Suvechha Sarkar
Natalie Sconiers, AKA Shifrá, and her mother, Felicia Illiomme, were first introduced in season 2, episode 1 of TLC’s ‘Dangerously Obese.’ Their journey was filled with love, frustration, and determination as they battled obesity together. Although Natalie was the daughter, she found herself taking on the caretaker role to help her mother regain her independence after she had been confined to bed for a year. On the other hand, Felicia was driven by her desire to improve her mobility and reclaim her life. Their struggles led to their shared decision to seek professional help, marking a turning point in their lives that inspires others.
Natalie and Felicia Fought Through Pain to Get Their Weight Loss Surgery
Natalie Sconiers, AKA Shifrá, had revealed that she began gaining weight when she was 13 or 14 years old because she went on birth control. Despite her numerous attempts over the years to lose weight, nothing seemed to work. At the same time, her mother, Felicia Illiomme, had been stuck in bed for a year after a bad fall caused by arthritis. Natalie took care of her mother, but it was challenging due to her own weight. Hence, she reached out to Dr. Charles Procter Jr. for professional help. During the first appointment, Natalie discovered that she weighed 655.4 lbs. The doctor set her goal to bring her weight under 600 lbs in two months to qualify for weight loss surgery. She also explained her mother’s condition to him, and he agreed to visit Felicia at home.
Felicia had begun gaining weight after the birth of her children. So, when she learned that Dr. Procter would help her, a spark of hope returned. On the other hand, Natalie weighed in just a week and a half into her journey, only to find that she had gained weight, reaching 667.5 lbs. In the meantime, Dr. Procter visited Felicia and discovered that she was actually bedridden because of her fear. Dr. Procter encouraged her to walk into his clinic and promised that only then would he approve her for surgery.
Meanwhile, two months later, Natalie discovered that she had surpassed her goal, dropping to 595.2 lbs. She underwent gastric bypass surgery and was eventually placed on a liquid diet. On the other hand, Felicia continued attending physical therapy regularly and staying on a diet. It helped her walk into the doctor’s clinic and get approval for surgery. Seven months later, Natalie had dropped her weight down to 505 lbs, setting her sights on the goal weight of 180 lbs. Similarly, Felicia, who started at 520 lbs, had lost an impressive 134 lbs since her surgery.
Natalie Sconiers is Thriving as a Model, Creator, and Devoted Mom Today
After completing higher education at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Natalie Sconiers, AKA Shifrá, found a new purpose beyond the challenges she once faced. As of writing, she proudly works as a plus-size model and digital creator, using her platform to inspire others on their own journeys towards self-love. With over 8K followers on Instagram and a 6.6K community on Facebook, Natalie frequently shares insights into her transformation and personal life. In January 2025, she posed before the camera for Monique’s Modeling Workshop, followed by her promotion of a Model Mixer Photoshoot, which took place on October 25, 2025. However, Natalie has chosen to keep further details about her professional life private while continuing to empower others through her messages.
In her personal life, during her time on the show, Natalie was in a relationship with Wendell. However, it seems that both of them have gone their separate ways. In March 2024, she introduced her new partner to the world, disclosing that they had gone for a movie date. By the following November, they were overjoyed to share that they were going to embrace parenthood. During her gender reveal party, Natalie learned that they were expecting a beautiful baby girl. By February 2025, the couple welcomed their daughter, Ja’Nayla, into the world. Following that, Natalie’s feed filled with tender moments celebrating her motherhood. Besides this, Natalie shares an incredible bond with her mother, Felicia, which has only strengthened throughout their weight loss journey.
Natalie and Felicia often celebrate milestones together and post playful videos of themselves dancing at home. However, the family faced a predicament when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Fortunately, in October 2025, Natalie joyfully announced that her mother was now completely cancer-free. The reality star also cherishes her tight-knit family, including her uncle, Terrence, and her little nephew. Natalie calls herself a “Lymphedema Warrior,” but has kept the details about it under wraps. Whenever she gets a chance, the reality star loves traveling to several exotic locations. In July 2024, she jetted off to the Bahamas, and by May 2025, Natalie journeyed to the Dominican Republic with her partner. Considering recent photos, Natalie appears to have continued to stay on the right track with her weight loss, earning support and encouragement from her supporters.
Felicia Illiomme is Leading a Peaceful Life Focused on Faith and Her Loved Ones
Felicia Illiomme’s unwavering faith and persistence always shine through every chapter of her life. She had opened up about playing volleyball in high school, following which she pursued higher education at Moultrie Technical College. Although she now prefers to keep her professional life private, her journey of perseverance and faith continues to inspire many. Felicia’s life was unexpectedly interrupted due to a fall that left her bedridden. However, she quietly regained her strength through determination. It helped her earn an outpouring of encouragement from viewers who continue to cheer her on. Presently, Felicia maintains an active presence on Facebook.
Being a woman of faith, Felicia frequently shares uplifting messages and scriptures on the platform and often celebrates her weight loss progress. Her recent photos reveal a woman glowing with newfound confidence, which suggests that her commitment to her health remains strong. Felicia’s relationship with her daughter remains one of the most heartwarming aspects of her life. They often express their love for one another on social media. While speaking about her mother’s progress, Natalie penned a beautiful message, writing, “She lost her mobility, but we never let her lose her faith — now look at God’s work. This comeback isn’t luck, it’s divine & every step is a prayer answered. From wheelchair to walking in grace — God really said, ‘I’m not done with you yet.’ To say I’m proud of her would be an understatement.”
Felicia maintains an equally close relationship with her brother, Terrence. It became evident when he took care of her when she was unable to get out of bed and even accompanied her to doctor’s visits. Family continues to be the heart of her world, and at the centre of that is Natalie’s daughter and her granddaughter, Ja’Nayla. Felicia calls her affectionately “Grannie’s Girl” and never misses a chance to shower her with love and attention. No matter what challenges come her way, she continues to inspire others by simply never giving up.
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