Ashley Bernard: My 600-lb Life Participant is Now a Proud Mom of Four (2024)

A participant in season 8 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life,’ Ashley Bernard bravely shared her journey with viewers in 2020. As a resident of Louisiana, her weight had reached 637 pounds by the time she entered the show while struggling with the physical and emotional effects of obesity. Her story served as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the trauma she endured and the challenges she faced, Ashley refused to let her past define her future.

Ashley Bernard Revealed a Traumatic History on The Show

Ashley Bernard: My 600-lb Life Participant is Now a Proud Mom of Four (1)

Despite the challenges she faced, Ashley Bernard was a devoted single mother of two, but her weight had become a barrier to leading a fulfilling life. However, her struggles extended far beyond the scale, as she revealed a traumatic history of sexual assault at a young age, perpetuated by one of her babysitters. This harrowing experience left lasting scars, shaping her relationship with food and hindering her ability to form successful connections with others. Relying heavily on her family, particularly her daughters, Ashley found herself almost entirely dependent on their assistance for daily tasks.

The burden of her condition weighed heavily on her, both physically and emotionally, as she lamented the strain it placed on her loved ones. Recognizing the need for change, she embarked on a journey towards reclaiming her health and independence. Throughout her time on the show, she confronted her demons head-on, using food as a coping mechanism to navigate the trauma of her past. However, with the guidance of renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan, Ashley began to address the underlying issues contributing to her weight gain. Despite setbacks, including a period of weight regain due to stress and other health conditions, she remained determined to overcome her obstacles and achieve her goals.

With perseverance and dedication, she made significant strides in her weight loss journey, regaining momentum and earning approval for weight loss surgery. Adopting a rigorous exercise regimen, she became a regular at the gym, often dedicating herself to grueling treadmill sessions in pursuit of her health goals. By the end of her episode, Ashley’s hard work paid off as she successfully shed 135 pounds, marking a significant milestone in her journey towards transformation. Through determination, courage, and the unwavering support of her family and medical professionals, she took control of her health and began the journey toward a brighter tomorrow.

Where is Ashley Bernard Now?

Since her appearance on the show, Ashley Bernard has remained steadfast in her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and shedding excess weight. As a single mother, she faces the challenges of balancing her health journey with the responsibilities of raising her children. Her last two C-section deliveries have left her body more prone to injuries, adding a layer of complexity to her weight loss efforts. Despite these obstacles, she remains determined to prioritize her well-being and set a positive example for her family. Recognizing the importance of addressing her past trauma, she has sought counseling to confront the lingering effects of her abuse.

By addressing the heaviness of her past, Ashley has taken proactive steps towards healing and moving forward with her life. Embracing a holistic approach to wellness, she has also dedicated time to spend with her family and explore outdoor activities, fostering bonds and creating cherished memories with her loved ones. However, her journey towards health has not been without its financial burdens. In an effort to alleviate some of the financial strain on her family, she took the initiative to launch a fundraiser to help cover their medical bills. While the specifics of her pregnancies remain unclear, it is evident that since her time on the show, Ashley has welcomed 2 more children into her family, bringing the total to 4.

Despite the challenges of raising a growing family as a single mother, she remains determined to provide her children with a healthy and fulfilling life. Through it all, her resilience shines through as she navigates the complexities of motherhood and weight loss with grace and determination. With each passing day, she continues to prioritize her health and well-being, setting an example for her children and inspiring others to embark on their own journeys towards transformation. Despite the obstacles she faces, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of a brighter and healthier future for herself and her family.

Read More:Is My 600-lb Life Scripted or Real?

Ashley Bernard: My 600-lb Life Participant is Now a Proud Mom of Four (2024)

FAQs

Did Ashley Bernard have weight loss surgery? ›

Now inspired her to take responsibility. He told her not to use her past as an, “excuse.” As a result, Ashley quickly made progress, and began working hard at the gym, walking on the treadmill. Within months, the Louisiana woman dropped a lot of weight, and an impressed Dr. Now approved her for the weight loss surgery.

What happened to Ashley from My 600-Lb Life? ›

Nonetheless, Ashley had to learn to love herself, and by the time she began to, health issues were already taking their toll. Sadly, Ashley passed away on October 2nd, 2021, at the age of 40 years old, joining the long list of former My 600-Lb Life participants to die young.

Do participants on my 600 pound life get paid? ›

According to Starcasm, each cast member gets a flat $1,500 appearance fee, often referred to as a "talent fee," that covers the roughly 12-month shooting schedule for each episode. Other reports suggest that the patients get up to $4,000 and are also allotted a $2,500 relocation fee if they have to move for the show.

Who is the most successful 600-lb life patients? ›

There is so much to learn about these dedicated reality alums.
  • 5 My 600-Lb Life - Chuck Turner (433 pounds)
  • 4 My 600-Lb Life - Melissa Morris (500 pounds)
  • 3 My 600-Lb Life - James Jones (511 pounds)
  • 2 My 600-Lb Life - Christina Phillips (525 pounds)
  • 1 My 600-Lb Life - Milla Clarke (596 pounds)
Apr 9, 2023

How does Sherri Shepherd lose all her weight? ›

But, what's the secret behind her impressive weight loss? We'll find out here as we explore Sherri Shepherd's transformation. Her weight loss journey is driven by multiple factors including a healthy diet, regular workouts, sufficient sleep, good hydration, and maintaining peace.

Which weight loss surgery has the highest success rate? ›

All bariatric surgeries are effective for weight loss with varying degrees of success: Gastric bypass averages 71 percent of excess weight loss at three years. Sleeve gastrectomy averages 66 percent of excess weight loss at three years.

Is Ashley from Catfish on My 600-lb Life? ›

Before My 600-lb Life, Ashley appeared on two episodes of MTV's Catfish season 8. She was even brought to an intervention during her second appearance. Because Ashley is not on social media, it is impossible to know if she was successful with her weight loss.

Does My 600-lb Life pay for surgery? ›

Yes, TLC's My 600 lb Life does pay for the cast members' surgery.

How is Ashley D doing now? ›

Ashley has shed over 300 pounds in the year since her weight-loss surgery, freeing her son from caretaking duties. However, she still struggles with neuropathy and when she experiences sudden paralysis, her own emotional stability is thrown into peril.

What is the most someone has weighed on my 600 pound life? ›

My 600lb Life star Sean Milliken died aged just 29 after becoming “the heaviest man alive” – weighing more than 1,000lbs at his largest weight.

How much does Dr. Nowzaradan cost? ›

Does Dr Nowzaradan do surgery for free? Yes, he does the surgeries free of charge for all the patients who appear on the reality show. My 600-lb Life covers the costs incurred during the life-saving surgeries. The show covers all the visits to the doctor, the surgeries, and hospital stays.

How does Dr. Nowzaradan get paid? ›

He makes a big chunk of his income from his profession as a surgeon. On top of that, the doctor has various publications that give him some extra income.

Who is suing 600 pound life? ›

The late Gina Marie Krasley from My 600-Lb Life season 8 also filed a lawsuit in early 2020, alongside Jeanne Covey and Maja Radanovic from season 7, seeking $1 million in damages from the My 600-Lb Life production company.

Who died on 600 pound weight loss? ›

“TLC was deeply saddened by the loss of Gina Krasley, who shared her weight-loss journey on My 600-Lb. Life,” the network tweeted amid the solemn news. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.” Unfortunately, Gina is far from the only star of the show to have died in recent years.

What happened to James Bedard's 600-lb life? ›

7) James Bedard

James tried his best to follow Dr. Now's program on My 600-lb Life. However, his journey was overshadowed by the sad news of his father's death, yet he was able to drop 119 pounds in a year. There isn't much information about James' life after the show, and he seemingly isn't active on social media.

How did Ashley Graham lose all that weight? ›

A Disciplined Approach to Diet and Exercise

Graham herself has attributed her weight loss success to a combination of a nutrient-dense diet and rigorous exercise routines.

What is the most permanent weight loss surgery? ›

At one time, bariatric surgery was considered merely a cosmetic procedure. Over the past several years, studies have demonstrated that the surgery is by far the most effective and permanent weight reduction treatment.

What is the most dramatic weight loss surgery? ›

The duodenal switch has the most profound weight loss results of all bariatric procedures, and it dramatically improves metabolic syndromes such as Type 2 diabetes. It also has a higher rate of complications. But for people with more severe conditions, the benefits outweigh the risks.

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