Suvechha Sarkar
Shannon Lowery was introduced to the viewers on season 9 episode 10 of TLC’s ‘My 600-lb Life.’ At just 39 years old, she was confined to bed and was dependent on her husband for her basic daily needs. Her struggle with food began when her early years were marked by instability. Her parents divorced when she was just five years old. From that moment, Shannon was raised by different guardians who only stuck around for a while. Over the years, she began finding comfort in food. Eventually, her addiction turned out to be a never-ending cycle. However, she realized that her body was reaching a breaking point. Shannon knew that if she did not change soon, she might not survive. Hence, she took a courageous step towards a new life by seeking professional guidance.
Shannon Lowery Faced Several Hurdles Due to the Pandemic
When Shannon Lowery first appeared on the show, she weighed 739 lbs. She was almost immobile and was unable to walk for more than 10 to 15 steps at a time. In the first month, Dr. Nowzaradan gave her the goal to lose 150 lbs in two months over the call. However, she faced a major roadblock during her trip to Houston for her next appointment in the third month. The travel proved to be more than her body could handle and caused her unbearable pain. The condition became so severe that the doctor insisted that she be admitted directly to the hospital. He was worried about the development of a blood clot and the possibility of a life-threatening Pulmonary Embolism. While in the hospital, she began the weight-loss program and received the same goal again. Dr. Now asked her to move to Houston to continue the program more intensively.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Shannon’s medical appointments. This stalled her momentum, and when she returned for her check-in in the eleventh month, she could not fit on the weight scale. The doctor eventually delivered the hard truth that if she did not meet her goal in the next two months, there would be no point in continuing the program. It motivated her to resume her physical activity by working hard at the gym. One year and one month into her journey, she realized the trip to Houston was much easier this time. Her weight dropped to 698 lbs, and Dr. Now declared her next goal was to get under 500 lbs to become eligible for the weight-loss surgery. Ultimately, it was revealed that Shannon and her husband had found a place in Houston and planned to move within two months, provided her progress stayed on track.
Shannon Lowery Resorted to Social Media to Showcase Her Journey
Shannon Lowery had constantly been battling a lifetime of hardship, both physically and professionally. When she graduated from high school at 17, she already weighed 450 lbs. Soon after, she found a job and embraced her independence by moving out. She eventually had her own place along with three of her roommates. For a brief period, she enjoyed her work, had a place of her own, and was excited for the life she was starting to build for herself. However, everything turned upside down when Shannon lost her job, and her friends turned her away. With nowhere else to go, she reached out to her family once again.
However, Shannon alleged that the refuge with her mother and stepfather quickly became a nightmare. She further alleged that she left when things got violent. Being homeless and overwhelmed by pain, she admittedly tried to take her life but was eventually saved. During this time, she was already 522 lbs and was diagnosed with Cellulitis. It became nearly impossible for Shannon to take care of herself, and she moved into an assisted living facility. Gradually, her weight soared over 600 lbs, ending her chances of returning to her professional life. However, the turning point arrived when she began her weight-loss journey. Shannon already had her own YouTube channel, which she had opened sometime in 2016.
Shannon turned to the platform with renewed purpose and began documenting her ongoing progress towards her goal of undergoing weight-loss surgery. She garnered a decent fan base and amassed 1.47K subscribers on the channel. In one of her most recent updates, Shannon achieved a milestone where she succeeded in walking around the gym with the help of a walker. Furthermore, the reality star did not let the circumstances define her. She started learning Spanish using Duolingo. In September 2023, she proudly shared her progress in the language with her fans on Facebook. She is socially active and frequently shares glimpses of her daily life with her supporters.
Shannon Johnson is Surrounded by the Love of Her Partner and Father Today
Behind Shannon’s battle against morbid obesity, she lives a life defined by love and resilience. At the heart of her journey is her husband, Simon, who has remained with her through life’s most challenges. Their love story began through online gaming when Shannon was just 29 years old. Their playful conversations evolved into something deeper within months, and they ended up sharing their vows. Throughout her weight-loss program, Simon stood by her side as a source of unwavering support. Whether it was helping Shannon with her daily routine or accompanying her to the doctor’s appointments, his love never faltered. Shannon also shares an affectionate bond with her nephew.
From spending Christmas together to surprising him with thoughtful gifts, she cherishes their every moment together. Another significant figure in Shannon’s life is her father, Dale. He has also been a source of encouragement in her path towards weight loss. In December 2022, her world was shaken when her mother, Grace Marie Fabrico, passed away. She penned a heartfelt tribute to her beloved mother on her first death anniversary in December 2023. She wrote, in part, “…There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and miss you.” While the void left by her passing can’t be filled, Shannon is keeping her memories alive in her heart.
Shannon is also a proud cat mom to a furry kitten, Shadown Monster, AKA, Mooie, and loves spending time with her. She also loves to experiment with her hair and shared a selfie flaunting her new haircut in May 2025. Glowing with newfound confidence, the reality star has continued her journey towards wellness, which is quite evident from the snapshots of her healthy meals. Although she has not shared recent updates about her weight-loss surgery, we believe Shannon never stopped walking towards transformation.
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