400 Pounds At 16: My Incredible Weight Loss Journey | A Life In the Balance | Only Human

At age 16, Brandon Bennett weighed 411 pounds and his body was a walking time bomb. Due to his morbid obesity, the Houston teenager suffered from a range of serious medical problems that threatened to greatly reduce his lifespan, including severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure and a risk of diabetes. After trying numerous diets with no success, Brandon decided to pursue having a gastric bypass operation to help him lose the excess weight. The surgery is rarely performed on teenagers because the risks are extremely high, so finding a surgeon to operate was a challenge. OBESE AT 16: A LIFE IN THE BALANCE follows Brandon for one year as he overcomes obstacles to get the surgery he desperately needs, undergoes the bypass operation and experiences post-operation lifestyle changes. Through a first person perspective, OBESE AT 16: A LIFE IN THE BALANCE raises awareness of the teenage obesity epidemic and the severe health problems that often result from obesity. The show raises the question of whether it's appropriate for a child under 18-years-old to undergo an incredibly risky and potentially fatal gastric bypass surgery.
From Obese at 16: A Life in the Balance (2005)
Like our content? Support us by becoming a member! bit.ly/JoinOnlyHuman
Only Human celebrates and explores the unique and personal qualities we all have.
Our channel offers a range of TV series and documentaries about human experiences and life journeys - while looking at the challenges life throws at us, turning ordinary people into everyday heroes.
Subscribe for new releases of full episodes and documentaries every week:
bit.ly/KZbinO...
Follow us on Facebook: / onlyhumanchannel
Follow us on Instagram: / onlyhumanldn
Follow us on Twitter: / onlyhumanldn
Content licensed from Cineflix to Little Dot Studios.
Any queries, please contact us at:
[e-mail]

[@rachelberrythegleequeen.3221]

He gets mad respect for me because he knows he needs to do something to save his life and he’s doing it he’s got more sense than most adults in the situation

[@mateoblanco9735]

i dont like the fact of him wanting to do surgerys instead of diet and going to the gym

[@rachelberrythegleequeen.3221]

@@mateoblanco9735 I see your point but again he’s doing something about it and that’s far better than just doing nothing

[@user-vv7nm4le4l]

@@mateoblanco9735 surgery is for those who can't do these things tho, when you have an addiction with food it's not as easy to just diet and you're so heavy you can't really go to the gym or you'll hurt your bones

[@TheMightyOdin]

@@user-vv7nm4le4l He’s got access to a pool in his back yard. At his age I would of got the weight off him and got him into shape without cutting him open and rearranging his plumbing.

[@salvimeca8678]

Naaa he is a lazy , he wants the easy way,

[@gabrieleflores9681]

Update - Brandon has kept his weight off. Now has a family & new baby. My mom is Angie Flores. I need her before and after picture that’s why I’m here lol.

[@kerina6594]

Hope you are all well!

[@a.h.i267]

thats so cool! his story is really inspiring!! i hope his family and yours are doing well 💗

[@moewilson4605]

Thank you. I often wonder about the what happened after. They seem like a loving family. Brandon a good person.

[@neighbourhoodwitch18]

Gabriele Flores really? Just watched 'Half Ton Mum' (her before and after pictures are there, by the way 😊) and I think that's where I first saw your mum, years ago. She's absolutely gorgeous, a real inspiration. Delighted that things are going well for Brandon, he seems a lovely lad 😊❤️

[@gabrieleflores9681]

@@neighbourhoodwitch18 Thank you 🥰

[@kp4636]

I’m not even 2 minutes in, and you can tell this guy has a heart of gold💛

[@dermatologist2152]

How?

[@mikemendez3778]

@@dermatologist2152 The dudes family talks about him eating healthy then when he talks hes like ye i eat alot when i wake up i ask for breakfast then after breakfast i ask for lunch and i get 2nds and 3rd to

[@kp4636]

@@dermatologist2152 are you serious? Is that even a real question? If you can’t see that, you should probably take some time out to reflect on your own life. 🤯 You clearly didn’t learn: if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all. You don’t, so shut it.

[@kp4636]

@@mikemendez3778 empathy dude

[@kp4636]

@@mikemendez3778 and I’m sure you’re an adult who makes adult decisions.

[@skyex7978]

I’m 15 and weighed 286. I’m working out & eating more healthy then I have and I can only say that. I’m proud of all of you. And myself. You can do it. I’m doing it, and I know you can too. I currently weigh 274. Slowly losing weight. You got this. 💘

[@ninamorris7291]

You ROCK! Keep choosing life and health! When you make your daily habits healthy ones, that changes the entire direction of your life🧡🔥

[@skyex7978]

@@ninamorris7291 yes! And thank you so much!!!

[@princess-pumpkin]

You should be proud of yourself! Well done for making a change, and I wish you the best of luck moving forward. I believe in you! x

[@yuanchaves3656]

I'm so happy for you. Keep safe!!!😃

[@dmpg1994]

Stick to whole foods, don't eat corn or soy products. Keep it up kid, don't give up ever.

[@Gemini_Rising]

Wow very powerful statement "Genetics loads the gun, environment pulls the trigger"

[@daviniarobbins9298]

I heard it as genetics loads the gun but lifestyle pulls the trigger. In my opinion I don't buy this genetics theory. Back in the 70s and 80s here in the UK you might have one overweight child in the entire year two tops and that was it. Now you are probably looking at well over half of that year as overweight and or obese. It is probably more due to the fact there are much more fast food places available. And more expensive healthy food. It is not cheap to live a healthy diet. Plus the fresh fruit and veg goes off quicker and course supermarkets don't sell it in small quantities and you can't eat it all in the 2 or 3 days it will keep so you end up throwing 1/3rd to a half in the bin.

[@Anne_Onymous]

@@daviniarobbins9298The genetics w/ environment relationship has already been proven so it's not a "theory" in health care, it's a fact.

[@kay-sp4gk]

@@daviniarobbins9298 I 100% agree. i also think many people get the “eating right” wrong, if healthy food is too expensive, it at least costs nothing to eat less. CICO is the only true weight loss guarantee

[@NJLev]

Lol @ environment. Oh brother. Hoods have grocery stores, people.

[@mo-sy9ws]

Having a severely autistic, non-verbal son. I actually believe this for him as well.

[@torchetiffany]

He is such a Handsome kid...this made me cry to think people bullied him , I love his fam too .

[@jewels3596]

I remember when I was a freshman or sophomore and a guy in my high school that was heavier than Brandon coming back to school after Christmas break in '91 or '92 and he'd lost at least 100 lbs. Everyone was shocked. He was a senior so he might even been 18 when he had the gastric bypass. He went from being this completely shy guy that I'd never even heard speak to being outgoing, talkative, happy and also dating. It was a true transformation!

[@livesmart9481]

People can be really mean... Imagine the bullying he had to endure as a young child. He's an inspiration to all of us, big and small!

[@whendis.roberts9903]

Hes a Beautiful soul!!!! Absolutely Beautiful soul!! So are his Parents and Angie!!!! Amazing story

[@livesmart9481]

He's a gentle giant. His parents must be proud of him for being such a good kid regardless of his size. I wonder if there is a recent update.

[@teresacox2511]

There was an update in the first comment from the son of the lady that helped him. He said that Brandon has kept the weight off and is married and they have a baby on the way. I think the comment was from a year ago maybe more so they probably have more kids by now. He’s in his mid 30’s now.

[@TheSexy1049]

He’s a cutie pie...Gentle giant. You got this, you can do it!

[@fordnut4914]

Whats your number lol

[@Xerolyst]

Your a terrible lier

[@samiak112]

Yes. He is very cute...

[@AyeAyeee-ze9vs]

@@Xerolyst liar* lmfaoooo

[@AyeAyeee-ze9vs]

@@Xerolyst you're* lmfaooooo

[@kaitlynk4615]

What a loving family. I hope Brandon lives a long happy love filled life

[@cynthiastanley35]

Brandon, I know this video is old but I applaud your success.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I’m so happy for you! I pray you are happy and well.😀

[@GIChiyo]

The sad thing is he seems small compared to some people today...

[@chrisvig123]

The junk food generation is here 😯

[@amandawarner2882]

@GIChiyo - so true!

[@mmmfun77]

Totally

[@melissahollowell7255]

You are completely correct Youth keeps your body high and tight. Also, men tend to store visceral fat which isn't as visibly evident as subcutaneous fat (i.e. "flab").

[@shellwirtful]

GIChiyo hes also 6’2” so maybe he doesn’t look as heavy

[@jefferee2002]

As a parent, my heart aches for everything Brandon and his mom and dad went through.

[@whateverman2674]

they abused him. the father should know better

[@anna55]

Brandon, you're a true inspiration. Congratulations sir. The sky's the limit now!

[@harveyrng2706]

03:05 So many “teenagers are overweight” LITERALLY SHOWS OVERWEIGHT ADULTS

[@gabrieleflores9681]

It all starts with the adults...

[@jcobbs4523]

@@gabrieleflores9681 I think the point being, if there are so many overweight teens, it should be easy to get B-roll of teens versus showing solely adults.

[@scarauchiha]

same thing.

[@kinkle_Z]

Maybe to respect the children's privacy?

[@af98]

Usually I watch the only human British documentaries on obesity. Its difficult to watch a US documentary. Theres so much music and they treat everything like a movie.

[@outfromtheshadows]

The music is so unnecessary.

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

he is a very beautiful boy, handsome . i hope he will stay on his best way the whole life :)

[@erinrow399]

These are such wholesome young men! His friends are both so happy to see him smile and hang out and go do things on the weekend. It’s really nice to see their friendship. He’s lucky to have friends like that! :)

[@nnebundoannaobi1386]

Bullying is horrible, I feel his pain in that regard. This brought tears to my eyes, I'm glad good people and his parents could help. I hope he's doing better now, he seems like a sweet person

[@TheFitnessPlaylistt]

Wow…look at him now. This was inspiring. I can’t wait to finish my 100LBS weight loss journey…I am down 85lbs. I did not have surgery, I did it the old-fashioned way. It took longer, but it was worth it.

[@HiHi-ln1xg]

Damn that soo awesome 👏🤩😤

[@TheFitnessPlaylistt]

@@HiHi-ln1xg ok thanks

[@kenadams5504]

I do keto /carnivore diet plan. Its great for weight loss.utube has many videos about it.

[@meetoo2330]

Wow amazing that this is now nearly 20 years old. From what I have read in the comments Brandon is married with a family. What a heart warming story to see someone’s life turned around by such a generous gesture from the medical staff. And for his mom and friends who supported and loved him along the way.

[@ummamalia]

I don’t understand how in these kind of shows it’s always presented as if there’s only two alternatives: taking this life or death risk operation, or going on living enormously overweight. There actually IS this third alternative: changing your life and losing a significant amount of weight with a reasonable way of eating, moving, and psychotherapy to face the underlying causes of overeating and develop new healthier ways of coping with emotion. Especially in such a young age, I’m sure there must be something he (or his parents) have not tried yet. I’m glad everything went fine for him, but if it was my minor child, I would try everything under the sun before taking this extreme operation. Has he ever been to a hospital for several weeks, with a controlled diet and sports program suitable for his weight? Did he get educated about nutrition and the amount his body needs in a day? Has he ever tried talking about his past (bullying) and disordered eating habits to a professional psychotherapist?

[@lorabetht9206]

It can be dangerous- my friend’s mom died after having the surgery while we were in High School. She was only about 300lbs, it was so sad 😞

[@ummamalia]

@@lorabetht9206 I'm sorry to hear that. That's really sad and another example for the immense risk of this operation which can't be underestimated.

[@lorabetht9206]

@@ummamalia any operation can have complications- I have had 10 surgeries and developed MRSA one time and ischemic colitis another... both times I had to have emergency surgery to save my life! I realize for some people there’s no other choice but I agree with your comment completely.

[@johnwjr7]

Losing weight by your 3rd alternative is the hardest of the 3. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks under a doctor's supervision and it's easy while you are in the hospital. It's not so easy when you have to face reality by yourself. Have you ever been obese? It doesn't sound like it to me.

[@yardleyj9391]

I agree. In fact, surgery is the beginning of health problems. How about water fasting in an appropriate setting?

[@Jakkiroxx105]

I remember watching this show and it was very inspirational. Brandon is a good strong fella and he's more mature than most adults in the weight loss program. I'm so proud of Brandon.

[@nasdcong4502]

Brandon and his family are so pleasant. I cried. I laughed. This was one heck of a victory experience. I rejoice with all of you.

[@janetbenjamin2774]

Well done Brandon. Was rooting for you. So happy for you that your life has changed for the better. Sending love and hugs xx

[@thehairprofessor2233]

This story is so touching. Brandon is a super sweet young man. So happy he got the help he wanted.

[@alinapopescu872]

The saddest thing is, in my opinion, that in America money determines who lives, who is healthy and who dies or struggles with illnesses.

[@stephenmartinez1]

This was 2004, years before the affordable care act.

[@50SBarb]

As a person who has been over 350 lbs. since I was a teenager, I’m so excited that Brandon had this opportunity for this surgery, which wasn’t an option when I was a child. Obesity as a child was horrible and depressing. You look great Brandon!!!

[@rosalindarcher6060]

What a kind and generous thing to say when it wasn’t available for you and you must have faced so much too. I wish orioles life experiences matched their souls! Love from London

[@rosalindarcher6060]

People’s not orioles (whatever they are)!

[@poppykok5]

A really *incredible* story with such an emotional (happy) ending...Not only does Brandon have such kind, wonderful & loving parents, (& he's sure obviously a fine young man himself...(before & after surgery)...but it seems like every person who helped him through his harrowing journey, was so encouraging & supportive...Bless your heart Brandon...I genuinely wish you all the very best...

[@conniejenson6797]

I think your such a Handsome young man. I hope life is good for you now. Know this, there's a lot of people who have this same problem.. Being overweight myself, I know it's been hard for you. You have inspired me. God Bless you!

[@joyburton3967]

What a great young man! So lucky to have supportive family and friends. I went through the surgery in 2013 and lost 180 lbs. So, I know what he went through. God bless you, kiddo! 👍🙏♥️

[@sandraD3971]

Great success story! That's was a lot of determination and will power🎯 to keep moving past all the hurdles he was faced with.I hope he's managed to maintain all of his hard work as he's looking great and I'm sure feeling even better🙂

[@sedonarose7563]

The parents seem so loving and supportive toward their sweet boy. And he is a sweet boy. Love how he was so touched by the offer to take him to the amusement park. Such a cutie.

[@raybarbie2103]

Best wishes Brandon

[@haventhebeast6050]

I was about the same weight as Brandon just 2lb heavier at 413lb standing at 6" tall my waist was a little bigger than his, mine being at 60 inches I was always teased for it people always stared at me so I decided to make a change for the better being borderline pre diabetic and having high blood pressure I had to start eating healthy got to 355 at my lowest weight slipped and got back to 390 but have started dieting again and am down to 370 I hope I lose the rest of it

[@flash215makesense7]

How u been

[@ritalawson7020]

Get into green juice there’s plenty of vids on KZbin about it

[@haventhebeast6050]

​@@flash215makesense7still up And down im 375 now but getting it under control

[@aron1632]

This story reminds me of one time I was at a Chipotle and there was this girl there that was the largest girl I had ever seen for her age, but what I noticed most about her was how sad she looked, you could literally see the pain in her eyes, I felt so bad for her and wondered what she had expected to cause all of the pain, I hope she is doing better now.💔

[@susanwedell7627]

This is the best positive story of over weight in a young person I have seen ! Congrats Brandon !!!

[@HarleyQuinn-dt7xw]

I'm so proud of this guy. Way to go Brandon!!!

[@mikegrve2787]

This is the møst Hønest and Humble øverweight teen I seen them øthers always saying they døn't eat that much and they døn't knøw høw they gained all the weight .

[@jaytalktoem]

cøøl

[@catastrophe4525]

Ø

[@andrewgarley1400]

As a dad. this was quite emotional. Bless Brandon, well done, so great to see him smiling.

[@camillelicour525]

Congrats to Brandon for his achievements! What a life middle classe people Had in America in the early 2000's:swimming pools, cars for everybody,jet skiing... It makes me dream.

[@leotag2298]

GO BRANDON||| First thing I noticed was your lovely face and eyes. Well done Hope you have kept up the good work.

[@suecollado8696]

💓Brandon will be 32 this year as this was 1st on tv 📺 in 2005💓

[@arcana830]

He got some swag. Great style

[@DavidGutierrez-nt7ov]

GO BRANDON!!!!! What an amazing story. I applaud your courage and strength. Wishing you continued success. Something tells me you are going to have an awesome impact among other young teenagers you meet for quite sometime.👍

[@janedoe7229]

That was such a good story. I wish this young man well.

[@fundirams3240]

I sometimes forget how awful music was in old documentaries

[@ampa4989]

Stop blaming the parents. He was not a toddler completely dependent on them. We all just do the best we can. Sometimes our best isn't enough. They got him the help he needed. That's what counts.

[@ampa4989]

@MrJre4491 And then he grew up. He kept getting fatter. Do you know how heartbreaking it is to see a hungry child? When my son was a baby, we used to take long walks. One day, he suddenly became hungry. I wasn't nursing him anymore and we were in the middle of a park, about fifteen minutes from the town center where we could get some food. He cried so hysterically. It is a distinct cry, different from when a baby is tired, cranky or sick. It's like frantic desperation. My husband and I became so alarmed, we didn't even go to a restaurant. We went straight to the grocery store and started feeding him before we even paid. He ate like he hadn't been fed in days even though he had eaten maybe two hours earlier. It might have been a growth spurt. And we remarked how wrenching it must be for mothers in impoverished nations or in the days of yore. Think of living with that. They didn't feed him because they were lazy. Their other kids were normal. Hunger is a primal drive. It must have been very, very difficult for his parents even when he was a child. Try to think through some things before going with your gut feelings.

[@dmpg1994]

No, I'll blame the parents. They did right by him by getting him the surgery but if any child is obese the parents are failing.

[@cee-emm]

Why wouldn't you blame them? It's literally what they allowed him to eat and how he developed his eating habits when he was a toddler.

[@dmpg1994]

@@ampa4989 It's called parenting. If he had eaten two hours earlier he wasn't physically hungry unless you gave food without nutrients. If humans eat real food their bodies know what to do with it. Im 33 weeks pregnant and I've done mountains of research on what to feed my son. The only sugar he's eating will come from fruit, and we will not have nutrient devoid or inflammatory food in our house, like corn/soy products or processed foods. As for your story you can cry me a river. I've helped raise a few kids and you don't give them what they want because they cry. If my parents did that when I was kid I would be obese myself. Often times the best thing you can say to a kid is "no". If a kid is obese it's the parents fault and that's abuse. Also you say he grew up and kept getting fatter, he was 16 when this was filmed and still under his parents control.

[@eydiegarcelon8889]

Wow! Absolutely amazing! Keep up the good work! I had the surgery in December 2009, and lost 170 lbs. The best thing I could ever do for myself! I wouldn't be alive today, if I hadn't had it! Some people think it's the easy way out, absolutely not... for some of us... it is the ONLY way out, but we HAVE to work at it every single day afterwards too, or the weight would just go back on! This has given him a future, and now we just make the most of the time we are given. We eat to live.... not living to eat!!!

[@liztrainer895]

That is a wonderful miracle that happened to this young man. This saved his life.

[@TheSaltySiren]

My sister had Gastric Bypass at the age of 26. She went from 420lbs. down to 178. She looks amazing, and for the first time ever, we wear the same size. As long as GB patients stick with their new eating habits, and exercise regiments, they’ll have better health in the long run.

[@chukkachick1879]

What a lovely giant. Hsndsome with a good heart. Happy for him that he achieved his goal and literally saved his life.

[@kp4636]

What an inspiring story! You can see he is so much more confident. However, this guy was so cute before! He has always had an amazing smile. 🥰

[@lucasjames7524]

Wow, what an inspiration this guy is. I'd love to see him now and hear about how he's doing. 2004-2005 is already a long time ago.

[@fuldagermany]

I read more of the information under the video and apparently 15 years have gone by so he's no longer 16. So him being in a relationship and having a baby makes sense now. My vision's not what it used to be I'm scheduled for two eye surgeries coming up and I'll be able to read a lot better after the surgeries and healing time.

[@dailydoseofmedicinee]

After you eat, it takes about six to eight hours for food to pass through your stomach and small intestine. Food then enters your large intestine (colon) for further digestion, absorption of water and, finally, elimination of undigested food. It takes about 36 hours for food to move through the entire colon.👍

[@GavinJBerry-kq1jq]

Thanks for the info

[@rikiforever420]

L

[@amandawarner2882]

I wish that would be me. I have gastroparesis... it’s like not being able to eat. Getting a feeding tube soon. Thanks for the info though. That’s def correct info!

[@neighbourhoodwitch18]

Daily Dose of Medicine only if one's physiology is considered completely 'normal'! Rapid peristalsis, for example, is accelerating that whole process, causing most unpleasant symptoms.

[@gypsierose3611]

Depends on the food

[@lizzycat1979]

His parents fed him to near death. He didn't gain weight from air and genetics

[@hugomulkyoutuber6981]

Broooo you are such an inspiration! I’m about to post my weight loss journey from last year- any tips? ❤️

[@whendis.roberts9903]

His parents are Absolutely Beautiful people!!!!!!! They really deserve everything good in this Universe!!!! So does Brandon!!! Absolutely Beautiful people!!

[@Empath_Doll]

This teen guy is adorable.

[@logiclanguagelearningFrench]

Lovely guy but he didn’t buy food himself. His parents did

[@learntocrochet1]

Maybe, but teens have many ways to get food on their own.

[@connieh6136]

And they all eat that salty fatty bacon! Just don’t feed it to your family or have it in the house! Especially when you have a child that has an obese problem,

[@olives6789]

I was wondering why nobody was saying that... he was 4 and already overweight, he didn't had money to go and buy himself food and snacks, his parents fed him!! Totally their fault...for me it's negligence! I know it isn't easy, my sister was a bit overweight when little but thankfully she had a doctor who cared. And, with the threat of losing my sister into care my mom was put in the position of doing something about it and don't just let her eat everything that she wanted! It's called parenting!

[@Lifewiththee]

He said he’d go back for seconds and thirds so... it’s not just the food but also the amount he was eating.

[@candipauline]

Correct and if he was so concerned with his health, reduce your calorie intake! Apparently he wasn't that worried if he couldn't do it himself

[@noneyabiz6928]

Angie has helped people before she is sooo Sweet and amazing love her soooo much

[@joycewright5386]

My sister had gastric bypass surgery. Lost all the weight, kept it off, and became a raging alcoholic. Alcoholism killed her.

[@simeonapajarillo6499]

First she was addicted to food then moved on to alcohol. Addiction is a cruel disease.

[@HELENGodLoves]

When was this made and where's Brandon now... anyone know

[@PerpetuallyAnnoyed]

I was wondering when it aired too?

[@ciara313245]

@@ladylabyrinth6345 When was this?!?!

[@thomaspotemciano]

2005 according to the description. Brandon is probably 31 or 32 yrs old now

[@WinnieLuthienThye]

Looked him up on FB as I was curious too. He is looking happy and healthy.

[@DELDOT]

There is a comment above stating that he kept the weight off and have a family.

[@andreawooten-mckinnon2982]

This is just crazy... Dang parents!!!!!

[@kimchi2780]

Yeah these parents are totally voiding themselves of responsibility and blame everyone else. Yet, Brandon blames himself for eating big and emotionally. These parents are like parents today who don't tell their kids no and they grow up into entitled jerks.

[@judithlpn-quilter7757]

I lived thru the same thing. I was 6 feet tall and 200 lbs at age 12. As a female I was called every name in the book. Boys tried to kill me . I stood up on the school bus 10 miles to school because no one moved over. Kids and teachers laughed at me constantly. In 1950s and 60s girls were under 5feet. I grew up in NJ wit Jewish and Italian people. A lot of dark haired, very pretty, tiny females. Only a few boys were taller in a school of 1000 students. I had no friends, never had a date. Spent my whole childhood in my room with food. Even my parents laughed at me. But I grew up, became a nurse and lost 6o lbs and kept it off until I had children. I learned how to live alone and I had to several times. I am married but if My hubby dies I will live alone again.

[@abdiwahabmohamed5885]

I am 17 year old, at my peak I was 114kgs and but four months ago I started working out and dieting and so far I have lost 25kgs got 6-8 kgs left, got tired of being overweight my entire life. If you want any tips feel free to ask.

[@dragonladee3721]

My cousin was 450 lbs and his gf was about 120 lbs and she would say she loved him big. His health was sorely at risk. He was told he would not make it to age 30. He got the surgery and started losing weight but his gf hated it so he began gaining again and is now an unhealthy 410 because she is a selfish person. His stomach stretched to huge proportions.

[@lalakuma9]

I feel like I've been really desensitized by My 600lb Life. I guess a teenager his size was considered extreme 15 years ago.

[@christiantaylor9031]

I mean it still is considered extreme

[@joeysbestfriend2614]

When you stop breathing 60 times a night in your sleep that’s EXTREME

[@matthewsnowdon8530]

Nah these days i see teens his size all the time its considered normal these days My best friend is 350ibs and hes 19 Hes doing well tho hes went from 380 to 350 in 4 weeks although he’s done this alot hopefully he manages to get to a healthy weight

[@sharonkincaid6565]

$80,000?!? That is insane! It was going to be $20,000 to have it done in Oregon US. I ended up going to Mexico 3 years ago and had it done for $4300. Best decision ever. Second chance at life. So grateful💜

[@missamanda2703]

I was 304 lbs at 20. I had surgery in 2000. I am still 143 lbs. I had 1 child. He is healthy thanks to the changes I made before he was born. He is 21. I actually grew from 5'2 to 5'5 inches tall. I work construction at 50.

[@Samuel-ku1qb]

No joke, I feel like taller guys who are heavier in high school don’t get bullied as much if they look like him. Because I remember so many guys who looked just like him and who were in friend groups and who weren’t bullies. Maybe it’s just in Sweden, but I can’t imagine him being so isolated if he pretended to be confident and garnered a friend group.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@autumnh5027]

yeah, for sure. i feel like the bullying might have been exaggerated. he probably just got called big every now and then, and clearly had friends. it would be different if a girl was his size

[@zuzu6864]

For sure, here bullying isn't really a big thing, but him being that tall and big woundn't be a problem. In fact, those kinds of guys usually could throw a person across the hall in a heartbeat, so they're feared more than anything else, so no one dares to bully them. It'd be a different story if he was shorter, though

[@jrepps4265]

Damn this made me cry fr. So happy for Brandon

[@Jdjustsaying]

Public health for all! In Australia and most wealthy countries medical expenses are covered in a public system. People should not have to suffer and live with fixable medical conditions.

[@paulasch8325]

Canada is no different, especially once retired the real expenses are not covered by any healthcare plan available for those not working ( anymore). In Europe (now) one has to pay for all kinds of different healthcare cost, and all have co-pay; a far cry from the 70's and 80's. Unable to pay co-pay no healthcare if one is not a refugee.

[@dylancarl4689]

A little sad how he’s immediately treated better at school

[@willfade7994]

Brandon’s story warmed my heart. God bless him and his family. He seems like a bright young man with a bright future ahead of him. Thank you for sharing his story! 🌹

[@jack13210]

Well done Brandon! your positive attitude will open the doors for you! good luck (fr Belgium)

[@SMFFL100]

They keep blaming his lower metabolic rate, but barely touch on the fact that he consumes 8k calories a day.

[@catastrophe4525]

it's genetics duh lol

[@tilly6240]

Hes in his 30s now. I hope hes doing well and kept the weight off 🖤🖤

[@signity5540]

same

[@jankay8569]

Brandon passed away

[@fuegofire301]

@@jankay8569 source?

[@WinnieLuthienThye]

@@jankay8569 stop trolling.

[@WinnieLuthienThye]

Looked him up on FB as I was curious too. He is looking happy and healthy.

[@raew5263]

Great story. He deserves all the happiness his heart can hold. Gives others hope. 👍

[@sarahzagone7134]

He looks fantastic, it's amazing how he changed his life around, I'm so proud of him.

[@chicgal3]

This kid should have been in sports & been active in daily physical exercise as young kid which can really help offset a lot of fat, weight and higher calorie intake It's also great tfor your mind, body & soul and instilling those habits as a child is really good & fundamental! I know that the show is saying that the parents changed his diet & feed him Healthy foods but then a few minutes later he's saying how he ate 2,3 & 4 portions and he's going Out to eat that's where the parents have to say No and when money is in a factor because for someone like Me & Many Others who grew up poor we didn't go out to fast food everyday or every week (It was Once a Month as a Little treat)and there was a limited amount of food in the house cuz we were on food stamps, so I couldn't eat up everything but My Mom didn't buy a lot of Junk Food or Over Feed Me! Our body becomes accustomed to the amount you eat whether that's a small amount or exorbitant amounts & it's hard to break away from that habit as you grow up- That's not say that I completely blame the parents because as the doctor explains some people genetically do put on more weight easily and some people are going to naturally be a little bigger but he never needed to get that large and his parents should have intervened sooner and cut back his eating and increase his physical activity when he was really young because you have to watch how large your child is getting and when you notice that early on you have to make changes like Saying No, not allowing him to have Seconds, Thirds & Fourth Helpings & not allowing him to go out to eat because now this kid is suffering for many years I'm not sure where he is in 2020 because this is an old show I pray he's doing much better

[@donnakeyes4517]

Brandon is big because as he admitted he is always hungry and he eats way too much. He's a very handsome guy and he seems to be the type of person that would give you the shirt off his back. I pray for him that he will have a long future ahead of him. I also hope he finds a woman to love him the way he is, he deserves it.

[@simeonapajarillo6499]

Ozempic would have helped him reduce his appetite. I take Ozempic I'm obese with T2DM. It really helps

[@julial3758]

Wow, wish I could go back to 2004, lol life was good.. no pandemic & I was young

[@Sarah-lv4hp]

Whewwwww no lies detected here baybeeeee 🧐 I was 17 and the world was my oyster. Now I’m 35 and have back problems and 3 kids. SEND HELP.

[@julial3758]

​@@Sarah-lv4hp I'm 4 yrs ahead of you, so enjoy being 35!! 40 is so close it scares me!! With this pandemic we all wasted a year. Wonder if life will ever even be back as it was. . I miss being young!!

[@matthewsnowdon8530]

@@julial3758 i was 4 in 2004 lol And I somehow feel old i guess I don’t have any right to say im old

[@julial3758]

@@matthewsnowdon8530 Yes no right to say you're old dude!!! You're a baby! :D It's ok, I also felt old when I was your age so I understand. IT just gets worse.. so start feeling young now!!

[@mariamabdeali32]

I wish the diet and exercise came before the surgery... as a dietitian I could tell he was on yo yo diets most of his life. He was taking second and third helpings of food. And only post surgery he really took a hold on his better lifestyle. This is something that should've been suggested to him and his parents before putting him through a life threatening situation...

[@yvonnesyffert205]

So proud of this you man . My grandson is 10 years old and his weight is 100KG. This remind me of him. I looking for the song title at the end of this episode

[@kyuu2]

He's so happy towards the end, I'm really happy for him.

[@true7870]

Yeah this is on the parents. They look like they mean well but their the cause. Their responsible for his diet.

[@drdeed610]

i’m 16 and large. I dont blame my mom and really can’t blame my mom because i’m old enough to make my own life choices now. But i wonder if she had fed me better and taught me better eating habits as a kid of my life would be better

[@lorabetht9206]

They’re - as in “they are”. Not trying to be mean just fyi

[@Ryally00]

good on him!! in your face all the people who teased him and made fun of him. People are so mean.

[@bentleysanders8722]

I watched and older video of him when he started this journey. What a difference in his attitude and looks. 411 down to 240 in 10months is amazing. Got goosebumps when I seen the new look. Keep it up Brandon !!!

[@flash215makesense7]

Feed your kids properly and pay attention to them. Saw a comment saying he is ok now that's good to hear.

[@mariaverastigue4973]

This is not genetics, he just love food

[@alyndenis6655]

At the age of 24 ,i hit 60 kilos and my height is only 5’0. I didnt want to see my self at the mirror. I started to cut carbo on my diet,go walking/ jogging atleast 4-5x day in a week until i dropped into 42 kilos in a span of 2 years.My doctor told me i was underweight and need atleast 2 kilos to get a healthy weight.Since then my weight remain at 45-47.5 .still doung cardio and less carbo. Determination and Consitency,!!!!

[@joeysbestfriend2614]

Congrats How much cardio did you do per day in minutes?

[@alyndenis6655]

@@joeysbestfriend2614 with minimum of 1 hour i follow leslie sansone boosted walk on youtube if i cant go out and incorporate other moderate impact movement

[@lindahouston4549]

What a heartwarming story! I love happy endings!

[@kalimahmaurice9389]

Im pulling for this young man. He has heart of gold & his family is amazing.

[@vonbound8465]

I hate people that Dnt even like u when ur big n now when you skinny all of a sudden everyone wants to b with him!hyprocrites😤😤😤😤

[@Tammissa]

He didn’t get this big over night. Unleash there’s a medical problem his family has a lot to do with his eating habits.

[@cillamoke]

Blame game

[@TitoSabbyPH]

He could have taken another route than surgery. Proper diet, exercise, and body building. my 2 cents.

[@ronijohnson6137]

Good for you! My grandson is like 17 in April he’s big and eats a lot...