People handle stress in different ways. Some go for walks, others lean on friends—but for Ashley Bratcher from Texas, food became her way of coping. After her mother walked out on the family during her childhood, Ashley began using food as emotional comfort, which spiraled into a serious health issue.
By the time she was 27, Ashley weighed 725 pounds. She was bedridden, completely dependent on her 5-year-old son to help with even basic tasks. Desperate for a change, Ashley reached out to TLC’s My 600-Lb Life and started working with renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan. He warned her that if she didn’t act fast, she wouldn’t live to see 30.
Determined to turn things around, Ashley committed to a strict, low-calorie diet and lost 123 pounds before being cleared for gastric bypass surgery. The operation was a success—and so was her hard work. In total, she shed 255 pounds, reclaiming her independence and confidence along the way.
By 2018, Ashley was featured on My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now? and shared that she had dropped below 300 pounds. She no longer relied on food for comfort and was enjoying everyday activities most people take for granted—like shopping or taking long showers. She also began sharing her journey on Instagram, inspiring thousands with her honest take on weight loss. As she often reminds her followers, “Surgery is just a tool; it does not change your mindset.”
Through it all, her husband Jack stood by her side. The couple recently celebrated 12 years of marriage—a milestone that speaks to the power of love, commitment, and support. Ashley’s transformation is more than physical—it’s a story of resilience, grit, and taking control of your life.
