Naman Shrestha
Abi Ruiz is the subject of the fourth episode of the 12th season of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life.’ Following a serious accident, he was forced to remain in bed for more than seven years, leading to him gaining hundreds of pounds over time. As his weight surpassed the 700-pound mark, he decided to seek professional help and consulted with Dr. Nowzaradan. With a dream to lead a healthy and normal life with his wife, Abi was determined to do everything to achieve his mission.
An Accident Triggered Abi Ruiz’s Unhealthy Relationship With Food
For a majority of his life, Abi Ruiz was skinny until he started to gain some weight in his late teens, when he stopped playing sports and focused on his career. Gradually, he developed an unhealthy eating habit and put on more than 450 pounds by the time he graduated. By then, he also clicked romantically with Brenda, who stayed by his side through thick and thin. Things worsened when he met with an unfortunate accident in 2014. Not only was he bedridden for an extended period of time, but he also became partially paralyzed as he claimed that he “lost feeling from my chest down.”
Brenda stayed by his side through it all and even married him. For years, he was restricted to his bed due to the paralysis. When things started looking up for him, he was visited by Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, AKA Dr. Now, who came up with a strict diet plan, which also included weekly physiotherapy at home. Due to being restricted to bed, he could not measure his weight. Thus, since he was unaware of his weight at the time, he did not have a clear goal in mind, leaving him a bit discouraged and demotivated. Instead of giving up, his desire to someday lead a normal life with his wife, Brenda, led him to accelerate his weight-loss journey with the help of Dr. Now, who transferred him to a hospital room.
In the beginning, he weighed 728 pounds, which dropped down to 605 pounds within a month, thanks to a strict diet and physiotherapy routine. Due to the loss of several pounds, several of his health issues were also regulated. After several months, his weight went down to nearly 527 pounds, after which he was deemed eligible for weight loss surgery by Dr. Now. After undergoing the surgery successfully, an orthopedic surgeon named Dr. David Lin diagnosed a few other complications and recommended hip surgery. However, in order to be fit for that, he was given a goal of reaching the target weight of 350 pounds.
Abi Ruiz is Focused on Maintaining a Healthier Lifestyle Today
Abi Ruiz has come a long way since his journey on the show ended. He has concentrated all his focus on achieving his personal weight goal. From regular workouts to dietary adjustments, he is doing everything he can to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with renewed vigor and encouragement from his loved ones. Since early 2024, Abi has kept his supporters informed about his progress by sharing regular updates on his social media accounts. Putting his story out there for the world to see was a bold move on Abi’s part, and instead of letting it overwhelm him, he is moving at a slow but steady pace. In April 2024, he and Brenda thanked all his well-wishers for their kind words. He shared a video of himself working out while sitting upright, in a much better posture than before.
To build his upper body and mental strength, Abi started a routine that involved lifting weights, boxing, and physiotherapy, and it showed significant results. May brought in a wholesome surprise for Abi as he received a new pair of kicks as a gift from his friend Limarie, from Puerto Rico. In the same month, he shared that his legs were “only 18 inches apart.” Though with assistance from a ramp, he took a bus ride for the first time in years to get his vision tested. An elated Abi shared in June that he received his new wheelchair with advanced features. August was special for Abi for more than one reason. He introduced another member to the Ruiz family, an adorable little kitten he named Nacho. On a personal level, Abi and Brenda spent quality time together on their first date in years by catching a show of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’ In October 2024, he went out to cast his vote after years.
Abi Ruiz Finds His Strength in His Strong Support System
Overcoming one fear after another, Abi has tackled every hurdle with a smile and keeps ticking off one milestone after another. While he would get tired quickly initially, as his body wasn’t used to movement, he believed in himself and pushed through. He never misses a chance to express gratitude for the genuine love and moments he is getting to experience as part of the process. He turned 40 in November 2024 and celebrated his day by visiting a haunted house with Brenda. While he couldn’t access all of the attractions, Abi had a fun night overall. In December, the pair attended their first-ever comedy show. Despite the heavy rain and cold winds, they made it to The Red Room at Cap City Comedy Club to catch David Gborie live.
In March 2025, Abi embarked on his first recon mission to the iconic entertainment district of 6th Street to check out power wheelchair-friendly spots that would grant him access. He also offered an update about the surgery on his feet, saying, “We are still work on those surguries. But we plan to inform everyone when they get closer.” Abi shared in April that he is deeply passionate about playing drums, a skill he has been practicing since he received a set from his beloved father when he was 15. While self-taught, he refined his skills after starting a band with his friends called Industria Satelite.
Reminiscing about the time, he shared a picture of himself in his element during one of their performances in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, from back in the day, Abi expressed, “Can’t wait to be able to play drums again!” As of today, the Austin, Texas, native is moving forward with determination and resilience, only focusing on his health, family, and things that matter. While some days are tougher than the rest, Abi is more resolute in his path than ever, with the immense love and support from his wife, Brenda, and of course, his cuddly companions, Teddy and Nacho.
Read More: Where is Syreeta Covington Now? My 600 Lb Life Update
