'1000-Lb. Sisters' Star Tammy Slaton Debuts New Look After Skin Removal Surgery, Sparking Buzz

After years of battling weight and self-doubt, Tammy Slaton finally came face-to-face with the results of her transformation.

Tammy Slaton has taken another major step in her ongoing transformation. The "1000-lb Sisters" star recently underwent skin removal surgery — an emotional milestone after years of battling obesity and working toward better health.

Speaking with People, Slaton opened up about what the procedure means to her and how far she's come. "After six years and losing over 500 pounds, I was finally approved for surgery," the 38-year-old told the publication. "I was just overwhelmed with excitement. I worked really hard for this, and now it's here."

Slaton recalled the moment vividly. "I'm pretty sure it was noticeable on my face how immediately shocked and then overwhelmed with joy I was," she said. This pivotal moment comes after a relentless commitment to her health journey — one that's been documented publicly and followed closely by viewers of the hit TLC series.

Following the procedure, Slaton's new look has sparked a wave of responses from fans. Many applauded her perseverance and transformation, calling her a source of inspiration. "Tami what a Beautiful Transformation. You didn't have it easy, but you decided to do it," one fan wrote. "You look great and I wish you nothing but happiness in your future."

Another added, "You look absolutely amazing! What a great role model for others who are struggling." Several followers commented on her evolving personality as much as her appearance. "I think she looks great. She has changed so much in looks and personality all for the better," one fan noted. "I absolutely love Tammy."

While the praise poured in, some reactions focused on one detail — Slaton's smile. A few pointed out her missing tooth, expressing concern and support in equal measure."What happened to Tammy's teeth?" one person asked. Another wrote, "Someone please fix this girl's teeth for her! She's worked so hard.... she deserves a nice smile."

Others echoed the sentiment, "But what about the missing tooth!!!" Another added, "Amazing. I would love for someone to offer to fix her smile." Despite the mixed comments, the overall response to Slaton's latest transformation has been overwhelmingly positive.

Slaton's skin removal surgery, performed earlier this year, marked a long-anticipated turning point. After undergoing bariatric surgery in July 2022, she traveled to Pittsburgh in January for the next stage in her transformation. The procedure was carried out by Dr. J. Peter Rubin, a plastic surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Despite years of preparation, the weight of the moment began to take hold the night before the operation. Slaton later shared that she felt more anxious about this procedure than she had before her initial bariatric surgery.

She explained that it was the emotional impact of seeing her body without the familiar contours of her excess skin that made her especially uneasy. She admitted that the night before surgery, fear took over. The idea of having her entire lower abdomen removed felt more daunting than the gastric sleeve procedure she had already experienced.

On January 18, Slaton underwent an eight-hour operation. During that time, surgeons removed more than 15 pounds of excess skin from her chin, arms, and stomach. The recovery exceeded expectations. Slaton said her body healed so quickly that doctors were surprised.

She was discharged four days earlier than planned and welcomed home by her siblings, who gathered to celebrate her progress. The moment was also captured on "1000-Lb Sisters." In the season finale, viewers watched as her siblings reacted to her transformation with admiration, praising the strength and determination that brought her this far.

We previously reported that Tammy's brother, Chris Combs, was right by her side, cheering her on throughout her weight loss journey.

TLC, which hosts the reality show "1000-Lb Sisters," shared an Instagram clip capturing the moment Slaton weighed herself, revealing a number she hadn't seen in years: 281.2 lbs. Slaton narrated, "The last time I was at Dr. Smith's, I weighed in at 303."

Her surprised brother, Combs, chimed in, "Congratulations, that's good!" In a confessional, Slaton shared, "Chris said he weighs 284. I now weigh a little less than Chris. That's mind-blowing. I think the last time I weighed 281 I was like, fourth or fifth grade. I'm the baby sister, I'm not the 'big' baby sister no more."

At one point, Slaton turned to her brother and asked, "How am I lighter than you?" Combs replied, "You're supposed to be lighter than me." Slaton humorously quipped in response, "Cause I'm short?"

Despite the playful sibling jabs, Combs shared his joy and pride over Slaton's success, expressing how much her achievement meant to him. He noted, "Did I ever think I'd see the day that she was smaller than me? Well, no, probably not, because I never thought about her being smaller than me. She's always been Tammy, big."

While Tammy Slaton has made remarkable progress in her weight loss journey—and now in her transformation following skin removal surgery—she once shared in an Instagram video that doctors had previously postponed the procedure.

In the clip, Slaton consults with her plastic surgeon, Dr. Brad Turner, who explains that she is not yet prepared for the procedure. Disappointment was evident as Slaton lowered her head, visibly affected by the news.

When asked about proceeding with additional checkups, her response mirrored her somber mood. "I just don't wanna get undressed," said the reality star, who had been eager to take the next step in her journey by addressing the excess skin.

Dr. Turner clarified that although Slaton had made impressive progress, at the time, she was only 13 months post-bariatric surgery. Therefore, she required additional time to reach her target weight before proceeding with skin removal surgery.

"I'm definitely not telling you, 'No.' I'm just telling you, 'Not tomorrow,'" Dr. Turner told Slaton. He added that with another six months to a year of steady weight loss, she would be in an optimal position to undergo the procedure.

Despite some setbacks in her weight loss journey, Slaton has shed a significant amount of weight since her highest recorded weight of 725 pounds. Undergoing bariatric surgery in July 2022 marked a turning point in her life.

Reflecting on her progress, Slaton shared that even small victories have felt monumental to her. Being able to walk unaided, without relying on a walker or wheelchair, and no longer needing oxygen assistance, even while sleeping, have been transformative milestones in her life.

Slaton also revealed, "Then it was being able to fit in a regular vehicle, front seat, and then the belt buckle, and not have to use an extender now. So I mean, just what seems minor to some people is giant for me."

In 2023, Slaton embraced accountability for her weight struggles, a shift that played a pivotal role in her progress. She acknowledged, "It's my fault that I'm this size. I let it get out of control but I know that I can change. I have to."

Her family and doctors are proud of her progress. Dr. Eric Smith, the medical director of the Kentucky Bariatric Institute, who has supported Slaton throughout her weight loss journey, expressed this pride.

Dr. Smith said while he's proud of her weight-related achievements, he is most proud of the life-changing goals she's reaching, such as living a healthier and happier life.