Shivangi Sinha
Weight loss is never just about the physical. It’s a deeply emotional journey that demands strength, patience, and the willingness to confront painful truths. For many, it’s tied to years of struggle and the hope for a better future. Lifetime’s ‘The 6000 Lb Diaries With Dr. Now’ explores these layered realities and gives viewers an intimate look into the lives of individuals fighting for change. In the first season, Crystal Hedricks stood out as one of Dr. Now’s patients. She bravely shared not just her medical battles but also her personal story and talked about her deep desire to reclaim her life and move forward.
Crystal Hedricks Tried Her Best But Couldn’t Qualify For Surgery
Crystal Hedricks shared that she was raised in a loving, supportive home and did not experience childhood trauma, which is often linked to extreme weight gain. However, she struggled with a naturally slow metabolism from a young age and recalled weighing nearly 200 pounds by the time she was just 8 or 9 years old. Despite her size, she lived a relatively normal life through her teenage years, enjoying parties, making close friends, and even falling in love with a man named Rick. They got married and welcomed a daughter, Gwen. Crystal revealed that the baby girl was born prematurely and it was a complication doctors attributed to the mother’s weight.
Everything changed for Crystal when her mother passed away. She described that moment as the point where her world shifted entirely. Throughout her twenties, her weight increased dramatically, though her husband remained by her side. He supported her in every way by cooking meals, cleaning, and helping her with daily tasks. But as the years passed and her health continued to decline, Crystal sensed that the emotional burden was taking a toll. When Gwen turned six, the marriage ended. Crystal admitted she understood her husband’s fatigue, saying he had become more of a caretaker than a partner.
After the divorce, she moved in with her father, Vince, who continued to support her as best he could. In 2002, Crystal had undergone bariatric surgery, but the results didn’t last. She eventually found ways to eat around the surgery, and food remained her main coping mechanism. Her weight continued to climb until she reached nearly 700 pounds. Determined to make a change, she reached out to Dr. Younan Nowzaradan for help. But her mobility was so limited that she couldn’t travel to meet him. Despite the commitment, Crystal struggled to stick to the dietary plans required for surgery and ultimately didn’t qualify for the procedure.
Crystal Hedricks Has Decided Not to Give Up Hope
Crystal Hedricks had always expressed a sincere desire to return to a healthier version of herself. She spoke openly about wanting to stick to her diet and exercise plans, not just for the sake of weight loss but to reclaim her life. Her ultimate goal was to become healthy enough to undergo bariatric surgery a second time, even though, as highlighted in the episode, the chances of success after a second surgery are less than 1%. Still, she remained determined. Her motivation is clear, and it is her daughter, Gwen.
She said she no longer wanted to live confined to a room because of her size. She longed to experience life fully and to travel, to move freely, and to be present for her daughter in every way possible. With that goal in mind, she committed to doing whatever it would take to move forward, physically and emotionally. As part of her journey, she also began seeing a mental health therapist to work through the deeper issues that contributed to her relationship with food and self-worth. While she hasn’t publicly shared an update on her progress, one can only hope she is continuing on her path at her own pace and on her own terms.
Crystal Hedricks Hasn’t Shared Much About Her Life Recently
Crystal Hedricks appears to be living a quiet life in Mount Holly, North Carolina, where she has been keeping a low profile for several years. She is not very active on social media and seems to prefer privacy and solitude. A graduate of East Gaston High School, she is now around 50 years old. While there is little public information about her current health or personal life, it seems she has always had a soft spot for animals, particularly dogs, and birds, and has had a few pets of her own over the years. She remains very close to her nephew, Matthew, who has been a little bubble of joy in her life. Crystal is believed to be single and focused on her own well-being. Though updates have been scarce, many who saw her story on television continue to hope she is finding peace, healing, and comfort.
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