Every journey begins with a single step, and Amber Rachdi, the “star” of the third season of My 600–lb Life, found the road to a healthier lifestyle to be difficult and tedious. It took five years for this young lady to reclaim her life. This is her narrative.
Amber has struggled with her weight for the majority of her life. She weighed 160 pounds when she was five years old in Oregon. She had an eating disorder, which progressed to anxiety disorder and panic attacks. Amber, unfortunately, would always turn to food to relax. She stated that eating provided her with comfort and that her parents prepared her meals whenever she was uncomfortable or nervous.
Amber’s life at the age of 23 was nothing like those of others her age. While her friends were out partying, she was “imprisoned” at home, unable to perform even the most basic activities such as descending the stairs.
The worst part was that, as much as Amber despised the situation she had put herself in, she believed there was nothing she could do about it, so instead of adopting a better lifestyle, she continued to eat more and more with each passing day.
Her wake-up call came when she was told that if she didn’t make changes in her life, she wouldn’t likely live to see her 30th birthday.
Amber met the doctor who would change her life when she was 23, Dr. Nowzaradan, popularly known as “Dr. Now,” who is featured on TLC’s show My 600-lb Life.
However, she had a horrible encounter on her journey to Houston, Texas, where the show is filmed. Her wheelchair was unable to support her and broke down, forcing her father to transport her through the airport on an oversized luggage cart. Amber was seated on two seats on the plane and could barely fit into the row.
Amber had hoped to have the much-anticipated gastric bypass surgery to shrink her bloated stomach, but it wasn’t as simple as she had imagined. Dr. Now expressed concern about her condition and requested that she shed at least 20 pounds before undergoing surgery.
She was adamant about continuing her trip, and her diet consisted primarily of veggies and poultry. Amber’s family relocated to Houston to assist her in staying on track, despite her boyfriend’s continual consumption of junk food in Amber’s company. She began going to the gym instead. “It’s been challenging to get back into walking,” she explained. “It aches and it is difficult.”
Dr. Now decided that Amber had reduced 17 pounds and that the procedure could proceed. Her stomach was shrunk from a football to baseball size. She had yearned for a fresh start for a long time, and she knew there was no turning back if she wanted to be happy and healthy once more.
Amber shed 267 pounds over the course of a year, moving from a size 6X to a size 2X.
According to In Touch Weekly, she said her journey was difficult and described as a “dreadful ordeal.” “They apply a certain amount of pressure and, at times, lack a human touch,” she wrote. “They figured we’d be difficult, so they were a little harsh with their demands?” Working with the production was not pleasant, respectful, or mutually beneficial. There are some nice people on their payroll, and I met some amazing people, but it was not an experience I would want to repeat.”
Amber and her boyfriend stayed in Houston after Amber’s family returned to Oregon, allowing them to go on their second date outside her house.
“I was taken aback.” Amber expressed her thoughts. “I shop for myself, eat healthily, and exercise often. I’ve regained command of my life.”
Amber inspired millions of people and was widely regarded as a role model.
Amber is getting married to her new partner five years after her trip began, despite the fact that she and Rowdy parted but remained good friends.
She wants everyone to know that regaining control of one’s life isn’t always easy, but it’s well worth the effort.
Amber commented on Instagram about her life-changing journey, “I was REALLY overweight. Now I’m simply plain fat. “It ain’t so bad.”