Sarah Neely, a prominent participant from season 6 of My 600-lb Life, made remarkable strides in her health journey through a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes. At her initial visit with Dr. Nowzaradan, she weighed 642 pounds. Through dedicated efforts including bariatric surgery and strict adherence to a new diet, Sarah successfully shed 249 pounds, bringing her weight down to 393 pounds by the end of her episode. By 2023, ScreenRant reported that she had achieved a total weight loss of 400 pounds.
In addition to her weight management journey, Sarah celebrated three years of sobriety. In June 2020, she married Jonah Carpenter, with their daughter Gwendolyn being born that December. Sarah has not only managed her weight effectively but is also pursuing certification in substance abuse counseling in Ohio.
Sarah Neely: Embracing Motherhood and a New Career as a Counselor
To prepare for her weight loss surgery, Dr. Now established a daily caloric limit of 1200 calories for Sarah. Initially, she struggled with the meal plan but gradually acclimated to her new dietary habits, with her mother relocating to Houston to support her during this critical phase.
According to Monsters and Critics, Sarah made significant progress when her grandmother also offered her support, which was crucial in meeting Dr. Now’s requirements. Her adherence to program guidelines led to measurable improvements in her overall health as documented by medical evaluations.
Following a consistent weight reduction, Sarah was finally cleared for bariatric surgery. Currently, her active lifestyle incorporates regular physical activity tailored to her abilities, and she frequently shares her health journey updates on social media.
Transformative Journey Post-Surgery
Post-surgery, Sarah diligently followed the medical guidelines to ensure successful recovery. She maintained her modified dietary restrictions and attended regular check-ups to track her progress. Continuous communication with her healthcare team facilitated her adaptation to life after surgery.
The nutritional guidelines she embraced became integral to her daily regimen, as she focused on sustainable food options that supported her long-term health aspirations. Following the prescribed care plan yielded positive results, and her body responded favorably to the surgical changes.
Furthermore, Sarah developed effective strategies for portion control and nutritional intake. Her routine emphasized a balanced diet rich in protein and included vitamin supplements as advised by her doctors. Consistent meal timings helped her maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
In tandem with her health journey, Sarah achieved notable accomplishments in her recovery, celebrating three years of sobriety. Her dedication extends beyond her personal experiences, as she aspires to support others dealing with addiction. As reported by ScreenRant, she is currently studying to become a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Significant Milestones in Personal Life
Sarah’s marriage to Jonah Carpenter in June 2020 marked a new chapter in her life. Shortly after, they announced their pregnancy in August, culminating in the arrival of their daughter, Gwendolyn Snow Carpenter, in December 2020. Sarah faced the emotional challenge of a miscarriage prior to this pregnancy, but she emerged resilient, returning to her weight management program with renewed focus.
With Jonah’s unwavering support, Sarah has been able to focus on her health and family. In a heartfelt Instagram post dated March 7, she expressed gratitude for her family and her husband. In her own words:
“Marriage is hard. It will test parts of yourself you didn’t even know were there. When you get over to the other side of the struggle and things balance out as they do, it’s a beautiful thing. Through all the hardships and struggles we face, he is the rock.”
Sarah continued,
“He holds us together. He is the true example of what the vision God has called upon husbands to be. Of course, nobody is perfect. I thank God for his mercy and his pure love. I thank God for my husband and my kids.”
As of March 2025, Sarah Neely, a star of My 600-lb Life, has garnered over 10,400 followers on social media, sharing her inspirational journey.
The reality show My 600-lb Life continues to air on TLC.