Family By The Ton - General Discussion

[SunnyBeBe]

What's Drew going to do to deal with his cousin who sabotages him?  He says that when he's with her, he eats like she does.  And, she's not interested in weight loss, is she? Their culture of food gorging seems to be pretty well rooted.  Will the tide turn and the gatherings change to include more healthy choices?

  I know that with my family, the adult children second generation n(30-50's) are the most health conscious, wanting veggies, lean protein, etc.  at our gatherings, but, it's the younger generation teens to twenties, who are the ones who focus on the most unhealthy dishes and LOTS of them. And most of them are overweight.  It's like if there isn't loads of that kind of food, they don't feel it's a proper meal. 

[stacyasp]

3 hours ago, atiyah9369 said:

After seeing her walk I don't think that is flexibility. She just can't close her legs.

The leg thing is very distracting!

[Scarlett45]

22 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Have they showed who bathes Chitoka, helps her in the bathroom, changes her linens and clothes, etc. ? She hasn't addressed how she can't do those things, but, it doesn't appear that she can do those things. Her legs seem so painful.  I can't really see what they are like, since she keeps them covered most of the time, but, they appear super large from top to bottom.

Drew is really hardwired for certain food.  Once again it blows my mind how some people LOVE the fast food.  OMG, I mean. it's not even that tasty.  I just don't get it.  Good food, I get it. That's tempting, but, wrapped up stuff from a burger joint?  I wonder if he will ever be able to really settle in to a lifetime plan for eating right.  He just seems to think of doing things temporarily and not permanently.  

I do worry about Naomi's mom.  Just how long was she in the hospital with complications?  It seems like she was out of commission for quite a while. 

Chikota has said her sister is her caregiver (the slim one who said she should do things the natural way). 

 

Chikota walked!!! Hooray! She left her bedroom!! I’m so happy for her. Now- no more being housebound, she needs to move.

Drew, Drew, Drew- by jolly you need to take a clue from your cousin Naomi and get serious. 

Edited January 26, 2018 by Scarlett45

[mellowjoi]

I wanted to cry with Chitoka when her mother passed.  All I could think about is how awful it would be to not be able to attend my mother's funeral.  Because this was real life it was one of the saddest episodes I've seen on TV in a while. 

I do like the difference between this show and My 600 Pound Life by showing this group has interactions with other people.  They don't seem to have the isolation we see so often in My 600 Pound Life.  

The weight displayed by this family displays seems to be a perfect combination of food choices, genetics, lack of exercise and possible medical issues.  I'd be interested in seeing younger family members, kids and teens to see if they are following the same path or if they are escaping the weight issues.  

[auntjess]

On 1/25/2018 at 9:44 AM, JDAlexander said:

As soon as Drew said he lost the first 30# so easily and now can "ease up on the restrictions a little," I knew he was doomed.  

I loved how the trainer used her own body to assist Chitoka in her exercises! 

I think everyone must have had that "oh shit" moment when he said that.  I really hope that the producers wouldn't encourage him to overeat, because that's just so wrong.
That trainer had to be really strong, to hold Chitoka.
The first think I noticed about Chitoka, is how put-together she always is, despite her weight.  She's far above the standard of the majority of 600Lb Lifers.  Skinny sister does seem to help her in other things, ever if she's against surgery, and buys the food.
(I'm having a problem when I use the MultiQuote.  It puts them together so that it looks as if the the first quote quoted the second quote.  So I only quoted this post, where the quote was self-contained.)

[auntjess]

On 1/18/2018 at 2:21 AM, WillowG said:

Can't wait to see the switch to YOU ARE EATING TOO MUCH!  YOU EAT TOO MANY CALORIES WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?  ERRRG! 

"The scale doesn't lie!  People lie!"

[joh]

On ‎1‎/‎25‎/‎2018 at 8:10 AM, SunnyBeBe said:

Have they showed who bathes Chitoka, helps her in the bathroom, changes her linens and clothes, etc. ? She hasn't addressed how she can't do those things, but, it doesn't appear that she can do those things. Her legs seem so painful.  I can't really see what they are like, since she keeps them covered most of the time, but, they appear super large from top to bottom.

Drew is really hardwired for certain food.  Once again it blows my mind how some people LOVE the fast food.  OMG, I mean. it's not even that tasty.  I just don't get it.  Good food, I get it. That's tempting, but, wrapped up stuff from a burger joint?  I wonder if he will ever be able to really settle in to a lifetime plan for eating right.  He just seems to think of doing things temporarily and not permanently.  

I do worry about Naomi's mom.  Just how long was she in the hospital with complications?  It seems like she was out of commission for quite a while. 

I'm thinking the same thing.  They only show her looking all nice and neat in bed with her handy REACHER.  Sometimes with food like those boiled eggs.  One thing for sure, if he's taking care of his sick mother, what the heck is he feeding her!

[Brooklynista]

I want to know what the plan was if Chitoka fell. The weight of those ladies together would hardly be able the get her off the floor.

[ChristmasJones]

5 hours ago, Brooklynista said:

I want to know what the plan was if Chitoka fell. The weight of those ladies together would hardly be able the get her off the floor.

Call a crew of hot fire fighters over!

[Aw my lahgs]

On 1/18/2018 at 3:08 AM, Hero said:

His demeanor always seems like he is half listening. His body is there, but his mind is a million miles away. 

Yes. He doesn’t seem to care much. For him it’s just a way to make a living, whereas dr Now is very passionate about helping people.

[Guest]

Quote

Chitoka attempts to walk outside for the first time in years; Naomi finds some things remain the same post-surgery; Drew risks getting his surgery canceled entirely if he doesn't fight for it and lose weight.

[auntjess]

On 1/27/2018 at 11:31 AM, Brooklynista said:

I want to know what the plan was if Chitoka fell.

They really need to get a big-enough wheelchair to push behind her.  Barring that, at least a chair that would hold her.

[Chicklet]

I always hope that these shows or at least the bariatric specialists would focus on the psychological reasons for this degree of obesity. Many people with this degree have a history, known or unacknowledged, of sexual abuse as children. I'm really shocked they aren't required to see a counselor. Or maybe they haven't shown that so far. 

[auntjess]

I am assuming that the 3 hour show of this title tonight, was the 3 aired shows put together, and given a new "original date."
 

[PamelaMaeSnap]

On January 15, 2018 at 11:08 PM, IvySpice said:

This show reminds me how screwed up my standards have become after years of watching. I'm so used to the 600-pounders, I'm like, Naomi only needs to lose 20 pounds for the surgery? She has a mere 200-pound weight-loss goal? Why, that's not so bad! (Meanwhile, if a doctor told me I had to lose TEN pounds, I'd be overwhelmed.)

TOTALLY with you there ... after finally watching this first episode (since the 600-Lb Life PTVers commented on how much more likable this family is, and they're right!), I've gotten accustomed to the weight loss requirements and, I guess, minimum weight one had to be for Dr. Now to put them on TV--I mean, schedule them for surgery. I was actually afraid that Naomi would NOT BE ALLOWED to have the surgery because she wasn't big enough ... I feel like Dr. Now would have said "You have to GAIN 100 pounds before I can operate on you."

And Naomi is GORGEOUS!!!! (Especially when she doesn't straighten her hair -- I LOVE her natural hair!!!). I'm glad she seems to have a nice supportive (and may I add also gorgeous) boyfriend. 

I'm really rooting for Drew ... I can't remember the last time we've seen those "younger day" photos of someone this big who was still really thin as late as college (and not only thin but SO handsome!) ... I don't know enough about weight gain/loss to THIS degree to be able to put my finger on it, but his body type seems to odd that coupled with the weigh gain, I do wonder if there is some sort of hormonal or chemical imbalance or something. ... as someone mentioned, and maybe the beard hides it, his face seems normal and even his arms seem normal (certainly compared to many people on these shows whose arms are huge, such as Chitoka). Whatever the case he seems kind and very cool ... He doesn't whine ... He takes care of others and seems surprisingly mobile ... I'd lay off the yellow and blue outfit though ... the black clothes are more flattering ... 

[scootypuffjr]

When Drew wears his yellow shirt with the blue pants, all I can think of is a child's drawing of the sun over the sea. So much bright yellow, so much bright blue. Also, Drew's unusual body type almost seems like he's already had the bariatric procedure and is now in need of skin removal surgery; I've never seen such a large, loose apron. I know all that is not very nice of me but I'm afraid that's where my mind goes. Drew does seem like a very nice person - they all do, they seem like a warm, fun and caring family. I hope they do well, I'm rooting for them all. 

[scootypuffjr]

Kudos to whoever thought up this thread title, by the way - very clever! My hat is off to you, well done  :-D

[AntAnn]

Very very cleaver indeed ?

[ArmenianGirl]

I like this family. I like how they support each other. I am amazed at how thin Drew's face is considering his weight. He is actually quite attractive. Chitoka always looks put together and well dressed. I am so glad she is finally able to walk outside the house.

[Brooklynista]

I cant help but give Chitoka's sister a strong side eye. First bringing her bed bound sister chips and ice cream.  Then poo pooing the idea for Chitoka to have surgery amd now a weepy crying speech on Chitoka's Day Out? Girl bye.

Could she be worried about losing her spot as the skinny sister?

[Guest]

I was curious why they seemed to be luring Chitoka to the outside chair with...a picture of herself? What kind of enticement is that? 

And I've seen enough episodes of My 600-lb Life to know that when Drew said it was "hard" to stay on his liquid diet that he had gained weight even before he stepped on the scale. 

I had to laugh at Chitoka preparing to get bathed like it was some sort of holy ceremony. 

Still loving this family, too. They're nice people. 

[Hero]

23 minutes ago, Giant Misfit said:

I was curious why they seemed to be luring Chitoka to the outside chair with...a picture of herself? What kind of enticement is that? 

And I've seen enough episodes of My 600-lb Life to know that when Drew said it was "hard" to stay on his liquid diet that he had gained weight even before he stepped on the scale. 

I had to laugh at Chitoka preparing to get bathed like it was some sort of holy ceremony. 

Still loving this family, too. They're nice people. 

I think that was a picture of her mother that passed away in last week's episode. 

[Guest]

Just now, Hero said:

I think that was a picture of her mother that passed away in last week's episode. 

Oh, that makes sense! (And now I feel like a jerk.)

[Hero]

11 minutes ago, Giant Misfit said:

Oh, that makes sense! (And now I feel like a jerk.)

Her and her mother look very similar. Don't feel like a jerk.

Edited February 1, 2018 by Hero

[SunnyBeBe]

It seems that Chitoka's struggle to walk to the car was mental or maybe, TLC played it up so they could get some drama over whether she'll actually ever make it to the car. Is Chitoka working on her food intake too? It seemed she just focused on the walking.  I wonder if she considered that if she were even 50 pounds lighter, her walking might be easier on her.  She's pleasant enough, but, something about her tells me that she is a real prima dona. I am curious as to whether she will listen to anyone's instruction about what she eats.  She seems pretty opinionated. 

When Drew was laying on the operating table.....was that his front or back?  I couldn't tell.

Is Naomi really complaining that much about the diet? I thought that after surgery you don't have the same cravings at first, you aren't hungry at all and you feel quite sick at the sight of food, but, her boyfriend's comments indicated otherwise. 

I thought Dr. Proctor looked pretty hot in those scrubs.  I am glad that he stressed that surgery is NOT a quick fix.  Your journey is just beginning.  I'm not sure why that message doesn't seem to get out that much. 

Edited February 1, 2018 by SunnyBeBe

[Pepper Mostly]

4 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

She's pleasant enough, but, something about her tells me that she is a real prima dona. I am curious as to whether she will listen to anyone's instruction about what she eats.  She seems pretty opinionated. 

Oh, yes, Chitoka is Queen Bee. She holds court in her bed, everyone has to come to her. She'll have to make some adjustments if she becomes mobile and loses weight. She'll just be another member of the family then. Not so special.

On the one hand, it was kind of sweet that everyone was there to support her when she walked outside. On the other, I was cringing. Really? The whole family turns out, applauding and heaping praise on a grown ass woman who managed to haul her enormous bulk out of bed? Then she sat there for five minutes and went back inside? I get that they wanted to encourage her. But still.

I love Naomi and I love her commentary in her TH's. The woman at the shop was downright rude.

Drew. Drew, Drew, Drew. Will this be the moment of clarity he needs? He's a good looking man. He should have a nice wife and a few kids he could be out throwing a football with, that would keep him trim. Surely he doesn't love fast food and pizza so much he'd trade that kind of life for them? I'm rooting for him.

[dreadfulLeigh]

Naomi is so pretty. And more importantly seems to have a great personality and head on her shoulders. And her bf/DH...hello?. I really appreciated how much thought she put into having children. I know accidents happen and blah blah blah, but I swear the prevailing attitude is some bs entitlement to popping out children. 

 

Yes, Chitoka is definitely a queen bee. I knew a woman like that. At the time, she had half a dozen or so children from newborn to 20 yo who were always arrayed around her as she held court, doing her bidding. She was also obese, maybe around 300-400 lbs. 

Edited February 1, 2018 by dreadfulLeigh

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Pepper Mostly said:

Then she sat there for five minutes and went back inside? I get that they wanted to encourage her. But still.

Right? I mean, the plastic hand-clapping things were cute and all, but maybe someone should have thought to put out some food? Maybe a salad, grilled chicken, or some fresh fruit? Like, what did the invitation say, "You're invited to Chitoka's 'First Steps Outside' party! The date is Saturday and it starts at 1 PM and ends at 1:15 PM." And Chitoka was all, "Yeah, that sun was great! Make way...I'm going back inside now." 

I loved that Drew had some fancy contraption (with a spigot!) with which he could frappe his meal. While the glass was quite nice he put the meal in, I can't help but thinking that stuff still tasted like burnt chalk despite the fancy vehicle in which it was served.

[mellowjoi]

I loved Chitoka's going outside party.  I've watched so many episodes of My 600 Pound Life where they never even attempt to make a step, her walk was pretty impressive.  

Edited February 1, 2018 by mellowjoi

[SunnyBeBe]

I was on a liquid protein diet once (under doctor supervision.  Remember when Oprah did Optifast?  That's what I was on.)  I wasn't that overweight either. Anyway, you had shakes and/or soups throughout the day. I think 6 and each pack was about a 100 calories. The shakes were chocolate, strawberry or vanilla and were delicious!  Good as a milkshake to me.  The soups were great too.  There was asparagus, chicken or leek.  Yummy!  That was a long time ago, so I would think that tastiness would have improved in those kind of things.  I was on mine for about 2 months. 

I am wishing Naomi so much success, but, she seemed rather anxious about the food restrictions.  Hmmmm.......Do you recall if she has gastric sleeve or full bypass?

Edited February 1, 2018 by SunnyBeBe

[Morgalisa]

Compared to the 600 Pound Lifers, Chitoka is heads and shoulders above them. She is always well groomed and well dressed. Her bedroom looks very clean and so does the rest of the house. She seems to have a fairly high standard of living for someone with no visible signs of financial support. 

And, I have a teeny crush on the doctor. Not based on his looks. He just seems so kind and caring. 

I think Drew must have been in good physical condition going into the huge weight gain because most people would not be able to walk with that stomach flap. But without the surgery, he would be bed bound or housebound very soon.

Oh yes, and they all wear shoes.

[auntjess]

9 hours ago, SunnyBeBe said:

It seems that Chitoka's struggle to walk to the car was mental or maybe, TLC played it up so they could get some drama over whether she'll actually ever make it to the car.

I think that was a bona fide physical struggle.  She was very winded, and Robyn the trainer was hurrying to get the chair where she could sit.
I thought her sister looked younger than she did the other time I saw her.
Chitoka does seem high maintenance.
I felt bad for Naomi in the store, but can't imagine that wasn't scripted.
Here's hoping that Drew's surgery goes well, and he can have skin removal soon.  I'm surprised they didn't do that first, or maybe Dr.Procter isn't a one-stop shop like Dr. Now is.

[SunnyBeBe]

Yeah, why would Naomi take her mom to a clothing boutique that only went up to size 16.  That's bizarre.  They could have easily gone to a place that would have served them them both well.  Maybe, the sales clerk wasn't very sensitive in what she said, but, she was trying to be nice.  I mean, fat people ( I include myself, since I have been fat) say they don't like the way they look, but, then if someone acknowledges that they would look better with less weight, they take offense.  Which is it? I mean....it's true.  Doesn't Naomi feel that she will look better after weight loss?  It seemed that way to me.  Maybe, she just didn't like the clerk agreeing with her. 

Edited February 1, 2018 by SunnyBeBe

[PamelaMaeSnap]

On January 30, 2018 at 7:26 PM, scootypuffjr said:

When Drew wears his yellow shirt with the blue pants, all I can think of is a child's drawing of the sun over the sea. So much bright yellow, so much bright blue.

Or ... and I hate to say this but it's what I keep thinking when I see him in that outfit ... Tweedledee. 

 

[Mothra]

1 hour ago, SunnyBeBe said:

Yeah, why would Naomi take her mom to a clothing boutique that only went up to size 16.  That's bizarre.  They could have easily gone to a place that would have served them them both well.  Maybe, the sales clerk wasn't very sensitive in what she said, but, she was trying to be nice.  I mean, fat people ( I include myself, since I have been fat) say they don't like the way they look, but, then if someone acknowledges that they would look better with less weight, they take offense.  Which is it? I mean....it's true.  Doesn't Naomi feel that she will look better after weight loss?  It seemed that way to me.  Maybe, she just didn't like the clerk agreeing with her. 

I think Naomi's eyeroll was over the tired old "such a pretty face" crap that fat girls have had to live with since Eve couldn't lose her baby weight.  I agree with her.  The fact that it's true doesn't mean you have to say it--as if fat people don't know they'd look better if they weren't fat!--plus there's the condescension  involved:  who is the clerk/store owner to offer unsolicited opinions on Naomi's appearance?

I love everyone in this family.  I don't think Chitoka is a queen bee at all, and my grin went ear to ear when she made her first walk outside.  And I hope they are all successful, although every one of them seems to be following the pattern of Dr. Now's patients:  after an initial weight loss, they feel like they can "cheat" a little.  Very few bariatric patients I've seen on TV seem to understand--really understand--that the surgery isn't the solution but only a tool to make the hard work of eating less a little easier.

[crazycatlady58]

I am worse ,  whenever  I see Drew I think of the old cartoon  Fat Albert . May I catch  a ride to hell with anyone? 

[LuvMyShows]

So here's my worry.  In Naomi's post-surgery "talking head" (TH) narration, where she's wearing that pretty electric-pink top, you can tell that she has lost a significant amount of weight, compared to what she appears to weigh "now" (in episode-time).  Drew, on the other hand, actually looks bigger to me in his yellow shirt post-surgery TH, which is worrisome.  I am really cheering for him, and for all of them, and I would hate to find out that Drew doesn't make the lifestyle changes that he needs to.  I also hope Chitoka doesn't let her inability to make it to the van cause a setback.  It looked to me in the preview they showed for the next episode, where I think she was wearing a white tank top, that she had lost weight in her upper body.

[Splithair]

It's really easy to root for this family!  They all seem like good people who are struggling with something difficult, but they are trying to do something about it.  I agree with other posters that Drew has a cute face and he seems like a nice guy.  I think if he can start losing weight and be more mobile, he can get back into the athletic mindset that he had when he was young.

[Mothra]

On 1/29/2018 at 9:23 PM, Chicklet said:

I always hope that these shows or at least the bariatric specialists would focus on the psychological reasons for this degree of obesity. Many people with this degree have a history, known or unacknowledged, of sexual abuse as children. I'm really shocked they aren't required to see a counselor. Or maybe they haven't shown that so far. 

That's something I've learned from watching shows like this, that many people (especially women) who are grossly overweight have been victims of sexual abuse.  I have never, to my knowledge, been unkind to a morbidly obese person by staring or commenting, but understanding that someone with immense amounts of weight might have sexual abuse in her past has made me feel compassionate, not neutral, about such people.  Not that I didn't feel compassionate before--I know how tough it is to be fat--but seeing someone who may be overeating in response to abuse just breaks my heart.

[Mothra]

On 1/25/2018 at 9:10 AM, SunnyBeBe said:

 

Drew is really hardwired for certain food.  Once again it blows my mind how some people LOVE the fast food.  OMG, I mean. it's not even that tasty.  I just don't get it.  Good food, I get it. That's tempting, but, wrapped up stuff from a burger joint?  I wonder if he will ever be able to really settle in to a lifetime plan for eating right.  He just seems to think of doing things temporarily and not permanently.  

 

After my husband and I learned about the president's standard meal of two big macs, two filet-o-fish and a chocolate shake, we confessed to each other an insane desire for fast food--which we haven't eaten since the children (now in their 30s) were kids.  We got some, ate it, and were disgusted.  You're right; it doesn't taste good--when you have it one time.  I think the sugar/salt/fat combo in fast food must be truly physically addicting for so many of the people on shows like this to eat *all the time*.  Plus there's the instant gratification, and you don't have to get out of the car to get it. 

Maybe once Drew learns that he really can't eat fast food and lose weight, he'll gradually lose his taste for it.  I'm not sanguine, but I really hope.

[joh]

On ‎2‎/‎1‎/‎2018 at 7:43 AM, SunnyBeBe said:

It seems that Chitoka's struggle to walk to the car was mental or maybe, TLC played it up so they could get some drama over whether she'll actually ever make it to the car. Is Chitoka working on her food intake too? It seemed she just focused on the walking.  I wonder if she considered that if she were even 50 pounds lighter, her walking might be easier on her.  She's pleasant enough, but, something about her tells me that she is a real prima dona. I am curious as to whether she will listen to anyone's instruction about what she eats.  She seems pretty opinionated. 

When Drew was laying on the operating table.....was that his front or back?  I couldn't tell.

Is Naomi really complaining that much about the diet? I thought that after surgery you don't have the same cravings at first, you aren't hungry at all and you feel quite sick at the sight of food, but, her boyfriend's comments indicated otherwise. 

I thought Dr. Proctor looked pretty hot in those scrubs.  I am glad that he stressed that surgery is NOT a quick fix.  Your journey is just beginning.  I'm not sure why that message doesn't seem to get out that much. 

haha, it was his front.

[joh]

Is it just me, or was Naomi too eager to brag about having sex?  And to just go in a store looking at skinny dresses like she is at her goal. I want the mirror she has at home.  Any woman knows about "what store sales what sizes" if not, GOOGLE!  YES, this is a NICE family, but, there has got to be some low IQs going thru it.

CELEBRATING a grown ass woman stepping outdoors like a baby taking her first step. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

[MsVixen]

Did anyone else get irritated by Drew's friend having her feet on the scale when he being weighed?  Here's Drew having one LAST chance to have the surgery and the girl thinks it's funny to play with the freaking scale!

[Hero]

29 minutes ago, MsVixen said:

Did anyone else get irritated by Drew's friend having her feet on the scale when he being weighed?  Here's Drew having one LAST chance to have the surgery and the girl thinks it's funny to play with the freaking scale!

The doctor looked so shocked when he saw how high the number was, then he looked annoyed when he found out that her foot was on the scale. 

Drew should really limit the amount of time he spends with her. She brought him crappy food when he was supposed to be eating healthy. 

[gonecrackers]

That was Stella right?  Is she a friend or a cousin?  She seems totally unfazed by what everyone is going through & doesn't seem to care about her own weight issues. She may be a real problem, especially for Drew.

[auntjess]

I assume she's a cousin.  Not sure how everyone is related, except that Naomi is Beverly's daughter.  (Right?)
 

[Hero]

33 minutes ago, gonecrackers said:

That was Stella right?  Is she a friend or a cousin?  She seems totally unfazed by what everyone is going through & doesn't seem to care about her own weight issues. She may be a real problem, especially for Drew.

His cousin. She seems to get gleeful when Drew eats badly. 

[JJ1]

Gotta say - for some reason, I really like these people and sure do hope they can get their weight problems resolved. Maybe I like them so much because despite their weight issues, they seem very “normal”.  At least when compared with the people who have been on 600 Lb Life lately. These folks are smart and articulate, they care about the other members of their family and they recognize that the situation has GOT to change.  My bet is that most of them will be successful. Family dynamics got them to this weight, so now those family dynamics are going to have to drive the weight loss.

[kewpiedolls]

This show is like a normal version of My 600 Lb Life, with people who are actually tolerable. And that Dr. Procter is HOT ?

[gonecrackers]

I wonder if something will eventually start coming out as the family members begin to face the issues that caused the obesity. Hopefully it was just poor eating habits, stuffing some feelings etc, but when people get to levels of 600+ pounds, it just feels like there's something darker that hasn't been brought to the surface yet. It's interesting no therapy has been suggested for any of them. Will they be able to cope w/o the food though, is the question.