLC Network (@TLC) March 18, 2020

Coliesa McMillian arrives in Houston to see Dr. Now, who’s concerned. Her situation is “very disturbing,” he says. Dr. Now warns that her body’s at its breaking point. Another heart attack might be fatal.

The reality star struggles to shed weight for surgery. She tries eating right and exercising daily but falls short. Working with a therapist helps her address underlying issues. Progress improves gradually.

Despite not meeting Dr. Now’s weight target, Coliesa gets approved. Acute abdominal pain prompts action. Doctors cite excess fat complicating diagnosis. With a healthy heart, she’s finally cleared for surgery.

In the end, a mix of diets, therapy and surgery made an important difference in Coliesa’s life. Through her last meeting with Dr. Now he tells the cameras that she has lost about 150 pounds and is working hard to lose further weight. He adds: “At the moment things are looking optimistic with her, so I hope we can get her to where she needs to change and keep her life”.

Coliesa is so excited about her progress and hopeful about her future. She says she feels “prettier” and better about herself and she can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and her children. “I feel like I’m doing better than ever and I have high hopes that I’ll be where I’m needed soon,” she explains. “And I can’t wait for that.”