Suvechha Sarkar
While several of Vannessa Cross’ fans know her from TLC’s ‘1000-Lb Best Friends,’ her journey in front of the camera actually began on TLC’s ‘Too Large.’ On both of these shows, she appears alongside her longtime best friend, Meghan Crumpler, whose genuine bond instantly resonated with the audience. Vannessa is also known for emotional vulnerability and fierce commitment to change. Her openness about her insecurities and triumphs makes her story all the more relatable. Today, she can be easily seen as a symbol of perseverance and self-love, motivating many others to take charge of their own health.
Vannessa Cross Surpassed Her Goals to Attain a Life-Changing Transformation
When Vannessa Cross first stepped into the show, she revealed that she weighed 448 lbs. From those early days, she confronted her daily struggles, such as mobility limits, emotional pain, and the pressure of accountability. Instead of letting them slow her down, she kept pushing forward, which eventually helped her undergo bariatric surgery. Vannessa also completely overhauled her diet and indulged in regular physical activities. Gradually, her weight began to decrease, and by the time of her skin removal surgery, she weighed 175 lbs. It marked a significant milestone for Vannessa as it was the first time she brought her weight under 200 lbs.
However, it’s not just the weight loss that defines Vannessa’s journey but also the moments in between. She went through several emotional phases as she cried after her post-surgery weigh-in or even when she wore clothes that she had previously never dared to wear. There were multiple instances with Meghan where tensions flared and frustration arose, but Vannessa never lost her compassion. Throughout the seasons, she tried to motivate her friends to continue eating healthily and undergo a transformation, which ultimately pushed them harder than she intended. However, by the end, Vannessa is a woman who always gives it her best to uplift others alongside her.
Vannessa Cross Efficiently Balances Her Roles as a Manager and Content Creator
At one point in her life, Vannessa Cross’ highest weight was 535 lbs, and she recalled it as one of the most challenging chapters of her life. It even led her to be confined to bed between 2010 and 2013. She then battled tirelessly to lose weight, trying every possible diet, plan, and remedy she could find. Yet, each of her attempts seemed to end in disappointment. Vannessa’s health struggles ultimately made it hard for her to step into her professional life fully. However, the reality star finally took a step forward by working closely with Dr. Charles Procter and committed herself wholeheartedly to the process. Through surgery, disciplined eating, and sheer perseverance, she successfully transformed her life, bringing her weight down to 175 pounds.
By October 2024, Vannessa disclosed to her fans that she was working at Smoothie King. She was also overjoyed since she was able to stand for 6 to 7 hours straight per shift. In May 2025, it was announced that she had assumed the position of Store Manager. Additionally, the reality star has amassed a substantial fan base on social media, with over 210K followers on Instagram and 4.8K friends on Facebook. On these platforms, Vannessa often shares workout videos, healthy smoothie recipes, and candid reflections about her ongoing transformation. Her authenticity has attracted brands, including a paid partnership with FitTrack in 2023 and a collaboration with Luxmery Bodysuit in January 2025. Before that, Vannessa had the opportunity to appear as a guest on the ‘Tamron Hall Show’ in November 2024.
Vannessa also appeared on the ‘Shirts In The Pool’ podcast in September 2025, where she and Meghan discussed behind-the-scenes moments from their favorite episodes of the show, especially the hilarious Beach Bikini and Camp segments. She expanded her professional reach by October, having launched her YouTube channel. Vannessa is quite active on Cameo and also teaches a course on health and nutrition, which is available to people in West Atlanta. Moreover, she sold souvenir hats from Season 1 and considered hosting meet-and-greet events and training sessions to support herself between seasons. Through all of this, the unwavering love and encouragement of Vannessa’s fans have remained relatively constant as she inspires others to believe that transformation is possible at any stage of life.
Vannessa Cross Finds Comfort in the Presence of Her Three Sons
Although Vannessa Cross remains deeply committed to her transformative journey, her world revolves around her greatest treasures. Those are none other than her three handsome sons: Jacob, Werner, and Justin. No matter how busy life gets, the reality star always grabs the opportunity to celebrate them, whether it’s their birthday, a special outing, or simply spending quality time together. Her social media often reflects this devotion, which further highlights how deeply she cherishes them. In an affectionate birthday wish for Jacob, Vannessa wrote, “My baby Jacob will be 21 tomorrow!!!! I’M SCREAMING HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FIRST BORN!!!! Momma love you we gonna do it big!!!!” Jacob also faced the challenge of being overweight and became inspired to work on himself after seeing his mother.
Vannessa also shares an incredible bond with her parents and often expresses gratitude for their support. However, in February 2023, she faced a heartbreaking loss when her grandmother passed away. It was a moment that left her deeply vulnerable as she reflected on happier memories from the past. During that difficult time, Vannessa received an outpouring of love and prayers from her loved ones and fans. Yet, she often finds joy in the presence of her little sister and her nephew, both of whom hold a special place in her heart. Back at home, her life is incomplete without her furry kitten and beloved dog, who are her constant companions. Vannessa’s friendships are just as meaningful to her.
Vannessa is her friends’ biggest cheerleader whenever they achieve a milestone. She is especially close to Meghan and frequently expresses her gratitude for having her in her life. In July, the reality star faced a predicament, where she shared that she was “holding on by a thread.” Although she didn’t elaborate on the matter, we do hope that she has overcome the hurdle. Besides this, Vannessa utilizes every chance to embrace the little joys of life. In August, she enjoyed a night of laughter at a comedy event. When she isn’t busy working, she loves soaking up the sun at the beach. Through every high and low, Vannessa continues to prove that when someone sets their heart on change, they can truly move mountains.
Read More: Meghan Crumpler: Where is the 1000‑Lb Best Friends Star Now?
