All language subtitles for My 600-lb Life S13E07

I think I'm very close
to becoming a total shut-in.

And food is all I have
to look forward to.

Somewhere
there is just
a 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 gonna be
too late.

No! It hurts!

I refuse to stop fighting.

I have to do this
for my children.

I'm a pastor.

Did the lord tell you
your body's your temple?

No, I've let him down
in those regards.

My life today
is a living hell.

Being a very independent
person that I was,

the mobility issues
that I have today

are nothing
that I ever expected
when I was younger.

I just never envisioned
being here

at this size.

There's never a time
when I'm not in extreme pain.

Just pain, you know,
throughout my entire body.

It's hard for me
to walk a few steps.

My limitations are extreme.

I want to be hygienic,
and for the most part

I can manage to take a shower
every morning on my own.

It's just
an uncomfortable pain.

The pain, it can get
to be unbearable.

A lot of the simple things
I'm not able to do on my own.

I'm dependent upon people
to help me dress.

And I really hate that.

Currently, I live
with my sister,

and my nephew, and my niece.

My family does help me out.

My mother and brother
come down to Metairie.

We do a lot together.

Of course I have concerns
about his weight gain

because he's
my favorite person,

and I want him to be here
with me as long as possible.

I feel guilty
a lot of times, I do,

because I would stop doing
some of the things
that I'm doing for him.

It would force him
to have to do more
for himself.

But I've always
been protective of him
ever since we were kids.

So I try to check on him
every single day on the phone,

or I come physically
to check on him
every single day.

-Good morning. Good morning.
Good morning.
-Good morning.

Oh, what's for breakfast?

Uh, what's for breakfast?

I'll tell you what I have
and you tell me
what you would like.

We have, um, eggs,

grits,

bacon,

and sausage.

Uh, all of the above.

Okay, let's roll.

And all of the above.

The type of person he is,
you know, he want everything.

Everything.

And if I try to cut back,
he says, "No, Ma."

How many eggs, Juan?

Just cook it all.

Cook it all?

When he wants something,
he's real persistent.

So I don't like it.

But I've come to the grip
that this is what's
gonna happen.

You put the chair
at the table, Juan.

I'm good here.

My mom, she's a down-home
Southern Cajun Creole cook.

And I love being around
my mom's cooking.

That's the food
I'm addicted to.

My brain just gets fixated
on all the smells.

I can't control myself.

How much longer, Mother?

Like, a minute.

Food has caused
all the things
I hate about myself.

But it's the only thing
I've ever had in my life

that has helped me deal
with the things that have
happened to me.

'Cause no matter how bad
everything else gets,

eating is always real good.

My grandfather,
he raised pigs.

And my grandma and ma
would spend most of the time
in the kitchen.

I grew up on a lot
of pork crackling
and Hog Head cheese,

the Southern Louisiana
Cajun down-home staples.

I was raised
in a Christian home.

But I think it was
my father's misbehavior
towards my mom,

witnessing his behavior,

it made me want to become
more of a Christian.

Hearing my mother cry, and,

you know, every boy
wants to be able
to protect their mother.

So because we were so young,

you know, we couldn't
do anything about it.

I felt angry a lot.

I felt sad.

I don't know why,
but, you know,

eating a candy bar
just made me feel better.

It just always
brought me comfort, you know.

And from that point on
it became my habit.

Before I talked
to anybody else about it,

food was the first thing
that I would do.

I think I really
started to notice
I was overweight when

all of the little kids
started, you know,
calling me fat.

Mom, this is really good.

Thank you.
You want some more juice?

Yeah.

Then when I was around 11,

my mom got to a point
with my dad

when she finally
made the decision to leave.

Once they got divorced,

I spent the majority
of my time with my mom.

Couldn't really ask
for a better mom, so...

Here you go.

Want me to put it right here?

-Okay.
-Thank you.

You're welcome.

You know,
in order to be able

to avoid everything
I was feeling,

that void of, you know,
my father not being present
in my life,

After the divorce, um,

our lifestyle changed
drastically.

Um, we didn't have
as much means
as we had before.

I was always hungry.

When I ate
I would use the excuse
that I wouldn't know

when I would eat again,
so I would overeat.

I guess I was maybe around,

I was around 230 pounds

by the time I was
in middle school.

And that's about the time
being this little short kid,

carrying that much weight
become impactful

because my whole family
was into sports.

And up until that point,

I had been really active.

I had grown up
playing little leagues.

I was really skilled
in basketball,

and I had great knowledge
of the game.

But when I got too heavy,

I wasn't able to take part
like I wanted to anymore.

My coach tried
putting me on a diet.

Uh, and he told me
if I would lose 35 pounds

I would be his point guard.

And I wasn't able
to lose the weight, so,

instead they put me
in control of the facilities
inside of the gym

which included
the concession stand,

and
because I was in control
of the concession stand,

I used to eat sweets all day.

I gained 200 pounds
within two years.

Hey, before you sit,

can you grab me
a bottle of water, please?

Thank you.

I was always
musically-inclined

doing piano, keyboard lessons.

When I graduated high school,

I had been afforded chances
to be a part of, like,

groups and choirs
who was doing things,

traveling, having events.

But being on the road,

doing live music,

it was always a struggle.

You know, the fried chicken,
the burgers, and,

by that time, I was fresh
out of high school,

I was making 1,000
to 1,500 a week.

So the majority of that money
was gone on food.

Five to six meals every day.

That's when I became aware

of, like, a real strong
addiction to food.

Hand me that water.

He always loved to eat, but,

more than the portion sizes,

I think it's the amount
of times

that he's obviously, like,
snacking and stuff like that.

I started out
pursuing the music career.

But not many people
who look like me
is very successful

in that line of work.

So I got licensed
as a minister.

I got ordained,

which led me into,

you know, now being
a pastor myself.

But then somewhere
along the way,

my increasing weight

began to affect my mobility,

until one day, I fell,

and it was hell getting me up.

He was, like, weak.

And he said he was
overheating and stuff,

his body was getting hot.

I didn't know what to think
at that moment.

I didn't know
whether to take him
to the emergency room,

or sit there
and let him cool down.

It was a concerning situation.

Okay, Juan.

Are you ready?

-Ready to roll?
-And we go
to the grocery store.

So what we gonna buy?

All right, crawfish rice,
shrimp rice,

um, mac and cheese something.

Okay.

Let me move this out the way.

These days,
my health is worse
than it's ever been.

And most of the time,
it's a real strain for me
to leave the house,

so i try and avoid it,

with the exception
of grocery shopping.

That's something I make
the extra effort
to participate in.

Life at my size is tedious,

and food is all I have
to look forward to.

My brother's the only one
who have a car

that's big enough
for me to fit in.

There's a lot of things
that if I would have known

I would have done better.

I would always tell him, like,
"Slow down a little bit."

But I did it in a loving way.

But like I said,
I could have done better
by showing him.

It's hard for me
to tell him no

because I like
to see him happy.

You can look at it as
me being an enabler,

but I look at it as
it's helping out my brother.

Get some cookies.

Every time I come here
I feel weaker and weaker.

My condition
is declining rapidly.

And I'm having instances
where I feel like
I might stroke out.

Mac and cheese,

that's what I need.

It's getting harder for him
to move around

and to do the things
that he would like to do.

And now he's gotten
to the part where
he's discussed it,

and he's telling himself that,
"Hey, it's either this
or my life.

Either I do this,
I go forward...

...or I'm just
going to decline."

But I always have hope

that he's coming out of this.

Oh, man.

Okay, Juan.

See you tomorrow.

Everything is there
that we purchased.

All right.
I'm already hungry, though.

I think I'm gonna order.

All right, bam.

See you all later, bye.

Eating gives me comfort
in the way
that nothing else can.

But I'm addicted to food.

And it's impossible for me
to lose weight

because I've tried
too many times on my own.

Yes, I would like
to place an order.

Give me a large stuffed-crust
meat lovers pizza.

Sixteen, um, boneless wings,
honey-barbecue.

No, that's it.
Okay. Thank you.

I kind of think that we're
at the desperate part
right now.

Hey, J, get my delivery order.

I'm willing
to push him
in the right direction

and assist him
instead of assisting him

in doing all the wrong things,
assisting him in doing
the right things.

I know I can't
live forever at this size.

My physical body's
breaking down on me.

I hate it.

I just know that I have
to make some changes.

If I don't get help
I think I'm very close, um,

um, to becoming
a total shut-in.

I need help.

All right.

Ready for your
little journey, huh?

Ready to see Dr. Now?

Yes, ma'am.

This is the beginning
of a new beginning, huh?

That's what we're
gonna call it.

Yep, definitely
a new beginning.

You glad?

-I'm never glad
about seeing a doctor.

-Can you help me
with these bags, please?
-Yeah.

Today I'm taking
a leap of faith,

and I'm driving
to Houston, Texas

to meet a man named
Dr. Nowzaradan...

Thank you.

...who works with obese
individuals,

whose lives
are out of control
from their addiction to food.

And he helps them to find
a healthy way to live.

Because I'm admitting
to myself and others

I no longer have
my hands on the wheel
like I should.

It's gonna be
a long drive,

and it will be unpleasant.

This is the route
that I know pretty well

because we lived in Houston
after Hurricane Katrina.

And I've been
back and forward a lot,

but my health is worse
than it's ever been.

And it means that this ride
will also be worse.

I'm dreading it.

Are we all set?

Yes, sir.

There's only one good thing
that comes to mind

which is one of my
favorite restaurants
that we'll pass along the way.

-So, you excited?
-Yes, I'm very excited.

I'm excited about
a new and fresh start.

So what you think
we're gonna eat today?

Maybe some...

I don't think so, huh?

Oh, man.

I know I'm not supposed
to eat like that anymore.

But right now,
it may sound sad,

but the thought of that food
is one of the only things

that's helping me to get up
and out on the road.

Oh, man!

We've been on the road
for a couple of hours,

and my knee pain
is just miserable.

So we're gonna have to stop.

But the good news is
we've made it
to my favorite restaurant.

Thank you.

Let me get, uh,
one pork boudin.

Uh, three seafood.

-Two crawfish balls.
-Okay.

Two pepperjack boudin balls.

-Okay.
-What's the roll up things?

Crawfish roll.

Like four.

And, uh, like $5
worth of crackling.

That's it?

Yes.

The food's out of this world.

I wish I could just
keep eating to make
the pain go away.

These things good, man.

Oh, yeah?

But even if I wasn't going
to weigh in tomorrow,

I know better than to do that.

Delicious.

So it's probably another two
or three hours on the road.

Thank God we made it
to Houston, Texas.

That was even worse
than I thought.

And then my pain is maxed out.

Tomorrow I'm going
to meet Dr. Nowzaradan

and I'm nervous and scared
to see how much I weigh.

Only thing is now I have
to make it our room.

My legs are swollen.
My knees are swollen,

so because of that
it caused me a lot
of pain doing the ride.

There's a big part of me
that just wants to sit myself
down on that luggage cart,

and just have Derry push me.

But I'm too proud to get
wheeled through the hotel

like some heavy
piece of cargo.

Fourth floor.

Oh, man.

Oh, man.

I'm at Dr. Now's
clinic in Houston to see
how much I weight

and to get his help
losing weight.

It's been a few years
since I got a weigh in,

so I'm nervous
about that number.

This is the day
I've been waiting for.

And I think I'm also,
you know, a little
nervous about...

Just the whole experience
but excited at the same time.

This is it.

Yeah, family support
means everything.

Juan.

Dr. Nowzaradan.

I heard that he's,
you know, rather strict.

But you know I'm okay
with it, you know, uh.

Hopefully he'll commit
to taking me on as a patient.

My health is declining.

There's no one
to blame but me.

-You can step on the scale
whenever you're ready.
-Okay.

So if I want to live,
I know I have to make
the necessary changes.

-Please got the room five.
-Okay.

Yeah.

It's been the way for a while.

That's why I really
need Dr. Now's help.

My only concern is
that I waited too long
to make the call,

and that he's going to tell me
it's already too late for me.

I'm just praying
he knows how to help.

-Hello, how you all doing?
-How you doing, sir?

Oh, good.

Great. All right, Juan,
good to meet you.

Who you got here with you?

Uh, this is my brother,
Derick,

and my mother, Patricia.

Well, nice to meet you all.

-Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.

So, Juan, what can
I do for you today?

Uh, I came to try to make
some life altering changes.

What is
on your wish list?

Some changes you want
in your life.

To lose a few hundreds

and gain my mobility back.

So what kind of issue
you got with your mobility?

Arthritis in the knees.

Both of them.

Six hundred pounds of weight
definitely is going to make
that much worse.

How much walking you can do?

Um...

Maybe...

Thirty yards?

Without having
to take a break.

Do you do any activity
that keep you mobile?

I'm a pastor and I do music.

-Pastor?
-Yes, sir.

-Didn't the Lord tell you
that your body's your temple?

Yeah, he did,
and it's my issues
is my struggle.

I feel terrible.

You know, I've let Him down
in those regards.

Well, the primary thing
to lose weight is to eat less.

So your weight loss
is gonna depend on

-reducing the calories
you take in.
-Yeah.

Just walk me through
a typical day.

What do you eat
from the time you wake up
and you go to bed?

Once I wake up,
I'm not really hungry
in the morning.

I would start eating maybe
around 2:00 P.M.

What do you eat at 2:00?

-Baked chicken, green beans.
-So you eat
that at home?

Yes.

Who make that?

Oh, well, my mom makes
a lot of my meals
and package it

and bring it to me.

She live close-by?

Well, she lives
like an hour away.

-But she--
-A hour away and she come
and bring you food?

-All the time.
-All right.

So your mom is your enabler?

-Is he blaming you
for his--

No, I... I blame me.

-I am not.
-Hmm?

I am not the enabler.

But you bring him
all the food.

-When I bring him--
-You know
he's going to eat it.

Okay, but it's up to him

to put it in the portions
that he should.

It's to be spread out
for the week.

It's not to be eaten
the same day.

So she bring you
a week worth of food
and you eat it all at once?

-Yeah.
-And then after that
you snack on what?

Uh, pickles, nuts.

Sometimes I do have
like sweet binges.

I try to stay away from them,
but sometimes I crave them.

Yes, like what?

Pies, cakes.

Pies and cake.

-If you're tying
to lose weight...

...and you go buy
a pie and a cake,

and then you have
difficulty walking.

You're trying
is not very good.

I've done some of
the low-carb cereals too

and like almond milk
and things like that.

Low-carb cereal?

Yeah.

Okay.

How's that working?

Not too well, I guess.

All right. So...

You know, ultimately,
weight loss surgery
is going to be

a powerful tool for you
to lose weight.

But in order to get
to that point,

you need to lose some weight
and you need to show me

that you're willing to start
to make the changes you need

for the surgery
to be successful, okay?

And show me you're going
to be able to do this.

-Any questions?
-No, sir.

Okay. I'll be back.
Let me go get some stuff.

Okay.

Dude, wow.

Juan seemed to spend a lot
of time convincing himself

he's trying to be healthy,

and trying gimmicks
to lose weight

while continuing to eat
whatever he want.

And it is clear there
is also a family dynamic

that revolves around food
that is likely contributing

to his weight gain
over the years.

There are three factors
that control your weight.

One is the frequency
of your feeding,

the second one is the amount
you're eating, Juan,

the third one is type of food.

So there are a lot of changes

that Juan and his family
have to make

if it's going to be possible
to turn his situation around.

Hopefully this will
change everybody's life

and everybody gonna
be healthier and live longer.

-That's right.
-Thank you, sir.

Okay. Y'all have a safe trip
back home.

-Thank you, sir.
-Thank you so much.

I appreciate it.

-All right, y'all, take care.
-All right.

So this shouldn't
be too hard, Juan.

Because, yeah,
you're eating this everyday.

-One cup of fat free
Greek yoghurt.
-It wasn't...

Huh?

Said if it wasn't,
I wouldn't be here.

-No sweets.
-It's gonna be hard,
but it's doable.

No sweets.

I think it went great.

It was more than
I was expecting.

So I believe it went
really well.

I'm ready to do
what I need to do
to lose this weight.

And I got Dr. Now on my side
to help me do this.

At some point I have
to be a man of my word

and just not do it,
not eat the unhealthy things.

So I got to do everything
in my power to change it up

'cause I'm not ready
to say goodbye just yet.

Good morning, mother.

Good morning, Juan.

-What you making?
-I'm gonna cook
some egg omelet.

Would you like one?

-Yeah.
-Would you like some cheese?

Yeah, just, you know,
the right amount.
Fat free?

-Yes.
-Okay.

It's been a couple weeks
since I saw Dr. Now.

And I've already made
a lot of changes to my life
and my diet.

So I can try to reach
his goals that he set
for me to lose weight.

Okay, Juan,
here's your breakfast.

-Thank you.
-I'm gonna get your water.

Thank you, Mom.

I went over everything
Dr. Now gave me
with the diet and exercises.

And I've been trying
to follow them

and adapt everything
to how I'm supposed to be.

It's better than my omelet.

I wonder why.

I guess it's just
mother's touch, I guess.

You think so?

Let's do this, bro.

One, two, three.

Come on. You ready, bro?

My family been
supportive too,

and they're trying
to help me eat better,

and encourage me to work out.

And that's helping me
motivate myself
and keep going forward.

Even when it feels
like I'm too tired.

No.

That's what he says.

No.

No, bro.

And too much pain
to do exercises.

Or when the cravings hit me
really hard and all I want
is something sweet.

So I'm doing my best
and giving it my all.

And I gotta believe in myself
and believe that my business
is good enough.

So when I go back
to see Dr. Now next time,

I'll pass his weight loss test
and move forward
to get the surgery.

All right, there's one.

It hasn't been easy.

But every time I make
a sacrifice or do a workout
that may be painful,

I tell myself I'm one step
closer to the goal
of reaching a better life

that's longer and healthier.

That's it.
That's it.

So how does
your body feel?

Feel good.
Feel better.

Getting better and better.

You feel like
you've lost the amount
that you should've lost?

I think so.

I'm back to Dr. Now to get
my checkup and see
how much weight I lost.

It's been tough lately
cutting back like I need.

But I've been doing
everything like I should.

And I'm really hoping
I see the right progress

when I step on
the scales this time.

You ready?

Yep.

I don't know.

Yeah, we're here now.

The moment of truth.

Juan.

This whole time
I've been feeling like
I've been doing pretty good.

And now that we're here,
all of a sudden, I'm scared
that I didn't do enough.

If I fail, there's no one
to blame but me.

And I can't live
with that kind of regret.

One second.

You can step on the scale
whenever you're ready.

But I guess
I won't have to
if it's already too late

and my food
addiction kills me.

Right now,
I'm at Dr. Now's to see
where my progress is at.

Before I was 627.

And the doctor told me
to lose 70 pounds
in two months.

So if I did then
I'd be 557 or less.

Your weight
today is 618.

Please go to room five.

That's short.

I'm not feeling too good
about that.

I'm disappointed.

And I bet the doctor
will be too.

I just hope he doesn't
lose faith in me just yet.

'Cause I know I can do better.

Hello. How are y'all doing?

-How you doing, sir?
-Pretty good.
How are you?

I'm doing well.

-Great.
-So how was your trip
this time?

It was okay.

I mean, getting easier to...
drive to Houston?

Yes. Yeah.

You don't sound
very convincing.

Okay,
what's going on with you?

You lost nine pounds.

Unfortunately.

What happened?

I don't know.
I thought I was
following the diet

and doing everything
I was supposed to be doing.

But, uh, I guess I didn't.

I made changes,
eliminating the carbs
and the sugar.

But I guess
I didn't do enough.

So what does your meal
look like now?

Grilled chicken, fish,
you know, things like that.

Um, I implemented
a lot of the keto meals.

I like cereal, uh,
so I do the low-carb cereal.

You know, fruits, vegetables,
and, you know.

Uh, fruit is not
part of your diet, okay?

And fruit got a lot of sugar.

-Mmm.
If you want to lose weight

you have to cut
the sugars out.

So, you can taste the fruit,

and that's about it.

But not to use them
as a dessert
or part of your meal.

Well, um, I thought I did.

But I guess not as well
as I thought.

-Okay.
-That's right.

And you too.

And, Juan, you're doing good.

Then you tighten up
your eating habit.

And let's see how we do
in two months.

-Yes sir.
And hopefully in two months

you will have a better grasp

on the instruction
with the nutritionist.

And see how things are going.

And then we'll see
what option we got for you.

-Yes, sir.
-Okay.

Okay, wonderful.

Well, nice to see you all.

-All right.
-You too. Thank you.

-Bye-bye.
-Bye-bye.

All right, let's go.

Losing something
is better than nothing.

But losing 9 pounds
in two months is nothing.

So Juan may have cut back
on some of his
unhealthy eating habits.

But he's still either eating
things that are not
on the diet,

or not controlling
his portion sizes.

So we'll see
if that's the case,

and see if a nutritionist
can help Juan

make more progress
this next time.

But no matter the reasons
behind his own healthy habits,

ultimately it's up to him
to figure out
what he needs to do.

We will give him the support
and tools we can.

But if he doesn't start
to take control of things

to turn his situation around,

then nothing we do
will help him.

So until he changes
what he needs,

we won't be
moving ahead with him.

I'm not feeling
too good about today.

I've been trying hard,
and my family's made
a lot of sacrifices

to help me.

And I know this result
is a letdown for all of them.

But Dr. Now's giving me
another chance to make it.

So that's exactly
what I'm gonna do.

-Mother?
-Yes?

ask Neisha,
the nutritionist is...

-...arriving shortly.
-Okay.

Let me get her.

-Neshia.
-I'm coming.

I'm feeling pretty excited
about seeing a nutritionist.

I'm hoping to, um,
just get some, um,
questions answered,

and to find out if I've been
on the right track, you know,
pretty much.

Hold on.

-Hi
-Hello.

-How are you?
-I'm good.

-Good. I'm Daphne.
-Deneisha.

-Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you.

So are we going in here?

Yes, ma'am.

Hello. Are you Juan?

-Yes, ma'am. How are you?
-Hi, I'm Daphne.

-It's nice to meet you.
-Oh, pleased to meet you.

-You too.
-Nice to meet you.

And you are?

-Derick, are you
a family member?
-Brother.

Brother. Okay.
Nice to meet you.

-And...
-I'm Mom.

-Mom. Okay.
Nice to meet you guys.
-Nice to meet you.

-Yes, ma'am.
-You too.

-Can I have
a seat over here? All right.
-Yes, ma'am.

All right, Juan,
so tell me a little bit
about your goals.

What is it exactly that you're
wanting to achieve?

I think I've been doing okay,
since, uh, I've met Dr. Now.

But, you know,

I'm just trying to make sure
that I'm on the right track,

-doing the right things...
-Okay.

...uh, implement whatever
I need to implement

to keep progressing,
and you know,
even take it to another level.

Okay.

So do you have a timeframe,
like, a weight-loss goal,

and a specific timeframe?

Well, Dr. Now told me
he want me at 175
by next year.

So, I mean...

-Hey.
-Okay. So as fast as possible.

-Yeah. Yeah.
-All right.

All right. Well, do you mind
if I go take a look
in the kitchen

-and kinda see what we're
working with here?
-Yes, ma'am.

All right, let's go.

I was discouraged
after my last appointment
with Dr. Now.

Where's the pantry?

The pantry
is over here.

But he's not
giving up on me.

And I'm not giving up
on myself.

All right,
how many people live here?

Me, my husband,
Juan,

-and my son and granddaughter.
-Okay.

So I think that we need
to have places
for Juan's food,

-and then places
for the others food.
-Mmm-hmm.

So some things, I mean...

...things like cereal
and cookies,

uh, should probably be...

I'm assuming
that's not for Juan.

-So probably should be
in a place...
-Yeah.

...in a separate place
so that we can
separate things.

So when he comes in,
what he's looking at

are the things that all ready
for him to eat.

I just got to find a way
to resist my cravings

and start eating less.

I would love it
if the cravings
just went away.

And that's part of why I want
the weight-loss surgery.

So essentially,
you'd want to focus on having
mostly vegetables,

um, nuts and seeds.

So pumpkin seeds,
um, sunflower seeds,

those kind of things
would be okay.

I'm gonna take the corn out.

Pasta sauce, hmm, okay.

The gumbo, I'll take out.

Now, something like this,
pickled okra.

-Mmm-hmm.
-That's perfectly fine
for him to have.

So we're making
this particular place

-primary place for Juan.
-Mmm-hmm.

Hey, Juan,
do you like coconut?

-No.
-No. Okay.

We'll leave that one
down there.

-All right. Should we move
to the refrigerator?
-Mmm-hmm.

Having family
and friends supporting me
is always beneficial.

So I'm really glad
that they're even trying

to come on this journey
with me.

Um,
we have these yogurts

that have the little candies
on top.

Probably not
the greatest idea.

Definitely, our fruits
we can put up here.

Those are some good ones.

It definitely motivates me
to, uh, you know,

to keep progressing.

Move this down here.

All right. Refrigerator's
getting kind of frustrated
with me.

Uh, I'll put the eggs up here.

Okay. So, as far as the way

that both the pantry
and the refrigerator
are set up,

we want to make sure
that what you see

are only the things
that you are allowed to have.

We don't want to have
a lot of things
that are very high in sugar,

and a lot of snacks
right at eye level

because when you open it up,

-that's what you see,
that's what you want.
-Yeah.

So we want whenever
you open up either the pantry,

or the refrigerator,
or the freezer,

to be only things
that are checkmarked,

-okay for you to have.
-Okay.

Have a little bit of concerns

with food that's coming in
from the outside.

And so I'm hoping
that he takes this information

and he's able to do
a lot of good stuff with it.

-Do you like cucumbers?
-Yes.

-I like cucumbers
because they have a crunch.
-Yeah.

So sometimes whenever
you just want
to chew something...

-Yeah. Yeah.
-...or if you have
a little bit of anxiety

about something, and you just
want to chew,

that's our kind of
natural inclination.

Um, so, um, cucumbers
can work well for that.

-All right.
-Cool.

Well, my phone number's
on there.

-If you have any questions,
feel free to call me.
-Okay.

Appreciate everything.

I'm gonna try to apply
these ideas going forward.

But I got to do it this time.

That's really sinking in
on me now.

And next time
when I see Dr. Now
coming up here soon,

I'm gonna hit that goal.

There's no choice anymore.

I have to hit that goal.

-Well, it's great to meet you.
-Yes, ma'am.

-You too.
-All right.

This is good stuff, man.

There's a lot of information
that I needed.

-I would like to get a copy
of that also.
-Yeah.

I'm a little nervous,
but I'm excited to see

the progress of what
I've been doing.

I have worked harder.

My only problem is
I got to get

into a better routine.

You know, naturally,
I've always been a night owl.

If I can ever get that routine
in order...

...I think I really would
do well.

I'm back at Dr. Now's clinic
with my family
for my checkup.

And I'm feeling pretty good
about how this one
is gonna go.

'Cause I really applied myself
this time,

and I'm feeling good about it.

Juan.

At my last appointment
I weighed 618 pounds.

And the doctor told me
to lose 70 pounds
in two months.

One second.

You can step on the scale
whenever you're ready.

So if I did that
I would be down to 548 today.

And I really hope I did that.

Your weight today is 601.

Ooh, wow,
that's great.

What?

Please go to Room 5.

But I still thought
it would be more...

...because I'm doing
everything I can
and working my hardest.

So I'm not sure
why the changes
aren't more dramatic.

So that leaves me disappointed

because even though
it feels better,

it's still not a result
I can bring to Dr. Now
and be proud of.

So I'm not sure how this
is gonna go.

I'm thinking he's not
gonna be too pleased
with that result.

-Hello, how y'all doing?
-Hi.

-Good. How are you?
-How you doing, sir?

Good.

Well, nice to see you
all again.

-Same.
-Nice to see you too.

So it looks like you did
better this time
than last time, huh?

Yes. Yes.

So what's going on with you?

I'm not really sure.
Um,

I made all of the changes
after the nutritionist came
and talked to us all.

So I'm not really sure.

I'm definitely not eating
any carbs.

Uh, I'm having lower portions,
uh, sizes,

so I'm... I think I'm doing
much better with that as well.

So you're cutting back
on your portions?

Yes, sir, I am.

Okay. So how you doing
with your snacking
between the meal?

I'm not snacking at all
between the meals.

So you cut the snacking
after the meal.

-Yes, sir, I have.
-Okay,
well, that's good.

So at this point,
I want you to cut back more.

-Yes, sir.
-Do you think you can do that?

Yes, sir.
Whatever it takes.

Okay,
that'd be great.

-Yes, sir.
-Okay.

And do you think you still,

uh, eating
with the emotional issues?

I think I... I do. Uh...

...sometimes, occasionally.

Uh, and that's what
I need to work on as well.

So you get emotional
and upset.

You eat, you feel better?

I've always,

you know, I would eat
to feel better.

Like, it would always be
a crutch.

Okay.
So we'll set you up
to see the therapist.

He'll help you with your
emotional eating.

And figure that out.

So that's going to be a goal
that you need to work for.

-So, you think
you can do that?
-Yes, sir.

Uh, I know you believe in me.

I know my family
believe in me.

And, uh, I'm not gonna let
any of you down.

-So I know I can do it.
-Great.

Juan, I'm proud
of your progress.

Um, I think you can do better.

And I will see you
in two months.

In the meantime,
if you need anything,

-uh, let me know, okay?
-Yes, sir.

All right.
Nice to see you all.

And you all have
a wonderful trip back home.

-Thank you so much.
-Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

-All right.
-All right.

-Y'all ready?
-Yeah, let's go.

Get out of here.

I'm glad to see
that Juan had
some improvement.

But there's still, clearly,
a disconnect

with him fully understand
how much he's eating.

Majority of time, patients
who are still overeating

know on some level
what they're doing.

And they lie to themselves
and me about it.

With Juan, I think,
he's actually trying.

I don't doubt his sincerity.

He just needs
a little bit more help.

So now we'll see if therapy

can address
some of the issues
that driving him to eat.

If not, I'm not sure
what more we can do for him
at this point.

I'm disappointed
I'm not off to a better start.

And I'm concerned about
how much harder
I can actually work.

But I got to keep trying,
and that's what I'm gonna do.

I'm buying in to his program.

And I got to believe

that's the only way
to get the results I need,

and to keep myself alive
right now.

Just don't pull
too close to it.

Up all the way to it.

Today I'm heading to see
the therapist, Dr. Paradise,

that Dr. Now wants me to see.

And I'm feeling really nervous
because I don't know
how it's gonna go.

Part of it is just
going to a new place.

Because I don't know what kind
of mobility challenges
I might have to face.

So I'm thankful I have
my brother bam here
to help me

just in case it's difficult
to get up the stairs
or anything like that.

But also, I don't really know
what we're gonna talk about.

And I'm nervous about
what he might ask me.

-Juan?
-Yes, sir.

-I'm Dr. Paradise, come on in.
-Okay.

-Okay, Juan, have a seat
right over there.
-Okay.

Yeah, make...
make yourself comfortable.

Yeah, I'm trying.

Find a good spot.

-Yeah.
You can settle back.

You can use the ottoman
if that...

Yeah, so if you want
to do some place where
your back is supported.

Can my brother come in
and help me?

-Thank you.
-Okay.

Hi, Derick, come on in.
Can you help...

Your brother needs
a little help moving, so...

Stand me up.

One, two, three.

-Yeah.
Thanks, Derick.

Okay. How does that feel?

-Yeah.
-Better. Okay.

Welcome, Juan.

Who did you grow up with?
Who was in your house?

Uh, I grew up with my
uh, mother and father.

Um, my parents divorced

-when I was around
11 years old.
-Okay.

-Old enough
that you remember it.
-Yes, sir.

What do you remember
about the divorce?

Uh, he was abusive.

Um...

-You got to watch
a lot of that?
-Yes, sir.

Um,
I'm seeing it in your face.

It was a big deal.

How did that affect you?

You know, Juan, that's...
It's so close to the surface
for you.

We haven't even
been talking five minutes,

and...and you're emotional.

Um,

that sounds like that was,
uh, the defining part
of your childhood.

Have you talked about it much
over the years?

Hmm, not really.

Yeah, I... My...
My guess is that's why it's...

it's so close
to the surface still

is 'cause it's...
it's stuck in you.

You have an older brother.
Your brother's older than you?

-Yes, sir.
-He was around for that.

Yeah. And he's very...
That's my...
That's my brother.

Say what you're feeling.

I'm just...

I'm not, like, a needy person.

I'm just...

I've never...

I've never been at this point
in my life.

Yeah. You know what, Juan?
I watched as your brother
helped you.

And you both seem frustrated.

It's like you don't want
to be needy.

-I don't think he wants
you to be needy.
-Right.

Um, yet, you're here,
aren't you?

Right.

Okay. Is it okay
if I bring him in?
Can I ask him to come in?

Derick, are you cool to join
for a little bit?

Come on, you can have a seat
right over there.

Thanks for coming in.

The reason I brought you in

is he was talking about
being needy,

and I noticed
how helpful you were
to him coming in

but I noticed
that neither of you
seemed to like that.

He knows, like, he knows
I hate being needy, you know?

And, you know,
I have no one to blame
but myself.

-I did this, you know?
-Sure, sure.

Does he want you
to lose weight?

Oh, yeah, of course.

-Yeah. Yeah.
-Of course.

If you had a more fit version
of your brother,

what would you want him
to help you with,
like, physically?

Would he help you
wash your car?

Yeah, bro.

Let me do it.

-Yeah.
-Do you see
how he lit up for that?

I...

It's been
kind of one-sided, hasn't it?

You've been getting
a lot from them,

and you haven't really
been able to give
much back.

Could you drive more?

My guess
is you're even more mobile
than you think you are.

-I think he is.
-Yeah.

He could do more
than he thinks he can.

-I tell him that
all the time.
-Yeah.

So, Juan, that's your overall
homework assignment.

-We can break it down
into smaller stuff...
-Okay.

...but I want you to switch
from being helpless
to be helpful

because I think
that's your nature.

-I feel like that's
who you are as a person.
-Yeah.

I'd help hurting people.

And...

...at this state
it's impossible for me
to help hurting people

-if I can't help myself.
-You can do that better
at 250 than 620.

-All right.
-Yeah.

-At 170.
-1... Right on.

You come to me at 170

-and you're gonna be
jumping off of that couch.

-You're gonna help me
out of my chair.

Okay.

So, Juan, I don't want you
to just be a passenger.

You know, your brother
is not your chauffer

who drives you around

and keeps the car
clean for you.

I want you to participate.

All right.
I think I can do that.

Really good to meet you.
Derick, thanks for being here.

Um, ask a little bit more
of him, right?

-Okay.
-Take care, guys.
Have a safe drive back, okay?

-Appreciate you.
-Thank you.

Okay.

Let me see.

You got it?

Hey, he's doing it.

Look at that.

Good job, Juan.
-Yeah.

Take care.
Good to meet you, man.

-Pleasure meeting you.
-Take care.

Yes, sir.

Dr. Paradise
really dialed into
my emotions.

Quite honestly,
it was a little embarrassing
at first

because immediately
some things that was built up
began to come out,

but it was a relief,
I would say that.

I will be able to move forward
since I released
those things.

I'm eager about driving,
you know, my brother.

And, you know,
I'm gonna take the challenge

and I'm excited
about doing that.

So, yeah,
so I'm going to complete
those homework assignments.

So, yes, I'm excited about it.

I can't pick the bucket up.
It's too heavy.

All right.

It's been a couple of weeks

since my appointment
with Dr. Paradise,

and I've been trying to do
some of the stuff
he told me to do.

But I don't want to get wet.

It's a little difficult though

because Derick doesn't really
want me to help him out.

He's used to caring for me...

...and he's
much more likely to say,

"Hey, man,
don't worry about it."

Old habits die hard...

...so it's been
a bit of a tough sell.

It's been such a long time
since Juan washed the car.

I'm very proud of him.

Didn't take him too long.
I was surprised.

All right. Good job.

He loves challenging himself,

and I'm just happy
every time I see him
doing more and more,

and he's just
achieving so much.

So it's like his life
is just coming back together
like it should.

Great job.

Hey!

-Great job.
-Good job.

-Thank you.
-Why don't y'all be quiet?

Oh.

All right, all right,
all right.

Phew!

-All right,
you ready to work out?
-Let's rock.

Okay.

I'm liking the progress
that I've been making.

My workout with my sister,
we're increasing as we go.

We've added
some more strenuous things.

Think we're on
a good path with that.

What do you want to do?

-So let's do 10.
-Ready? 10.

I'm still sticking to the diet
with extreme discipline,

and I can feel myself
doing better this time,

and it's paying off
in terms of stamina, for sure.

What's next?

Ten up, straight up.

Ready?

One, two, three.

Because I can do more now

than I can remember
being able to do
in a very long time.

Three, two, one.

-Whew.
-Do some bicep curls?

Might be helpful
if you bring your arms up
and keep 'em up,

so you're not bringing them
all the way down so...

-I like to do more work.
-Okay.

Ready. Ten, nine, eight...

So it hasn't all been
perfect or easy,

but I believe
in how I'm doing.

-Five...
-And I have
a real strong feeling

that when I go back
to Dr. Now's for my follow-up

that I'm gonna
step up on that scale

and find myself
where I need to be.

I'm gonna add 10.

Oh, just 10.

I'm on my way to see Dr. Now
for a follow-up visit

and I'm really excited
about it.

I think I've been doing
pretty well.

I'm been following up
with the plan.

I've been
working with a nutritionist
and a therapist,

and I think
things are going well.

I'm feeling optimistic
because I've been
working hard...

...and it feels like
everything I'm doing

is exactly
what I'm supposed to be doing.

And I've got to be honest
where it hasn't been perfect,

but I've been applying myself
across the board...

...and I can feel
the internal growth
taking place.

So I have to have done better
this time.

Juan?

It would mean a lot to me
if it were enough

because
the weight loss surgery,

on top of this other change
I'm doing,

would be
a really valuable tool.

I just know it.

You can step on the scale
whenever you're ready.

I was down to 601
two months ago,

and I need to have dropped
another 70lbs.

So if I did that
I would be down
to 531 or lower.

Your weight today is 577.

Bigger weight loss
than last time.

Please go to room five.

So that's encouraging
but I don't know if Dr. Now
will see it that way...

...and I'm afraid to find out.

But I can't avoid it
so I guess we're about
to find out.

Hello. How y'all doing?

-Good morning.
-All good.
Good morning.

Good.

-The good news is
you're finally under 600lbs.
-Yes, sir.

So how does that feel?

Um, I'm able to do more,
able to walk further,
uh, have more energy.

So, you know,
I'm loving the progress.

You have exactly lost 50lbs
up to this point,

but it's taken you
seven months to do that
so that's not great.

I know, I know,
but I've been trying.

You're working with therapy.
Is that helping?

Yeah,
it's a new experience for me,

but, you know,
just speaking with him

is, you know, helping me
navigate through the process,
so...

That's good because
you need to figure out
what the issues are

that's holding you back.

I know and I will.
I will. I promise you.

Because
you're still overeating.

And until
you get control of that

we're not moving ahead
with you.

So show me you can cut back
or the surgery is not gonna
help you.

So I'm gonna give you
the same goal
to lose 70lbs in two months.

So keep working with therapy,
and cutting back,
and do your exercises,

-and show me
you can do this.
-Yes, sir.

All right.

We'll see you in two months,

and if you need anything
in the meantime
give me a call.

Yes, sir.

Well, y'all have
a safe trip back home.

-Okay.
-Thank you.

All right. Let's go, bro.

Hopefully Juan is really ready
to finally what he needs
to move forward.

He's been willing to work
at making changes,

but he hasn't done it
to the point

that it's uncomfortable
for him.

If he's thinking he has been
he can eat until he's full.

Discomfort isn't a bad thing.

Any changes in life
is going to be uncomfortable.

So after today
maybe he will go back
and realize that,

and push himself to the point
he needs to do this.

If not, we'll be
at the end of road with him
for my program.

He either does it
or that's gonna be it for him.

I'm determined to do this.

I know I can,
and I'm gonna prove
to everyone

that I'm ready for a new life.

And I'm gonna succeed at this.

Oh, man.

I'm the pastor
of Outlet Ministries.

Today we are at
New Zion Christian Center.

Because of the size
of the building, you know,

we come here a lot
for rehearsals.

We do concerts,
worship events,
and things like that.

-What's up, Juan?
-What's up, you guys?

Outlet Worship is my band
of collective worshipers.

Many of them
are worship leaders
themselves.

But pretty much, you know,
all of them are like family
to me.

It's been another month
into my weight loss journey.

What's up, fella?

And with all
the dieting and exercising,

I'm starting to see
some real results

with regard
to how much I can do now.

-Here's me.
-What's up?

What's up?

Test, test. Mic check.

The biggest thing
is the increase to my stamina.

All right, you guys,
let's pray to begin.

And that's also
the most exciting thing

because that's the component
that's allowing me
to get back to life.

Dear Heavenly Father,
we thank you.

We thank you for this day,
assembling all of us
here together.

Now, Father,
even in this rehearsal
be glorified.

Let your presence
dwell in this place, God.

We give you all of the honor.

In Jesus' name, amen.

Amen. Y'all feeling all right?

You guys have mics?

Okay.

Being back in the church
with my people there,

doing music,
it's an amazing feeling.

Like something inside of me
has been asleep
for a long time

that's finally
starting to wake up,
and it feels great.

The worship,
y'all remember that,
"I'm Running for my Life"?

I'm running?

I'm running for my life

Lighten up a little.

I'm running for my life

Good job. I'm running?

I'm running for my life

Now open up a little more.

I'm running for my life

It's in the right direction.

And remembering
what it feels like

to be in that role
of a central figure
for others.

Tell them that I'm saved

Tell that I'm saved

It's like a rust
has been on my self-esteem
that's coming off,

and it all just makes me
want to get further
in that direction.

And I've got Jesus.

Yes, Lord, yes, Lord

Good job.

Good job. Word of God.

I'm back at Dr. Now's,
and this time I have
my mom and my brother again.

I'm happy to have
the support this time
because I'm nervous.

So much depends on this today
that I've got a knot
in my stomach.

I just hope
I made it this time

and I didn't lose my chance
for surgery.

I know I worked harder
than I ever thought I could
because I need this.

Body, mind, and spirit,
I really need this.

Juan?

Last time I was 577,
and it was the same goal
to lose 70lbs over two months.

You can step on the scale
whenever you're ready.

So if I did that
I'll be right there at 500lbs.

Your weight today is 505.

-Whoo!
-All right.

-Yay!
-Yes, sir.

-Whoo! Yes.
-That's enough.

-Yes! Whoo!
-That was enough.

Hallelujah.

That's what's up.
Finally, a decent result.

This is the first time
I feel justified in saying,

"Come on, Doc,
you can live with that,
can't you?"

So I'm not gonna let myself
get too excited,
but I'm excited.

-Pretty good.
-We're doing great.

-All right.
-Excited.

Okay.

Well, Juan, looks like
you finally figured out

-what to do
to lose weight, huh?

Yes, sir.

Yes, sir. I worked harder,
but really it was
the hunger thing.

You know, my will,
learning to just say "no"
when I felt hungry.

Just changing that mindset
that I was gonna be hungry
but not eat.

That was
a real turning point for me.

I am very excited.

I'm overwhelmed, yes.

-Well, that's good.
That's good.
-Yes.

-So he's come a long way...
-Yes.

-...and he lost
a good amount of weight now.
-Yes.

So he's gonna be
a good candidate
for weight loss surgery,

-so I'm gonna approve him
for weight loss surgery.
-Ohh! Yes, yes, yes, yes!

Yes. Hallelujah.

Thank you, Lord.

-Thank you, sir.
-Yes, yes, yes.

I am proud of the whole family
supporting you,

and that is
very important, okay?

Thank you so much.
Thank you, Dr. Now.

Yeah, I can do that easily.

-You think you can do that?
-Oh, 100%.

I can do that no problem.

All right. Keep it up
and we'll set you up
for some testing.

If everything look good
then we'll set up a date
for your surgery, okay?

-Yes, sir.
Let's do it. Yes, sir.
-All right, yes.

I will see you soon,
and have a good trip
back home.

-And if you need anything
let me know.
-Yes, sir.

-Bye.
-Bye.

-Yes, yes, yes. Finally.
-Yes, sir.

Finally. Got it done.

Oh, man.

How you feeling?

Excited, man.

-Ready?
-We're here now.

This is a lifechanging moment
-Yep.

for you, man.

We praise you, Lord God

Hey!

We praise you, our king

Let's hit it.

We praise you, oh, God

Hey!

We praise you, our king

Forever and always.

We praise you.

Now that I've got
my surgery approval,

it's like that piece of me
I can feel

just barely starting
to wake up.

King

Forever and always.
Turn around forever.

Forever and always

Forever.

Forever and always

Special forever.

Forever and always

God be praised.

God be praised

All right, appreciate y'all.
Good job.

For the first time in so long,
I'm happy for tomorrow.

That's so simple sounding
but it's all I wanted
for such a long time.

I appreciate you guys,
like, so much.

You know, all of you,
I say it all the time,

but I do know, like,
a part of my ministry

is gonna be
the weight loss thing

because
so many people struggle.

That's my biggest motivation,
so I appreciate y'all,
man, big time.

-Love y'all.
-Love you.

I'm extremely proud
of Pastor Juan.

I've seen over the years
his struggle with weight loss

and I've paralleled it
to my own.

But I see that, you know,
he is diligent,

and consistent, and committed.

And when you have
that level of commitment

you can't help
but start a fire in others.

Love you.

-What did you say?
-Juan for life.

All right, so...

I'm running for...

-Oh! Finally got my kiss.
-Oh, you got your kiss?

When I get to that point
and I lose more weight

but it's gonna be a rebirth
and a renewal.

My steps will be lighter.

My message will be louder
and my voicer will be clearer
for those who will listen.