Bethany Stout has completely transformed her life since she appeared on My 600-lb Life in 2020. The 40-year-old reality star was seen in season 8, where she started her body makeover. At the time of her debut, Bethany was over 607 pounds, and completely depended on her kids. She couldn’t perform even the most basic tasks on her own. As a result, she wasn’t in a good mental space – she felt like a failure. During her episode, she said:

“I feel like I’m not a contributing member of the family”

While Bethany’s story was normal for the show, there was a twist. Bethany used to be an addiction counselor – she has an MS in counseling psychology. Therefore, there was hope that the My 600-lb Life celeb, then 40, would overcome her struggles through Dr. Nowzaradan’s weight loss program. During eight months of treatment with Dr. Now, Bethany showed impressive progress, bringing her weight down to 496 pounds. However, she later relapsed, going up to over 500 pounds, despite bariatric surgery.

My 600-Lb Life Star Bethany Stout Has Dropped 150 Pounds

Bethany Stout Seems Happier At A Lower Weight

Bethany’s reality TV episode ended on a sad note. However, during her famous and much-discussed appearance on My 600-lb Life, the Oklahoma mom opened up about her experience on the series, saying that she didn’t enjoy it. She also revealed that she would continue losing weight – she had no plans to give up.

In 2020, Bethany shared a photo of her thinner face, and proudly wrote, “I can tell a little difference!! Making progress!!” Soon after, The List reported that she’d lost over 150 pounds. She was thrilled to fit into smaller sizes. Bethany remarked:

“Ready for work in my size 18 jeans down from size 38.”

Bethany Stout Shared An Update With My 600-Lb Life Fans

She Opened Up On Social Media

The My 600-lb Life season 8 alum used to post her weight-loss journey updates on Facebook. One post comes from early 2022 – back then, she addressed the fans after not being active for months. Bethany wrote, “Haven’t updated in Awhile! Loving life May God bless you all,” while posting a photo of her face that showed her glowing skin and modest smile.

My 600-lb Life viewers were happy to see the update. They couldn’t wait to congratulate the Oklahoma resident on her successful weight loss. Someone wrote, “Your Husband and Daughters have to be so proud of you!!” while applauding Bethany’s progress.

My 600-Lb Life’s Bethany Stout Is Low-Key On Social Media

She Doesn’t Share Everything

Bethany also has a fan page on Instagram. However, she stopped updating it in 2021, which could mean that she’s busy living her life as a mom. One of the My 600-lb Life star’s old full-body mirror selfies from 2021 does show her looking healthier than ever, and significantly slimmer. The Oklahoma resident previously had a blog called bariatricmama.com, where she posted more updates about her journey. However, her website no longer works in 2024.

As per a Reddit thread started by TeeVee12, Bethany’s blog’s bio featured some interesting information about her educational background and counseling career. Bethany also shared facts about her family. According to the fan, Bethany wrote:

Hi!! My name is Bethany Stout. I am from Oklahoma, mom to four beautiful daughters, and wife to one wonderful husband. I have recently joined the “loser’s bench” and had the gastric sleeve performed in November 2019. I made this page to create a community of support, information, and resources for others who are on this journey with me.

The fan was skeptical. Although Bethany did lose some weight, it seemed like she might have had two bariatric procedures rather than just one. Another Redditor called her a “loser.” Comments on Bethany’s journey on the show definitely skew negative. The fan who was critical of Bethany’s decision to offer advice wasn’t totally mean, sharing their take on addicts who counsel others:

My ex is a terrific drug and alcohol counselor. Like Bethany, he has a master’s. Also, 25 yrs experience working in rehabs, with the homeless, in methadone centers, and currently in a state prison. He was sober for about 10 years ( while completing his education and working his way up). He relapsed 20 yrs ago and has never stopped drinking and popping opiates. And yet he continues to work. As does his wife, an alcoholic. Also, a D+A counselor, master’s level. As Bethany said, it is do as I say, don’t do as I do. Both my ex and his wife are highly resistant to any counseling because, like Bethany, they think they can do it on their own. They can’t. My takeaway is that many addictions counselors go into the field b/c of their background. Some of them can compartmentalize well enough to help others, but not themselves.

That sounds a bit sketchy, and since it’s Reddit, where people can post anonymously, it may not even be true. However, there’s always the chance that the Redditor was telling the truth. If so, Bethany may have something to offer while having problems of her own. It’s also noteworthy that she has so many kids. Other My 600-Lb Life stars are parents – however, most don’t have that many children. Melissa Morris is the exception – she has three kids.

Bethany Stout Celebrated Her Thinner Body With A Colorful Tattoo

She Is Proud Of Her Weight Loss Journey

The Reddit sleuths found facts about Bethany that gave more insight into her life after the show, including the blog bio. While she isn’t posting on Instagram or Facebook in 2024, her older IG pictures and captions show her pride over her weight loss, regardless of what trolls say. In October 2020, Bethany shared a picture of her tattoo, which is on the inside of her wrist. She added the caption:

Celebrating weight loss goals as well as maintaining good mental health for months now! It’s amazing! Ty amber bailey tattoo

While Bethany obviously felt pleased with herself and how far she had come, some Instagram critics felt that the glass was half full. They called her out for waiting too long to get help for any mental health issues she might have been living with. One snarky hater said:

finally got the psych counseling Dr Now told you that was needed. Why so aversive on the show? I could barely watch it.

Comments like these are everywhere, and they may be the reason why Bethany doesn’t post anywhere. She may think that she’ll get swarmed if she puts her life out there – sadly, she’s right. While the My 600-Lb Life star seems very happy, smiling in older photos and sporting a bold tattoo that symbolizes her victory (losing over 100 pounds), there are those who didn’t appreciate her on the series. They felt she wasn’t a good person.

Bethany Stout’s Goals Are Worthy Ones

She Shared A Health Journey “Bucket List”

Bethany was active on Instagram in August 2020. She shared a handwritten list of her goals, including her desire to complete a:

5K

Some of her goals were more poignant, showing the emotional pain that being so heavy can bring. For example, she dreams of flying without an “extender seat” and wants to buy regular-sized clothes, rather than plus-sizes. Like 1000-lb Sisters star Tammy Slaton, who wore size 8XL before dropping to 2XL, she found choosing clothes difficult at her highest weight. Hopefully, in 2024, Bethany has ticked some of these goals off her bucket list – if not, maybe she will soon.

Dr. Now Doesn’t Help Everyone

Some My 600-lb Life Stars Have Died

My 600-Lb Life tells some wrenching stories. It’s a show that is filled with intense emotions, including shame, sadness and hopelessness. Those who find the strength to change often dig very deep. They battle demons that put their lives at risk. Sadly, some of the series’ stars don’t make it – so far, ten show alums have passed away, including the late My 600-lb Life star, Henry Foots.

Sources: The List, Bethany Stout/Facebook, Bethany Stout/Instagram, TeeVee12.Reddit, Bethany Stout/Instagram, Bethany Stout/Instagram