Losing weight is not easy, especially when health problems play a role. My 270 kg lifeshows on screen what it really takes to overcome extreme obesity. Of course, the show has been met with controversy and complaints, including arguments that the tactics may not be sustainable in the long term and skepticism about whether the people on the show have what it takes to keep their weight off.

Surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan helps patients lose weight and prepare them for high-risk gastric bypass surgery. To undergo the surgery, patients must adhere to a demanding diet that contains only 1200 calories per day. To reach the right weight for the surgery, they must follow a strict diet plan and overcome their own psychological blocks, including addictions.

Unfortunately, despite the effort, not everyone is able to maintain their weight after surgery. In theory, surgery is just the beginning of the process and participants on the show should continue to work toward their weight loss goals. However, not everyone stays true to the program or other health obstacles arise that prevent them from maintaining their weight.

However, there are some success stories as well. These include weight loss warriors like Paula Jones and Chuck Turner. On the show, Paula initially weighed 542 pounds. She had to undergo the surgeon’s hard work before surgery. She ended up losing about 400 pounds and now speaks at conferences, according to her Facebook page. She continues to provide updates on her journey online and even explains how it has affected her beyond the initial weight loss.

Her success story spread through her family. On the show, fans met Savannah Jones, her then 7-year-old child. “At the beginning of my journey, you met my little girl Savannah Jones. … Now she’s all grown up! I’m so proud of her. We’ve been through so much together!” Paula wrote on Facebook. She went on to explain that her daughter has actually lost 80 pounds as well, as the couple continues to work on their health together.