Suvechha Sarkar
Season 12, episode 3 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life’ features the transformative journey of Delana Boyer. Her first cousin initially raised her, but she revealed how her life changed when her biological mother kidnapped her at age 7. After being brought back, her cousin tried to comfort her with cookies, cakes, and anything she craved. By the time she finished high school, she was already battling obesity. The heartbreak of losing her child at 20, followed by losing custody of her son and later the departure of her daughter, only deepened her emotional wounds. All of these incidents pushed her further to depend on food for happiness. However, Delana realized that losing weight was crucial to reclaiming her life.
Delana Boyer Fought Through Setbacks to Get the Weight Loss Surgery
At the beginning of her weight loss journey, Delana Boyer weighed 646 lbs. When she met Dr. Nowzaradan, he gave her an achievable goal to lose 50 lbs in two months by following a 1200-calorie, high-protein, low-carb diet and a daily exercise routine. She had even talked with her husband about relocating to Houston to commit to the program entirely. However, life threw her curveballs as finding a new home proved difficult. Moreover, their broken-down car from their first trip to Houston remained stuck in the shop, delaying Delana’s local clinic visit. When she finally made it there, she discovered that she had gained 5 lbs more, bringing her weight up to 651. Dr. Nowzaradan bluntly gave her an ultimatum that Delana needed to lose 60 lbs or she would be dropped from the program.
By the sixth month, Delana had found a home in Houston, Texas, and even moved there. She began rigorously sticking to her plan. By her next check-up, her goal was to reach 596 lbs. Surprisingly, she was elated to see her weight had gone down to 578.2 lbs. Dr. Nowzaradan approved her for the weight loss surgery one month later, provided she lost another 40 lbs by then. By month 10, the reality star had reached 539 lbs and underwent the surgery, which thankfully went smoothly despite concerns. By the end, Delana proudly shared how she had lost another 24 lbs and was facing fewer problems with her mobility. She had also shared how she had even started going out again.
Delana Has Begun a New Part-time Job and Continues to Motivate Her Followers
Delana’s journey has been nothing short of transformative. After graduating from Charles D. Owen High School in 1997, she began working as a medical receptionist at Mission Health in May 2016. There, her day-to-day roles included answering calls from patients to schedule their doctors’ appointments, placing medication refill requests, and so on. However, when her weight began increasing, daily tasks gradually became daunting. By 2018, Delana was forced to step away from her job. However, when she chose to start the weight loss program, things began to shift. In July 2024, the reality star took to social media with the good news that she has rejoined the workforce.
Delana revealed that it was a part-time role, symbolizing her reclamation of independence. She shared that although her legs still swell due to Lymphedema, she works closely with a specialist to manage the symptoms. The reality star has remained active on Facebook, where she regularly connects with her followers through personal updates and reflections on her transformation. Delana has garnered a loyal fan base, who overflow her comment section with encouragement and admiration, stating about her inspirational journey. The reality star’s current photos reveal a noticeable change in her frame and prominent features, which indicate that she has stayed on the right track.
Delana Continues to Build a Life Full of Love With Her Family by Her Side
Despite the hardships, Delana’s family has been her biggest support. Her biological mother, Sharon, had to leave her behind with her first cousin, Maryanne, because of some complications. However, she revealed how Sharon had come back when she was seven years old and had kidnapped her for one year. Moving on later in her life, she was adopted by Mary Ann Gardner. Delana loves her adoptive mother quite dearly and often pens down heartfelt messages for her on her birthday. In December 2024, she wrote, “Birthday alert! Not only is it my special day, but I get to share it with my mom, Mary Ann Gardner – she’s the other birthday girl!” Although Sharon and Delana had a love-hate relationship, they have mended the fences. It is evident from the way she expresses love for her in the comments and wishes her on her birthday.
Delana’s life had been filled with grief after the loss of her first daughter, who was full-term stillborn. The reality star had also lost her son, Lee, to a custody battle with her previous husband because she did not have an attorney. A few years later, Delana remarried and had her daughter, Savannah, who now goes by Nikki Holland. The mother and daughter had a love-hate relationship because when the latter was 12, a big argument led her to move out into her uncle’s home. They had even stopped meeting, but came together during Delana’s weight loss journey. That was when the reality star met her granddaughter for the first time. Delana is also close to her brother, Danny. It was visible from how she expressed that he was someone she could rely on at any point in her life.
Besides this, her biggest support was her husband, James, whom she had met through online dating. He visited with her to the doctor’s appointments and always accompanied her in her battle against obesity. Although she has not revealed what actually happened, her Facebook relationship status now reads divorced. Judging from her social media, Delana seems to have a new person in her life. He often comments lovingly on her pictures, writing, “Gorgeous, My Love” and “My beautiful baby.” Although the reality star has not publicly spoken about her relationship, we do hope she is basking in happiness. Additionally, her furry pup, Mando, is a big part of her life. Delana never misses a chance to shower him with love and uncountable belly rubs.
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