Tammy Slaton’s body transformation journey continues with a major milestone: Her first plane ride alongside sisters Misty and Amanda.
The 1000-lbs Sisters star has lost about 440 pounds since undergoing bariatric surgery in 2022 and can now fit in a plane seat. The moment was documented on a January 23 episode of the TLC reality TV show, where Tammy is shown feeling anxious before a flight to Pensacola, FL, E! News reports.
Tammy actually purchased two economy seats as a precaution, which she didn’t end up needing. “When I actually got on the plane and sat down and was comfortable,” Tammy shared in a confessional. “I was kind of surprised that I didn’t need both seats that we paid for.” She added that she was able to buckle her seat belt.
Tammy Was Nervous About Turbulence During the Flight
Weight loss victory aside, it was a turbulent flight. “I was cool until we actually started lifting off,” said Tammy. “My family forgot to mention some stuff about the plane ride. The turbulence was really bad. Once I was able to compare to things I’ve already done, like riding in a car or going over train tracks, I was golden.”
When the plane landed, Tammy cheered and made jokes about making it alive: “We made it! Safely!”
“I’m ready for another one,” she added. This significant milestone follows an extensive weight loss journey. Viewers met Tammy in 2020 when she weighed over 700 pounds and could barely walk, let alone travel. Since then, they have continued to witness the ups and downs of her transformation.
Tammy’s Weight Loss Transformation Ups and Downs
Tammy nearly didn’t make it after a health scare that had her put in a medically induced coma with a ventilator. She then returned to a weight loss rehab to continue working on her health goals and lose enough weight for bariatric surgery.
Tammy now weighs about 285 pounds. She shows off her continued weight loss on Instagram and shares healthy living tips with her followers. “Oh, you eat proteins, low carbs, no sugars, no pop, portion control,” she told an Instagram user.
Her lungs have also gotten stronger and she requires less support from her oxygen machine. “I’m thankful to be alive, and it’s fun to be progressing as much as I am,” she told PEOPLE.
Tammy and Caleb: A Tragic Love Story
Despite those wins, Tammy unfortunately experienced tragedy when her husband, Caleb Willingham, passed away at the age of 40 in June 2023.
Tammy and Caleb met at a weight loss rehab center, and their love story was documented on 1000-lbs Sisters. The couple often fought about Caleb’s struggle with food addiction and Tammy’s desire to make healthier choices.
“He was my best friend and I loved him dearly. When I met Caleb he became my guardian angel and now he really is watching over me,” Tammy said in a heartbreaking statement to PEOPLE.
Later on, in an interview with the outlet, she revealed that she had Caleb’s ashes turned into jewelry: “Knowing that he’s with me, it’s helping me pass the day. I find myself grabbing my necklace and holding it a lot. When I take off my jewelry, I feel like it’s weird, separation anxiety. I start panicking,” she said.
