A dangerously obese woman whose near 680lb frame left her bed-bound has managed to drop almost 100lbs after undergoing weight loss surgery.
Chitoka Light, 49, who appeared on the TLC reality show Family by the Ton, had been petrified to go through with the operation, after learning of the physical and emotional risks involved in going under the knife.
And it was only after she began working with a trainer and managed to get out of bed and walk that surgeons would even approve Chitoka – who has previously described herself as being ‘encased in a flesh prison’ – as a candidate for the procedure.
On Wednesday night’s show viewers saw Chitoka leaving hospital after finally going through with the dramatic op – and ultimately showing off her slimmed down frame after shaving 97lbs off her pre-surgery weight to take her to 578lbs (41st).
Chitoka had said of the life-altering operation: ‘This surgery represents freedom, a freedom that I haven’t experienced in a long time.’
Chitoka Light, 49, who has been documenting her weight loss alongside her cousins on TLC’s reality series Family By The Ton, has successfully undergone dangerous weight loss surgery
The final episode of the show saw Chitoka leaving the hospital after the surgery, before showing off her newly slimmed down figure as she joined her family to celebrate her weight loss at a reveal party.
She said it had given her the freedom to be in her home alone without needing somebody at hand to help her for the first time in years.
Chitoka’s cousins Naomi Anderson, 30, and Drew Stewart, 43, were also present to celebrate, having gone through the surgery themselves on previous episodes of the show.
She was terrified ahead of operation, after learning of the physical and mental risks involved
However Wednesday’s season finale showed Chitoka leaving the hospital after completing the surgery, before celebrating a loss of 97lbs (6stone 9lbs)
Despite Chikota’s reservations, the surgery went well and she managed to lose a substantial amount of weight
During the episode Chitoka stressed how she was ‘ready to be self-reliant and independent,’ but acknowledged that, thanks to her support system at home, she didn’t have to face the surgery alone.
Their happiness for her was evident when her she was helped outside the hospital, to find her family cheering and holding up signs of congratulations.
Drew held up a poster that read: ‘Stay Calm It’s Chitoka’s Surgery Day.’
Chitoka left her house for the first time in three years to get approved for the weight loss surgery
The formerly bed-bound woman revealed her hopes that she would be able to live a more independent life
Cousin Naomi, 30, underwent the surgery in previous episodes and went from 400lbs (28.5stone) to 317lbs (22.6 stone)
Since his surgery, Drew, 43, has gone from 673lbs (48 stone) to 580lbs (41 stone)
‘Today is finally Chitoka’s surgery day and I never thought this day would come, but it’s here and I am so proud of her,’ he said during a testimonial.
‘Watching Chitoka get ready for her surgery makes me reflect on this journey that we’ve all taken this together.’
When the show first premiered, Chitoka, Drew, and Naomi weighed a combined 2,000lbs, but collectively resolved to change their lives for the better by losing weight.
‘I started this journey at 673lbs, and so far I have been able to get down to 580,’ Drew explained. ‘But I still have a long way to go. It would have been a lot more difficult without Naomi and Chitoka. I wanted to reciprocate that love back to Chitoka.’
When the show first premiered, Chitoka, Drew, and Naomi weighed a combined 2,000lbs, but they are all ready to change their lives for the better by losing weight (seen before surgery)
Surprise: Chitoka was greeted by her family and friends cheering her on when she stepped outside before the operation
Chitoka was bed-bound for three years, and didn’t leave her house until she started working with a personal trainer.
She was finally approved for weight loss surgery after she was able to walk out of her house, get into a car, and make her way to the hospital to meet with her bariatric surgeon Dr. Proctor.
‘Chitoka has come so far, but today is the beginning of the rest of her life,’ Naomi said at the time. ‘Now we begin. Now the real work starts.’
Chitoka’s cousins Naomi Anderson (far left) Drew Stewart (center) recently had weight loss surgery and were there to support her
Her family’s support made Chitoka burst into tears ahead of the operation
Getting there: Since his surgery, Drew, 43, has gone from 673lbs to 580lbs, while Naomi, 30, was 400lbs and now weighs 317lbs
Naomi was the first of the cousins to have weight loss surgery, and she has ultimately gone from 400lbs to 317lbs.
‘It was like climbing a mountain this entire time. Each family member was a different stepping stone to get to the top,’ she admitted.
‘Now it’s Chitoka’s turn and we’re at the top. We’re at the peak. We just gotta get over it,’ she said ahead of the op.
Worried: As she headed to the hospital, Chitoka admited that she was still concerned about the risks involving surgery
Afraid: Prior to the surgery Chitoka was seen explaining that her biggest fear was that the surgery wouldn’t work for her- however the episode concluded on a high