Original subtitles

When I'm eating, I feel happy, and I want to be happy.

So I never want to stop eating.

Somewhere in me, there's this little glimmer of hope.

I just want to be a normal person.

You can't do it, and then I just get mad.

If I don't make a change now, I'm scared

it's going to be too late.

I refuse to stop fighting.

I have to do this for my children.

I'm going to get back on a diet

and lose the pounds that you want me to lose.

You say that every time, and you come in with no progress.

IRENE: My daily life is such a struggle now because of how

my size have gotten.

It is hard for me to do things because of my weight,

so I rely on my family and friends

to help me do what I have to do.

Even with all the weight I have on me now,

I'm still able to get around and do some basic things myself,

like cleaning myself on my own still.

So I push myself to do that.

But it's hard.

It's very hard.

When you're my size, you have so many areas

you have to keep clean.

I get out of breath, and it's very painful.

So I can barely handle finishing,

so I'm never fully clean.

Because I can't do it all at once.

I really have to take a shower, like twice a day,

in order to give very clean.

And it's hard not to smell, but I don't want my family to try

to help me with it, you know?

Right now, I stay in an apartment with my son,

and my niece, and my daughter-in-law.

I had to move in with them, because I wasn't able to take

care of myself anymore.

Usually, it's my niece, Mimi, or my caretaker, Cameo,

that has to help me most.

I try to limit it to getting me what I mean, but you know,

the reality is I can't do it on my own sometimes.

And once I get dressed, I still have to rest a bit because

of how tired that makes me.

I'm exhausted already, and I know it's

that way because of how I eat.

You know, eating is what I do most of the day.

It's the only thing that brings me the pleasure that I want.

It's what I look forward to constantly.

Either Trina or my niece will me my first meal of the day.

They know what I like, and they just bring it to me.

[knocking]

Come in.

TRINA: Hey, I'm here to bring the chicken.

Yes, because I'm hungry.

Aw.

Trina and my niece, Mimi, both give me a hard time

when they bring me what I want.

So you mean tell me, you're finna eat all this chicken.

You wanted all this?

Irene, really?

Mhmm.

But when I'm eating, I just want to be left alone to eat.

I don't want to hear all that, but they, at least,

still bring me what I want.

So I can overlook that.

Plus when I'm eating, it helps me forget everything else

and block out a lot, you know?

Because when I have any of my favorite foods,

all the hurt of me is taken away, until the food is gone.

You ain't even offered me a piece of chicken.

Do you want a piece of chicken?

No, I don't want no chicken.

I'm eating baked chicken.

I'm trying to eat healthy for the kids, you know?

You've got your children.

I don't have my children.

Irene.

I'm tired of crying.

I'm tired of praying.

Don't never say, you're getting tired of praying.

I didn't mean to say that, because I pray every day,

until the day my kids come home.

But anyway, I know I have to go to work.

OK, thank you.

And I love you, and there ain't nothing

you can do about it, OK?

OK.

OK?

Love you, baby.

I love you, baby.

OK, see you later.

OK, I'm glad she's gone.

Whenever I have something to eat,

I will not stop, until I've eaten at all,

when I'm done eating, then, like, an hour later, I

ask somebody to come give me some more food.

Because I never want the feelings

that food gives me to stop, so I just sit and eat

for the rest of the day.

Because food is how I survive, you know?

It's killing me in a lot of ways now.

But for most of my life, it was what got me by.

And if I didn't have that, I don't

know what I would have done.

I know my food addiction has led me to this point.

But for many moments in my past, it was the only source

of happiness that I had.

I was always the big girl, even when I was really young.

Because I always had a love for food.

That started very early on, because I

know I used food to feel better right from the start.

Because my parents separated when

I was five years old, because my dad started abusing my mom.

And she left him, and I think that's when I became depressed,

you know?

And that's when I remember the start of my eating.

The way it started was at church, because my mom

was a church woman.

So she went to church every day of the week.

And you know, there was always food at the church functions,

and plates of food, and pastries.

And I would just eat as much as I could.

I used to just eat myself, basically, into a coma,

until I threw up and stuff like that.

And food became my source of comfort,

so I was always trying to get it.

My self esteem was real low because of how big I was.

And I still think I just ate and ate, because I was depressed.

My parents and my siblings talk to me about my weight

all the time, but they enabled me.

Because they always gave me food, you know?

Both my mom and my sister did.

Because with my mom, she took care of us,

but she had to work hard to provide that life

to me and my sister back then.

My mom is from an island in South Africa called Mauritius.

And because she always had to work, you know,

she gave me fast food to feed me and my sister.

So I just put on weight as I got old.

And by the time I was 10 or 11 years old, I was 140 pounds.

I kept eating as much as I wanted, so I kept gaining.

And when I started high school, I got to over 250 pounds at 14.

So being that big made high school hard.

I got teased and bullied a lot, and I

didn't have a lot of friends.

But I had boyfriends.

When I was 16, I started dating someone.

He was abusive, physically, verbally, and emotionally.

And my self-esteem was already low, so I thought I

was lucky to have his interest.

Even though my boyfriend was abusive, I stayed with him,

and I got pregnant when I was 16.

I had my son when I was 17.

That's when I had Jacory.

But after, I got pregnant, and my boyfriend broke up with me.

I was a single mother at 17, and with the pregnancy,

I put on another 100 pounds.

And I was up over 350.

But with the stress of having a child then, I just kept eating

to deal with it, you know?

Because I was terrified.

I had to drop out of school, and I didn't

know what I was going to do.

But thankfully, my mom helped me out some.

I had help for a couple of years.

But when I turned 19, I had a lot of tragedy

that's changed my life.

In a span of a little over two years,

I lost my dad, then my mom, my oldest sister, and my aunt.

And it was really devastating for me.

It caused me to eat a whole lot.

But once my parents was gone, I was homeless,

and I had nowhere to go.

Me and my son slept at a metro bus stop,

until we met this woman.

And she took me to a shelter for children and women,

and that allowed me to get back on my feet for a bit.

I was 21 then, but I didn't know how to raise a child

and provide for myself.

But the people there, they showed

me how to take care of my son.

Cameo was one of them, so that's how we met and became friends.

She always looked after me from that point on.

But with the guidance from all of them, I became independent.

And then while being at the shelter,

I wasn't dating someone, and I wound up pregnant

with my oldest daughter.

And they had a rule against being pregnant,

while I was there.

So they kicked me out, because I got

pregnant, while I was there.

And I tried to do what I could to make a living,

and I was 24 and around 500 pounds.

So that made it hard for me to work consistently.

So for the next six to seven years,

I either stayed with a friend or who I was dating.

And I had three more children.

My weight increased during that time, and I got to around 600

when I was in my early 30s.

I was struggling, and I started to turn to alcohol.

And then it escalated from there.

When I was 34, I met some people that was

not good influences on my life.

I turned to drugs, because I was depressed.

And I was hanging around the wrong people.

That was my lowest point, because all my addictions

led me to lose my kids.

At that point, Jacory was 18 and had gone out on his own.

And I had my four other kids, and someone had reported me

because my addictions.

So CPS came and took my three youngest, and I was devastated.

And I actually lost my mind, you know?

But it led me to a wake up call.

You know, I got clean and sober for my kids then.

But when I got rid of those addictions,

it led me right back to food.

Sobriety has made my weight increase,

and I think, at this point now, I'm back up to 600 pounds

again.

I have to move in with my oldest son Jacory, and I feel bad.

Because I really want him to live his life.

But because I'm his mother, I think

he feels like he's obligated, because I took care of him

in the past.

JACORY: Every day is an uphill battle, because my mom

can't control her eating.

I feel like you should always be there for your mom,

so I'm trying my best to take care of her.

But I'm trying to get my mom to eat the right stuff for her.

It's really a battle for me, because she

doesn't really care for too many items that I bring.

As a son, I love my mom.

I don't want her to pass away.

I want her to live a happy and healthy life.

So I really do hope my mom gets better.

But I can take care of myself yet, until I

get rid of my food addictions.

You know, I got rid of my addiction.

And now, this is the last one that

stands in my way to get my life back and to get my kids back.

MIMI: Hey, auntie.

Hey, girl, hey.

I brought the food.

Oh, thank you, girl.

Thankfully, my three youngest are with family,

but I want to get them back.

And that's not going to happen, unless I

get all the weight off me.

But I have to break my food addiction to do that,

and I don't know how to.

That's how I get by, and that's how I deal with my day.

I sit on the couch and wait for my food.

And then I eat, until I want to pass out.

And then shortly after that, I just

do that, again, and, again, until it's

time for me to go to bed.

And the next day, I do it all over again.

Eating is my life.

My favorite too.

Oh, girl, look at this.

I know what you like.

My mouth is watering.

Oh, my God.

When my aunt calls me and tells me to bring her food,

it's kind of conflicting.

Because I want to tell her no, but then

I know she's going to get angry.

So I just get it for her anyway.

I do it, because I love my auntie.

But my aunt has to do better.

And if my aunt keeps on eating, like she does,

death is the only outcome.

Auntie, is you going to eat all that?

Girl, well, hell yeah.

When I'm eating, I feel good.

I feel happy, and it's the only time I feel like that.

I want to be happy, so I never want to stop eating.

Even when I'm full, I push myself to finish out

the food that I have to make sure it's all gone,

so one will get it.

So once I have what I want, I'm going to eat it

all, no matter what.

And I've never been able to change that, you know?

This [bleep] is good.

I did try a diet in the past, like eating salads and fruits.

But I don't like how plain it all tastes.

So I end up adding, like, bacon and stuff

that I don't need, a whole lot of ranch,

a whole lot of cheese.

So it tastes good, and I just want to eat what I want.

And it makes me feel embarrassed.

Because I know my family worries about me

and wants to see things get better for me, you know?

My nieces and my son try to motivate

me to just get up out of the house,

because I be in the house so much.

They'd just be like, come on.

I'll go with you.

And I think about it, but the food always wins out.

So I just stay inside and eat, but there's

a big part of me that does really want to change.

Oh, girl, thank you for picking it up for me.

I appreciate you so much.

You're welcome.

You know, I love you.

Watching my mom in her current conditions is hard sometimes.

My biggest worry with my mom, right now,

is, basically, her whole body.

I never want her to just be bed bound,

and I haven't got to the point I had the bathe her and stuff.

I just don't want it to.

At this point in my life, I got a lot

of things I want to take care of, like just have

a job and a career, whatever.

But if my mom doesn't get help, I'm worried

that she's going to die.

So that's why every day, I try to keep her healthy,

because it's my time to take care of her.

You know, I want to stop so bad,

so I could get healthy and be a better mom to my kids so badly.

Sometimes, I cry when I'm alone in my bed, you know?

I just cry to myself, and I just pray to God that, somehow, I

can find a way to lose the weight

and have a normal life before it's too late.

I love you.

- I love you, too, baby. - I'll see you later.

OK.

Me and my friend Cameo are here at Dr. Now to see

him about help with my weight.

She wants to be with me, because she's the one who encouraged

me to try to do this.

She and my niece has been trying to push me to get help.

But Cameo suggested, I reach out to Dr. Now.

So I did, and now, I'm here.

Irene?

My hope, today, is that Dr. Now

is going to be able to help me lose all the weight off me,

so I can get better for my kids and have a better life.

I think I'm around 600 pounds, give or take.

Whenever you're ready.

And at that weight, I'm just not able to function,

like I need no more.

I know the weight is unacceptable,

and I'm ashamed I let it get as high as it is.

But I'm ready to turn it around now.

Y'all can go to the exam room, OK?

OK, thank you, ma'am.

No problem.

I just need Dr. Now to give me the support to do that,

so I can stick with it and be successful this time.

Because on my own, as much as I want to do it,

I haven't been able to so far.

So I have to have this help, and I'm really

hoping to get that today.

DR. NOWZARADAN: Hello, how are you all doing?

Hi, how are you?

I'm Dr. Nowzaradan, and you must be Irene.

Yes, how are you, Dr. Now?

I'm doing OK, and who is this young lady with you?

My friend, Cameo.

She stayed down away from me, but we've be knowing each other

for, like, 10 or 20 years.

All right, Irene, what brought you here?

I want to lose weight for be a better person and a better

mother to my children.

OK, so what you have done so far to lose weight

that's not been successful?

I need to go on a diet, and I just want to lose weight.

Because it's hard for me to move around, and my bladder

is weak because of the weight.

And I have a lot of back pains, if that makes sense,

because I'm overweight.

All right, well, none of that helped me understand where you

tried to control your eating habits before, so I'm guessing

the answer is you haven't really done anything up to this point.

No, I haven't, and I've talked to a nutritionist.

And I talked to a doctor before about plans lose weight,

but I never actually went through with it.

So what do you do in a typical day?

A typical diet, I eat chicken burgers,

fettuccine with shrimp and chicken.

I do eat, like, vegetables.

I like snacks, like chips and soda.

And I love cookies, but sometimes, I overdo it.

And I think over the years, that's why my weight increased.

Because I've always been a big girl, even as a child.

All right, well, I think it's safe to say,

you're right about overdoing it when you eat.

So what do you think you can do to change

your eating habit if you eat all that junk

food that you mentioned?

I think I need to stop eating the cookies and the cakes,

basically.

And I'm going to start eating, like, salads,

and no fried foods, like baked, and sauteed,

and stuff like that.

And I think I'm going to get me a trainer,

too, because my friend works out, you know?

And she has her own trainer, and I think that can help me also.

Well, why haven't you done that so far if you

think that's the solution?

I'm going to do it now.

That's not the question.

The question is, why haven't you done anything to change so far?

Because I see that you've got a lot of medical conditions.

And if you drink soda and all those junk food

that you mentioned, you're going to be 600 pounds.

And in this situation, you are now where your health

is starting to fail.

Right.

But you haven't done anything to change that,

so what are you willing to do to change that?

I'm willing to stop drinking soda,

and just drink water and juice, and get

on a salad and fruit diet.

And juices are not part of your diet either.

It's not?

No.

OK.

So what are you willing to do to change your life?

Get on a diet, and try to lose the weight,

and get help from others to do what I do to be a better person

and be a better mother to my children,

and do what I have to do to get healthy, basically.

OK, do you get your own food, or does

somebody bring it to you?

Both.

So who brings it to you?

Her.

Is she your enabler?

No, man, that's what I didn't want.

I do not enable her.

I cook...

So what kind of food do you bring for her?

What I eat, she eats.

If she want to eat it, I cook healthy.

I try to deposit goodness and healthiness

into her if she'll accept it.

All right, OK, well, she clearly

has a negative support system that enables her,

and that's what has to stop.

And she needs help to change, so I'm going to give

you a copy of the diet as well.

So you'll be familiar with it.

OK.

And see if you can help her out to stick with that,

and see if we can get her to understand what's

going to be a healthy eating habit, OK?

OK.

OK, Irene, do you feel you're motivated to make the changes?

Yes, I'm very motivated.

OK, so you just need to know what kind of changes to make.

Yes, sir.

OK, so here's what we're going to do.

I'm going to give you some instruction, starting now.

You're going to start eating only three times a day,

no more than 1,200 calories in a single day.

And if you do that, you're going to be able to lose some weight,

and we're going to see what are the potential

for you to make some progress in that direction, OK?

Yes, sir.

And the goal I want you to work toward is to lose,

at least, 60 pounds over the next two months.

And if you do the diet, that should

be very easy for you to do.

OK.

I'm going to also give you some instruction

about doing some exercise.

I want you to do one hour of exercise,

instead of watching TV in the morning,

and one hour in the afternoon, OK?

OK.

So you think you can do all that?

Yes, sir.

How much you can walk before you give out and get tired?

I can walk a little bit, and then I get tired

and start huffing and puffing.

Then I have to stop, and I pass out.

I always have blackouts, and my best friend is concerned.

Her name is Lolita.

She's concerned, because she's been with me sometimes, too.

And I had passed out and had blackouts on her and her mom

before.

How often do you pass out?

Like when I cough, it brings me to pass out,

and I start having headaches.

And my eyes will go back, and then I come back.

So how many times did that happened, that you passed out?

It happens every day.

Almost every day?

No, like I have a cough.

And I cough to where, in my mind, I get dizzy,

and I pass out.

And I see black, and then I come back.

And my son was like, mom, would you just put your hands up?

And I put my hands up.

He was like, mama, are you OK?

And I'll be like, yeah, I'm OK.

And he's really concerned about me.

Have you had tests to check out to make sure you're

not having a seizure?

Yes, I have, and they told me, it was due to my weight.

Well, if that happened every day, and this is concerning.

So we've got a lot of things we need to do

to get you on the right path.

But everything is going to be up to you

to make the changes with your eating habits,

and do your excises, and follow up with the instruction.

And that's going to be what you need to do

to get to your goal weight, OK?

Yes, sir.

So that means that you're going to have

to change your eating habit.

You think you can do that?

Yes, sir.

All right, we're going to do some testing

in the next few days, and see what kind of health you are in,

and what your potential are for going

through potential surgery, OK?

Yes, sir.

OK, so I'm going to get some stuff for you and bring it in.

And there will be somebody coming in to draw your blood.

Yes, sir.

And then we're going to start you on a diet and exercises.

Yes, sir. Thank you.

Any questions?

No, sir, thank you.

All right, so do you feel like you have

enough support in your household to help you

to lose weight and be healthy?

Yes, sir.

OK, great.

All right, let me get some stuff for you,

and I'll be right back.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I have a lot of concerns about Irene, and her situation.

Particularly, I just think of her health,

because she's covering a lot.

And from what she describes that happens,

any time she physically exerts herself to the point where

she even passes out at times.

All right, this is an instruction.

You need to go over it and study to show you

what you need to work on it.

And this is one for you, too, so you read this every day.

And here's a list of food to avoid,

so you read that every night, OK?

What I'm worried about is that Irene could have a severely

compromised pulmonary system, so we

need to determine if there is anything that could

lead to a life threatening situation for her

in the near future.

So I'm gonna start running some tests,

and then depending on the results,

possibly arrange for her to see a specialist if there

is anything concerning.

On a daily basis, you need to evaluate all the risk factors.

Excuse me.

But overall, the biggest factor

behind her declining health is her weight,

and how much strain that's currently putting

on every organ in her body.

So hopefully, she's ready to make the changes she

needs to improve her condition.

So far, she hasn't seemed to do that.

And if that doesn't change, right now, then her health

is going to continue to decline as her weight puts more

and more strain on her body.

And the reality is it probably cannot handle

much more of that, so she can predict

her condition getting worse.

Because there is a good chance she

won't be able to survive that.

So your goal will be to lose 30 pounds a month, OK?

Mhmm.

I'm going to also give you a book.

I want to pay attention to this chapter about your exercise,

so these are exercises that you can

start doing on a daily basis.

And it's on one page.

And go through every exercise, do that, OK?

OK.

And there is some recipes here for the food and breakfast.

There is a recipe over there for meals

that you can read and find out about those.

Oh, OK.

OK, so you read those.

It will help you to stay healthy.

OK.

If you need anything, give me a call,

and I'm going to set you up for some testing.

OK.

And make sure we find out about those blackout

spells that you have, OK?

All right, do you have any questions?

No, sir.

All right, somebody will come in to do your blood test.

Mhmm.

And then I'm going to set you up for some testing, OK?

Yes, sir.

OK, all right, if you need anything, give me a call.

OK, have a blessed day.

Thank you so much.

You have a wonderful day.

You too.

Bye now.

My appointment with Dr. Now was excellent, because he

gave me some news I can use.

Come on in.

I hear you're dressed in black.

Yes.

I feel hopeful, and very motivated, and determined.

But I know this challenge isn't going to be that easy.

It ain't normally just gone right here,

but the amount that Dr. Now is asking me to lose

is obtainable.

If I work hard, I know I can do it.

I'm going to stop bad eating habits,

and exercise more, and get my family

members to help me as much as they can, especially Cameo.

Because Cameo really does motivate me.

- Ready? - Yeah.

All right.

Oh, my button is stuck to this.

So it was very important that Cameo was here,

so she can be able to help me on this journey

that I'm about to take.

But Dr. Now says, this is up to me.

So I'm going to put my best effort into this

and work hard to do what he says.

Because I want his help.

And I know I have to do it to be a healthy person for me,

and my children, and my family.

You know, I have a lot of willpower.

I really want this.

Not only for myself, but for my children.

And I don't want to be like this anymore.

It's taken a lot out of me, so I'm

ready to start this journey.

It's been a week and a half or so since I went to see Dr. Now.

He had me see some specialists a couple of days

ago to see about my passing out and all of that.

But they said, the issues that I was suffering from

was weight related and nothing, like, neurological.

It's the strain my weight has on my lungs and that whole system.

So they said, it is even more important

that I lose weight really soon to stop

them from getting worse.

So I've been working on changing my whole life.

Cameo is coming over to help me make my meals

and do my exercises, and she also took out

all the bad food in the house.

So all of that have been an adjustment.

I'm not going to lie about that.

Good morning.

What's cooking, good looking?

Hi, girl.

What's going on?

I made a selection from Dr. Now's diet.

The egg white and turkey sausage.

OK, let's get to it.

Even though this has been adjustment for me,

Cameo helped pushed me to stay on track with everything

with my better eating and my exercises

to make sure I keep doing good.

Would you like black pepper on your eggs?

Sure, can you surprise me with some cheese?

No, that ain't on the diet.

But I promise, I'm to try to make it taste like something.

OK, cool.

Because so far, it has been going well.

The tasting has been actually well, you know?

I know you're going to like the meal,

but I don't think you're going to like the workout

that's going to come after it.

I'm going to try to get you right this morning, all right?

Oh, cool.

She wants me to get to her gym and work with her trainer too.

But I haven't worked up to where I'm comfortable with being

in public like that, so I told her, when I get to a better

place, I considered going out.

But for now, she's cooking me better and healthy meals.

And then we do the exercises here at home.

I appreciate you a whole lot, friend.

You're very welcome.

I'm glad Irene is willing to do this,

because I love her dearly.

I've known her over 15 years, and I

just want what's best for her.

So I'm going to continue to do, like I've been doing.

I've been a strong-minded, stable friend

that motivates her.

I empower her.

I uplift her.

I try to be the positive person in her ear

to try to do the right thing.

I've been around her when she's had her episodes when

she coughs, and she blacks out.

And it just really freaked me out.

And that's when I just really started, like, hey, I see.

I cannot play with you.

So I've been waiting for her to do something,

like this, to get healthy.

Are you hungry, Irene?

It's coming.

I am hungry.

I don't care what it is.

Just bring it on.

So I want to do what I can to keep her focused

and on track, so she can succeed at this.

The only concern I have is that I can't

be with her 24 hours a day.

So I'm just going to do the best that I can

and hope it helps her enough.

Oh, look, it's protein-ish, friend.

It looks healthy.

Yes, OK.

That's what it is, healthy.

Let's try.

Let's try it.

You like it?

No and yes.

No and yes?

Maybe because there's no seasoning.

No pain, no gain.

No flavor, no pleasure.

Healthy, healthy.

I know. It's healthy.

Healthy.

Obviously, I'll get used to it.

This is a big adjustment for me, but I

know this is important for me to be

committed to, to get a better life and achieve my goals.

It's for a purpose, and Cameo is right.

My focus needs to be on being healthy,

so that's what I'm trying to do, no matter

how difficult it's going to be.

Well, that meal's done, and now, let's get to this workout.

Ready?

Let's go.

Cameo keeps showing me new things and ways to be active,

you know?

Even though it's only been a week,

I can feel myself getting a little stronger already.

So this is a medicine ball.

I'm going to hand you the ball.

And every time you hand it back to me,

I want you to give me a goal on why you

want to lose this weight, OK?

OK.

It's very important.

Here we go.

I want to be able to be with my children.

OK.

I want to be a better me for myself.

OK.

I want to be able to open my own business...

Girl, go.

...And do what I need to do.

I want to be able to have sex, and do more, and more things.

Goals, goals, goals.

I'm feeling good, and I'm feeling tired.

Thank you for helping me work out.

Girl, you're putting me out?

Yes.

Oh, my God.

I love you though.

I love you too.

See you later.

I'm committed to get to my goals.

So I'm going to keep doing all this with Cameo, and on my own

to keep getting better.

So my next appointment can be good to where

I'm able to move ahead and advance on my journey to get

healthy and have my life back.

Me and Cameo is headed back to Dr. Now,

and I'm nervous to see how I've done on my progress.

I'm nervous to find out where my weight is landed today,

but I know I made progress.

I know I'm doing better, and I should see some advancements

with my weight in a positive direction

when I get on this scale.

Irene?

I just don't know how much advancement it is.

It definitely has me feeling so nervous, like this.

But I'm trying to keep my optimism that this

is going to be good and that I'm going

to have a good appointment.

But I know that's only going to happen, if my scale number is

good, so I'm really hoping that what comes up

is what I need it to be.

Me and Cameo are back to see Dr. Now, and find out my progress.

And I'm hoping it's enough to be able to move

ahead and advance with Dr. Now, and his program today.

But I know that it's only going to be possible,

if I have the results I'm supposed to today,

where I lost 60 pounds.

If I did that, then I have dropped

from 603 down to, at least, 543, so

that's what I'm hoping to see.

598.

It's a loss, so that's a positive.

But it's not a lot, and I'm worried that's going

to be a focus for Dr. Now.

You know, I know I could have done better,

but it's a move in the right direction.

And my hope is that, at least, shows a dedication

towards getting better, and I worked very hard for two months

to do that.

And I'm proud of myself for that, because that

took a lot of commitment.

So I'm hoping a great deal, that's

what Dr. Now sees from this.

Hello, how are you doing?

Hi.

Hi, Dr. Now.

How are you?

Good.

So Irene, how are you doing?

Because it doesn't look like you made much of a change

over the last two months, so why is that?

I think I was doing better, but it's been hard, Dr. Now.

I'm not going to lie.

It's been hard.

Eating only on this diet seems like I'm not

eating at times, if that makes sense,

but I'm trying to do better.

It's a process with me.

Losing five pounds means you haven't tried that hard

and hardly changed anything.

So what changes did you actually make?

I got rid of a lot of bad stuff in the house,

and I've been trying to adapt to your healthy meals.

Cameo helped me with all them, and I

think I still had a little issues

with the things I ate still.

I think that's always been my issue.

You know how much I eat, so that's

what I really need to work on.

So Cameo, why do you think Irene lost only five

pounds if you're helping her?

I've tried to push Irene to change her eating habits

and to exercise, but it's been hard.

And our biggest problem is that I can't be with her 24

hours of the day, so I don't know what

she eats when I'm not around.

Do you eat any junk food after she leaves?

There are times that I need to eat more,

and I may not have made the best choices.

Do you remember?

I told you, this is all up to you.

Yes, I do.

There is no magic solution here,

no quick fix with weight loss surgery,

and you can't kind of do this.

You either want to save your life, or you don't.

So you need to decide if your life

is more important than food.

My life is more important than food, Dr. Now.

Well, you mentioned a couple time,

you want to do this to be a better mom.

Is food more important to you than being a better mom?

Being a mom is very important to me,

because I need to be healthy for myself

and my children, period, point blank.

Right now, you're still putting

food over them and your health.

Do you get that?

Yes, and I do want to change that.

Then you need to do that now.

Because nothing is going to change

with your health and your situation, until you do.

No one is coming to save you.

You have to save yourself.

And if you do that, then we can help you.

I know.

We are here to help, not fix your situation.

It's all up to you.

You understand that?

Yes, I do understand that totally,

and I'm going to try harder.

Yes, I am.

OK, all right, then your goal is the same.

Lose 60 pounds in two months.

And if you do that, then we will move ahead with you

and consider surgery.

I will try to do better.

I promise, Dr. Now.

OK, good.

How are you doing with your exercises?

Is your stamina improving?

No, my back is killing me, and I'm still struggling

with being out of breath.

You're not really doing those, like you should.

So do better with your diet and exercises,

or we're not moving ahead with you.

You got that?

I'll do it.

I got you.

OK, I'll see you in two months.

And if you need anything before then, give me a call.

- OK. - Yes, sir.

Thank you. - I'll see you later.

- OK. - All righty.

- Bye, bye. - Bye, bye.

I'm very disappointed to see such little progress

with Irene.

With the test we did on her a month ago,

she's very lucky she doesn't have a more serious condition

behind some of the health issues she was struggling with,

like her coughing and passing out at times.

But the strain she still has on her system from her weight

is going to lead to a dangerous situation with her very soon.

It could be a week from now or a year from now.

But the fact is that, until she loses enough weight

to reduce that strain on her system,

every day is a risk for her, where her body could give out.

And the longer she goes like this,

the riskier it gets for her.

So she needs to wake up and start taking her situation

much more seriously before her body gives up,

and she runs out of time.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I hear what Dr. Now said to me.

You know, I have come here to help me.

And we have to find a way for me to eat even better,

and to push myself as long as it takes.

Because this is the only path that I

have to get a better life.

So I have to stay on it, because of my health

and so much more is dependent on it.

Because if I lose this opportunity,

I basically lose my life.

[slow music]

For the past month I've been focusing on doing better.

All right, good looking.

Let's start cooking.

Come on.

Let's go. Let's get it.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): And Cameo is still helping me with that,

but we changed our approach to... with how are we doing it.

Because she is trying to help me become more independent,

so I've been trying to learn from her.

Hand me the food.

Broccoli, and chicken.

Is that what it was?

Chicken, right?

Chicken, steamed broccoli.

Irene is trying to do better and make

better choices since she started Dr. Now's program.

But I think part of the problem for her last time

was that she was eating right and working

hard when I was helping her.

And I think when she got on her own

and wanted something to eat, she was going back

to our old ways and maybe not even fully realizing

that she was doing it.

But I think she was finding times

when I wasn't around to order some fast food

and getting things she shouldn't have.

So after the last appointment, me and her

talked about the need for her to start being able to do

these things on her own.

Make her own healthy meals with the right portions

and everything.

And then, also understand the workout

so she wouldn't be so dependent on me to do any of that.

So that when I'm not around she can cook something healthy

for herself that she knows how to cook

instead of ordering it, and making a bad choice out

of convenience.

I know all of this has been a hard adjustment for her.

And so it's been a slow process.

But she is making some progress and she is trying.

We ain't got no salt, but we'll put you some onions,

and some garlic, and all that.

Yeah, let's get you a little flavor going.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I've been enjoying the things that Cameo

have been trying to teach me, and it's

made me feel more empowered being able to do this.

Don't flip them yet.

Let them cook.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I know she still have a lot to teach me.

And I still have a lot to learn.

So I can do it on my own to be independent.

And that's something I need to do for myself, not just for me

to reach Dr. Now's goal, but for me

to have a better way of life.

And that's what I remind myself of when doing this is hard.

I know I haven't been perfect with all this, but I'm trying.

That's the one thing I can say is that I'm 100%

trying my hardest to do this.

And I made mess up when I have my cravings,

or I feel hunger still after my meal.

Don't be giving me all your steamed broccoli, girl.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): But I'm facing with my struggles,

and I pushed myself to keep making improvements

so I can advance how I need.

I'm moving forward every day because how

much I want to do this.

It is good, girl.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): How much I want to lose the weight,

and be there for my kids.

I just want to have a better life and do normal things.

Well, we done had a great meal.

So it's time to exercise.

Let's see what you got.

[groans] My arm.

Let's get it.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I know I should

have done better the first time, but that's the past.

So my aim is to do better this time,

and work to make it to where I need in my next appointment

with Dr. Now.

I go back to see him in a month.

So that's how long I have.

Like this.

25, OK.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): So I know I need to keep my focus

and work my hardest that whole time.

And not waste a moment of it.

OK.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Because when I go back this next time,

I make my progress to be enough to where Dr. Now tells me.

He's moved me forward to get weight loss surgery.

So I can get closer to the better

life I'm fighting to have.

The resistance band.

OK.

You said do what now?

Put it back how I had it at your feet.

OK.

You should stretch your arms.

Like this?

Yeah.

Or you can do one at a time.

Go.

Bring it up.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): So no matter what from now to then,

I'm working as hard as my body will let me.

Like this.

Like this.

Like this.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): And I'm not giving in to anything

bad no matter what.

[groans] OK.

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Me and my niece,

Mimi, are heading to see Dr. Now for my next appointment.

It's my third one, and it's going to be my second chance

to reach Dr. Nowz goal.

And I'm hoping I did that.

I know I improved what I've been doing with my diet

and exercises, and work even harder,

so I can have a better result today.

Because I very much want to advance with Doctor Now to get

weight loss surgery.

I'm just nervous to see what my results are

going to be on the scale, and the number

it gives with my weight.

[sighs]

Irene?

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I know I made more progress.

That's not a question for me.

But my progress just needs to be enough.

And that's the only thing I'm nervous about right now,

because I can tell if I've lost enough to have the results I

need on the scale.

At my last deployment I only made it down to 598.

And the goal I needed was to lose 60 pounds by now.

So I need my number to be under 538 from a scale if I made it.

591.

[sighs] OK.

Surprises.

Sorry.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I obviously have a lot of disappointment

with that progress on my own.

I was really expecting more, you know, it's an improvement.

I didn't lose more this time, but I know it's not a lot more.

And it's a lot less than what I was thinking to be because

of how hard I've been working.

So I'm upset about it.

And I just hope Dr. Now is not too frustrated with what he's

going to tell me he thinks about where I'm at,

and the progress that I have so far.

Because I really am trying very hard to advance

myself as much as I can.

[slow music]

[knocks at door]

Hello, how y'all doing?

Hi. How are you.

MIMI: How are you?

I'm doing OK.

So who did you bring with you today.

My nice, Mimi.

How you doing?

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

So what's happened to Cameo?

She couldn't make it, so my niece came with me today.

She'd been helping me try to do what

I need to do to make me better.

But Cameo can't make it today because she

said, hey, I have some other stuff she needed to do.

OK.

Well, maybe she didn't want to face the music,

and explain why she hasn't been able to help you to do better

like you were supposed to.

Because this time you only lost 7 pounds.

So two more pounds than last time, and a whole extra pound

in a month.

Huh?

I know.

I thought you were going to try harder, so what happened?

I guess it's just hard.

That's it.

Because I'm trying to stick to it all.

I keep pushing myself, but it's just not enough.

You know I can see that, and I know I have to do better.

Well, that's what you said last time,

and you only improved 2 pounds.

So at this rate it may take you years

to get to your target weight.

And you won't survive long enough to do that.

So what's going to take to wake you up, and get you to realize

how serious your situation is?

And how dangerous it is for you to continue like this.

Because you're still putting food

over your health and your life.

So how do we change that?

I just have to try harder.

You keep saying that.

But there is no action behind that.

So you think a therapist will help

you understand things better, and help you make improvements?

I had a therapist for years.

And we talked about my eating all the time.

So you have our guidance and instruction, and the guidance

of therapists, but you're still not waking up and taking

this situation seriously.

So I'm not sure what more we can do.

If you're not willing to take responsibility

and make the changes you need.

Dr. Now, I know I can do this.

Don't you give up on me.

I will lose the weight.

It just been a lot harder than I thought.

But I promise, if you give me another chance I'll do it.

I know I can do this.

I have it in me.

And I'm ready to do this.

I just need one more chance.

You can have all the chances you want,

but your body is the one is going to tell you

that you are out of chances.

So this is all set up to you.

If you want to move ahead, then lose at least 60 pounds

over the next two months.

But if you don't do that, your situation

isn't going to get better.

It's going to get worse until it's too late for you.

Because nothing we do will make any difference

long term if you don't start doing this on your own.

You understand that?

100%.

I know I can do it this time.

You'll see.

I hope so.

I will.

I promise you that.

DR. NOWZARADAN: OK.

Then, I'll see you in two months weighing

at least 60 pounds lighter.

Yes, sir.

I will lose the weight.

All right.

If you need anything before then, let me know.

Nice to meet you, Mimi.

Nice to meet you, too, Dr. Now.

All right.

Y'all take care. - OK.

You, too.

You, too.

[opens and closes door]

DR. NOWZARADAN: I am at least glad to see that Irene

isn't gaining right now.

But so far in four months she has only lost 13 pounds.

That's only 3 pounds a month.

At that rate it will take her over a decade

to get to her target weight.

But she won't survive long enough to do that.

With all the strain she has on her body,

in her current condition, I think it is unlikely

that she will survive more than another year or two, unless she

starts to lose a lot of weight before her body gets

to a breaking point.

So she either has to wake up and take this seriously enough

to pick up the pace with her weight loss,

or she's not going to make it.

[slow music]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I know I need to do better.

That's pretty much all I can say.

I need to do better.

And I try harder.

And I want to do better.

I want to do this.

And I'm trying, you know.

I improved last time because of that,

just not as much as I thought.

But me and Cameo brainstorm on how I can do better last time.

And I thought those improvements could be enough, because that

was hard for me to do.

But somehow I have to do better again.

And I will, you know.

I'm not sure how I can work harder, but I have to,

so I figure it out.

Because I'm not stopping at this.

And I'm not giving up.

[slow music]

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): After my last appointment with Dr. Now,

I told Cameo about my progress.

And she was disappointed it wasn't more, just like I was.

But she knows I don't want to quit.

And she don't want me to either.

So we went back to brainstorming more ways for me

to improve even more than last time.

[slow music]

And so what we came up with is for me

to cut back on more ingredients that I use for my meals.

And a lot of extra that I put in I

haven't been putting in, like butter and stuff,

or anything like that.

Sometimes I like some cheese added in.

But I don't even do that either.

It's more like the oils and the seasoning.

I'm going to come back on more.

And I've been trying to do that for the past couple of weeks.

This is the biggest adjustment for me so far.

Tastes like all of the flavor's gone, on top of what was

taken out of my meal already.

So I just feel even tougher now, but I'm still doing it.

And I'm trying to improve, you know.

I've been doing my exercises every day, twice a day.

But the problem with doing that is

that there's not so much room for activity in my apartment.

Because overall I'm still uncomfortable doing

any sorts of exercise in public, you know.

Cameo wants me to go to her gym, to work

out there with a person.

But I don't feel ready for it.

But we decided a good compromise was try to do walks,

outside around my complex.

Because there probably won't be people around if I

do it in the evening.

And you know, if they are, then I can just go back to my place.

So I told her, I'd be willing to try to do that,

and see how I can handle it.

So that's what I'm going to try to do with my niece, Mimi,

today.

And I'm going to try to walk around the block

once, once the sun gets low.

And then see how it goes.

[slow music]

My niece, Mimi, been here for me more and more lately when Cameo

been busy.

You ready to go?

- Yeah. - OK.

Let's go.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): You know, I know

she has her life, and things she has to do,

and I take up a lot of time.

So I understand.

She has to balance that with me.

Because it's cold.

Yeah, I know.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): So Mimi is stepping up to give me some

of the support that I need.

My son has to work.

So he usually isn't here much.

[irene panting]

Them rails are cold.

Well we got to warm up.

[irene panting]

- OK. - You all right?

Mm-hm.

I just can't do it easy.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): So if Cameo can't do it,

then Mimi is all I got at those times.

OK.

Yeah.

You know... it was... you know it wasn't going to be easy.

Oh, yeah. I know.

I know.

But you got this.

Go ahead and take your breath.

OK.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): So she's been assisting me.

And she's also been encouraging me to work hard

and to push myself, like Cameo does.

And that's been important for me to help

me stay motivated and focused.

[irene panting]

Oh, hold on.

Wait a minute.

Go forward.

[panting] Wait here.

Ooh, my back.

[panting] Hold on a second.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): But I'm thankful to her for that.

I do wish she'd be easier on me, like I

wish with Cameo sometimes.

And I know it's important to push myself,

because I know this is no pain, no gain.

[irene panting]

Lean on me.

[irene panting]

OK.

Lean on me.

[irene panting]

OK.

[irene panting] Oh, my God.

I gotta something for back.

Oh, I'm completely wiped out from that.

It was a lot.

[irene panting] Man.

Breathe.

I'm trying.

Slow breaths.

OK.

[irene panting]

MIMI: You gotta walk every day.

I know.

MIMI: It's going to get easier every day.

I know.

It's just my back.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): But as tired as I am,

I'm glad I pushed myself to do it.

You know, because that was the best

exercise I've had in years.

And there wasn't really any people.

So I think I could keep trying it, and handle doing it,

as long as I have Mimi or Cameo with me.

It's my back.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): But I'm going to keep pushing myself

like this, and going even harder with everything

I need to keep doing it, you know, with both

the diet and the exercises.

Because I'm very willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

So I can get help before doctors Now gives up on me,

or before my body can't take giving me more

and then give out.

Ooh, a sharp pain.

The stairs is right here.

OK.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): So making it to my goal

by this next appointment, in two months,

is very important to me.

Because one of those things is going

to happen soon if I don't.

And I can't let myself run out of time.

[irene panting]

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): It's been a very scary period for me,

because I haven't been sure what's

going to happen with everything, like my chances

to get weight loss surgery.

Or you want, like...

IRENE: Just some garlic powder and onion.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): After my third appointment,

I only lost 12 pounds total.

And I still haven't made it to the 60 pound

goal I was supposed to get to.

I was supposed to have my fourth appointment

like six months ago, but it got canceled

because of the epidemic.

No.

I'm going to have to wing it with the broccoli, too.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Since then, the stress has made it hard.

But I wanted to keep working on what I needed, staying

on track this whole time.

But for me to do that, that's been just difficult.

I ain't gonna put too many.

IRENE: Too many what?

JACORY: Mushrooms.

Yeah, just put, like, two or three.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Boredom made it very hard

not to eat for comfort, when I really needed it.

So I know I stumbled a lot over the last seven months,

especially since I haven't been able to see Cameo

at all to get the encouragement and the direction I

was getting from her.

You know, we talk, and calls, and stuff,

and I've been able to do that a couple of times with Dr. Now.

But it's just hard not seeing anybody, especially Cameo.

Honestly, ma, I don't think this food will

be coming out bad, you know.

I hope not.

I got to eat it.

[chuckles] I appreciate you.

Because I know you over there trying.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): My niece and my son have

been trying to fill the void.

But it's still been so hard, even with them stepping in.

So I still struggle a lot.

All right.

I believe this is a perfectly cooked fish.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): My fear has been

that I'm not going to make it through it,

and it's been terrifying for me.

Because I know my body is not in a good place,

and it hasn't been for a while.

And I know I need to change that,

but I can't without help and weight loss surgery.

And my biggest fear has been that I

lost the chance to get that.

I don't even know when it's going to be possible to get it.

Things like weight loss surgery have been put on hold, too.

And you know, I made my family worry,

because they had hopes like I did, that I was going to help.

Oh you did pretty good.

[chuckles]

Oh, really?

While I've been here home I've been

a little worried about my mom.

I try to make sure she's not feeling lonely, depressed,

and stuff like that.

You know, I'm just trying to keep her on the right track.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I don't think I lost much more weight

since my last weight check.

I probably gained some over the past seven months.

But recently I've been finding my determination again.

I'm game for it.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): And I don't want to give up if there's

any chance I could still get Dr. Now's help,

because I have to get better.

So if Dr. Now says, I can come you again,

I'll be fully committed then.

That's all you eating?

Mm-hm, yes.

OK.

We just had dinner, so you ready to work out?

Yes.

Now hand me the weights.

So the weights.

Let me sit up a little bit.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Honestly, I know I

could have done better before.

Because there are moments I gave in and I didn't do my best.

2, 3, 4.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): But I really am

ready to do whatever it takes.

I talked to Dr. Now a couple of times,

but it's been over seven months now since I saw him.

And I don't even know what my options are at this point.

[groans]

To winning.

[groans]

I know you feel that muscle, huh?

Shut up, boy.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): And I'm ready to do this.

I just need a little time to get on track

again and lose the weight.

My hope is if I do that, I can finally get the weight loss

surgery to help save my life before I get worse

and run out of time.

JACORY: (LAUGHING) 19, 20.

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I have a video call with Dr. Now today

to see if it's possible for me to go back to him

and have another appointment.

But in around a few months.

So I can have time to get back on track before I actually

do go back to the scale and get my weight checked,

because if you give me that, I know I can do it.

But I don't know what he's ultimately going to say,

because it's been a while.

And I don't know if his perspective

has changed about anything.

And if he's going to think I had enough chances already

now that resources are different right now,

and things seem up in the air.

Well, hopefully he says I can get back to his program,

and have that chance again because I'm truly ready to do

whatever it takes now.

[slow music]

[video call ringing]

Hey, Irene.

How you doing?

I'm good, considering.

How you holding up?

You OK?

Yeah.

So how have you been doing with your diet

since we talked a couple of months ago?

I've been struggling.

I don't think I made as much progress to be honest with you.

OK.

Well, we discussed my concern about that.

Because as hard as it's been with everything going on,

if you keep justifying eating junk food

and you're overeating, then your health is

going to continue to decline.

And there is no excuse for that no matter the situation.

And at this point, if you're still

killing yourself for food, what do

you want me to do about that?

Because I'm not sure what more we can do for you,

if yourself are not going to make the choice

to change your eating habits and take the step

you need to get healthy.

I understand what you're saying, Dr. Now.

I know I made some mistakes.

I know that.

I got depressed having to be home

this long with the pandemic.

But now I just want to get back on track.

And I want my last chance that I ask you for when I was

in your office the last time.

And I want to meet your goals if I

can have some time to do that.

You think you're finally ready to do that?

Yes, 100%.

I'm going to get back on a diet and do that, with my exercise,

and lose the 60 pounds that you want me to lose.

You know, what's going to make the difference this time,

when you say that every time, but you come

in with almost no progress.

The pandemic, with everything that's happened

has made me realize a lot.

But I don't know.

It was like I was forced to look at my situation,

and I had a lot to lose.

And I just want a second chance to do what I have

to do with my life this time.

OK.

Yeah.

I'll give you two more months.

We'll set up a time and a day when you can come in.

And I expect you to be You got that?

Yes, sir.

I understand what you're saying.

And I'm going to do it.

And Cameo is going to help me, too.

I'm ready to do whatever it takes.

I'm going to do it this time.

All right.

I hope so.

I will.

DR. NOWZARADAN: I'll see you in two months then.

In the meantime, keep safe, and if you need anything,

give me a call.

OK.

I will.

Thank you Dr. Now - OK.

Bye, Irene.

Bye, bye, for now.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): For the next two months

I'm going to do everything I can to make it to my goal.

No more messing around.

No more compromises.

When I get extra hungry, no more messing up or excuses.

I'm doing this.

You know, I'm very thankful the doctor

now is giving me another chance to do this and get his help.

And so I'm not going to let myself

waste it, no matter what.

100% going to hit my goal this time,

and get the weight loss surgery.

[music playing]

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I feel like I'm

ready to take a big step for myself

today, for my physical advancement with my exercises,

doing more of those, but with my fears, too.

CAMEO: Get a shrimp bag with some potatoes and some food.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Because I'm going to Cameo's gym,

and I'm going to work out with her trainer at a public place,

and that's a very big step for me

with my willingness to do that.

[irene groans]

But I do feel like I'm in a better place

to be ready to try this and handle myself in public.

Come on, friend.

Hi, Nancy.

NANCY: Cameo.

Hey, how are you?

How are you?

I'm fine.

Good to see you.

- It's good to see you. - How you been?

This is Irene.

Irene this is Nancy. - Hi, how are you.

- Hi. - My hands are cold, I'm sorry.

That's OK.

How are you feeling?

I'm fine. I'm feeling good.

Feeling good?

NANCY: Well, glad you're here.

Yeah, a little excited?

All right, let me show you what we're going to start at.

OK.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Cameo had always been pushing me to go

to her gym, with her trainer.

...Doing all of that?

Yeah.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): But I haven't felt physically or mentally

ready for that, until recently.

I just want to...

IRENE (VOICEOVER): You know, I started

doing walks around my apartment to build up my stamina more.

And I feel like it helped me.

All you're doing is taking your toes

literally and touching.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): And today, I'm

going to see how it goes for me, but I'm very

determined now to progress.

Whatever I have to do to advance, I'm ready to do it.

Touch.

- There you go, Irene. - Touch.

Yeah.

Touch.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Because I'm 100%

committed to better myself and my help to get to where I need.

[claps] How does that feel?

See? Not just scary.

- Right. - Not too scary.

One done.

Let's... why don't you face me.

We're going to do some upper body.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I'm eating stricter

than I ever have with no exceptions for anything,

that's not on a diet.

So I feel like I'm making my eating the best it can be.

And now I need to make my workout the same.

All right, arms above your head.

You're going to aim... this is going to go behind your head.

So bend those elbows.

There you go.

And then bring it straight back up, straight back up.

There you go, ma'am.

Good.

Yes, ma'am.

Center.

Side.

Center.

Let's get you to walk, so that way

you keep... because I know you've got your heart rate going.

IRENE: OK. [trips]

[interposing voices]

Use your legs and walk, girl.

[interposing voices]

So this is going to be great for you,

even just one or two minutes.

OK. OK.

NANCY: It's going to get you conditioned into breathing.

I'm great. I'm great.

NANCY: [chuckles] There you go. - OK.

I can do this.

I can do this.

- You want to inhale. - OK.

Stop for a minute. - There you go.

OK. - Stop for a minute.

Stop for a minute.

OK.

[sighs and pants] OK, hold on.

Let me take a break.

No, you take a break.

I've got asthma and bronchitis.

Let me take a break.

It's a process.

[sighing and panting]

I know the pain.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): That was hard,

but I feel good, like I did when I started

walking around my block.

So I know that means I'm getting a good workout.

So I feel good about that, but I'm exhausted.

That is a good kind of exhausted,

because I know it means I'm progressing and getting further

towards where I want to be.

And I know I need to do that as much as possible

right now, because I only have one more month

to get to my goal.

And I intend to be where I need to be at the end.

Because this might be my last chance to get Dr. Now's help.

So there's no way I'm going to mess that up or fall short.

I don' believe it.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): And risk losing it again.

This is too important.

And I know without a doubt in my mind, my life depends on this.

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Me and Cameo are headed back

to another appointment with Dr. Now,

and we both feeling confident about my progress,

but I'm still nervous.

It's hard not to be with so much depending on the number I get,

because it can determine the rest of my life at this point.

Irene?

IRENE (VOICEOVER): As dramatic as that sounds.

But I know I'm running out of chances.

And I can feel I've been running out of time with my body.

And if I lose this chance, then that's going

to take my only hope for me.

So that's what I'm very nervous about,

because I really do believe my life is dependent on this.

[music playing]

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I'm at Dr. Now's again

with Cameo for an important weigh

in, to find out if I had made it to my goal or not.

My last check in was 591.

And Dr. Now told me I needed to get around 540

if I want to advance.

So I'm really hoping that I did that.

535.

[high fives]

Come off.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I'm feeling very proud of myself.

And I'm excited to get Dr. Now's reaction.

I knew I can do this, if I focused my mind like I need it.

So I'm feeling very happy right now with my progress.

And I'm very hopeful that this means I can fully advance today

to get my weight loss surgery.

[knocks on door]

Hello.

Hi, Dr. Now.

How are you?

I'm doing good.

How y'all doing?

Good.

So, Irene, you finally did it, and got to your goal.

Yes, sir.

Woooooh!

Girlfriend!

Yeah!

That's great.

It only took you a little bit over a year.

I don't think seven months of this

should have counted with everything that's

going on with the pandemic.

Fair enough.

But in spite of how long it took, I am proud of you

for finally doing it.

Thank you, Dr. Now.

So what was the difference this time?

After a few months with being at home,

I thought I lost my chance of going to surgery.

And I guess it made me realize how close I am to not

having any options for help.

And I tell myself, if I got another chance, no matter

what, I have to take it.

So I just cut out all the bad stuff

I was in with no exceptions.

No more excuses and justifying.

I just did it.

And Cameo helped me.

OK.

So it took the pandemic to wake you up.

Yes, it did.

I guess you can say it.

I guess she wasn't cheating no more

whenever I left the building.

[laughs] See? she got the results.

Great.

Well, Irene, I'm proud of you.

And I'm going to approve you for weight loss surgery.

[both screaming]

Yes, girl!

Yes!

It's about time, all this hard work we put in.

We put into it.

Yes, girl.

[both laugh]

Thank you, so much.

Yes, honey.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.

See? Hard work pays off.

Ooh, yeah.

But here's the situation, with COVID and the safety

restrictions, and because there is concern of another spike

in cases, elective surgery might not

be feasible for a little bit longer.

So right now it may take a few months

before we are able to get you on the schedule.

But as soon as we're able, we'll do that.

Oh, OK.

But until then, what I need you to do is keep losing, OK?

OK.

And long as you keep heading in the right direction

until then, we'll be able to move ahead with you, OK?

OK.

But how long do you think it would take?

Because I wasn't expecting to have to keep meeting

many goals like that.

You don't need to meet any weight loss goals.

Just keep losing, OK?

And it's possible we can move ahead with you in two months,

but it may take three.

It depends on how things are over the next couple of months.

OK.

So we'll move ahead as soon as possible.

Just make sure to stay on track.

And at least lose something reasonable,

like 10 pounds a month, until we are able to do the operation.

You should be able to lose that easily.

You think you can do that?

I can do that, Dr. Now, definitely.

I've come this far, and I'm getting the surgery.

I'm going to do it.

OK.

Great.

Well, I'm proud of you.

Good job.

Thank you, Dr. Now.

And I will let you know if we can get you on a schedule soon.

If not, we'll do a follow up in a couple of months,

and see how you're doing.

But if you need anything before then let me know.

I will, Dr. Now, thank you.

OK.

See you soon.

You too.

Take care, Dr. Now.

Be safe out there.

Bye.

[music playing]

[door closes]

DR. NOWZARADAN: I am very happy to see the turnaround

with Irene, and that she's finally

taking responsibility for herself after all this time.

It's unfortunate it took what it did to finally wake her up,

but at least she's taking the initiative

to do what she needs now to get healthy

and turn her life around.

So I'm proud of her for doing that, when she could have

easily used everything going on as more of an excuse

to continue heading in the wrong direction.

So now she just needs to stay motivated to keep

making some progress and heading in the right direction

until we are able to perform her weight loss surgery

But right now, I'm proud of her.

And I feel optimistic that she's going

to keep working hard to move forward enough for us to be

able to help her, and give her the tools she

need to stay on track.

And do this for the long run.

But Irene still has a long road ahead

to get to where she needs.

And it's not going to be easy for her.

But right now, I'm proud of her, and I

feel optimistic from the attitude I see from her right

now, that she's going to keep working hard to move forward

enough for us to be able to help her, and give her the tools she

need to stay on track.

And do this for the long run.

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I'm very happy to be approved,

and that I'm finally advancing like I very much needed.

But I'm a little disappointed about the way to do it.

But I understand, you know.

It is what it is.

And I'm just going to keep on track, like Dr. Now says,

so when it does come time, I can still move forward.

So you know, it's not a setback, just a delay.

But I'm not going to let that interfere with the celebration.

You know it feels really good.

So I'm very excited, and I'm going to keep focused

and working hard until I get it and I can move ahead.

And I'm very much looking forward to that day, hopefully

soon.

[music playing]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Never in a million

years I would have thought I would be on a diet

and sticking to it.

I'm so proud of myself.

I got to pat myself on the back.

Yes, ma'am.

Absolutely.

[claps]

IRENE (VOICEOVER): I'm feeling real good about myself

and my life right now.

And I'm looking forward to when I can move ahead

and get my weight loss surgery.

I stepped out to change my life, and I'm accomplishing that.

And I'm ready to do whatever it takes to keep moving forward

and to have that future that I wanted my whole life.

So no matter what comes my way, I'm

not getting distracted or off course with any excuse,

or justifying bad choices.

I'm staying dedicated and getting to where

I want, no matter what.

I'm loving this diet no matter what though.

And I'm determined, and I'm motivated.

CAMEO: I'm excited for you.

I know.

I'm so glad... yeah... y'all was with me on this journey.

I just y'all to continue to support me, you know.

Of course.

And I want you to meet a man.

MIMI: It's about time.

It is about time.

Yes, girl, it's time.

Yes it's time.

I know I can do this, you know what I'm saying.

IRENE (VOICEOVER): Because my future is like an open book

to me now, where I'm helping write the pages.

Before I wasn't, because I gave up control of my life.

But I'm changing that.

And you know, I'm excited to see how my own story progresses.

And I'm very happy, and very much looking for an outlet

and what's ahead for me now.

Group hug, y'all!

[giggling]

I love y'all so much.

I love you, too.