Amber Rachdi, who identifies as "they," began their weight loss journey as a participant of "My 600-lb Life." Their episode was the first one of Season 3 and aired in 2015. At the time, they were 23 years old and weighed 657 pounds. Rachdi lived at home with their parents at the beginning of their saga, but unlike many others who have appeared on the show, they had unwavering support from their mom, dad, and brother.
"Amber's Story" was especially poignant because they were so young. Lymphedema in both legs made it difficult for Rachdi to walk or stand for long periods of time, yet to be a participant on the show, they had to travel from Troutdale, Oregon, to Houston, Texas, for treatment. For Rachdi and their parents, the journey was more than just long and arduous, it was also humiliating. Rachdi was forced to pay for two tickets on the airplane, faced indifference by airline staff when asking for help, and had to travel by luggage cart to the gate when their wheelchair malfunctioned at drop off.
During the episode, Rachdi referred to themselves in derogatory terms, saying they felt like a "nasty, yucky monster." They described the journey from Oregon to Texas as a nightmare and admitted to feelings of hopelessness and humiliation. They avowed, at the time, that any further trips to Houston would happen by car.
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