‘1,000-Lb Sisters’ Amy Slaton Talks Prioritizing Her Mental Health Over Weight Loss

"1,000-Lb Sisters" star Amy Slaton, who lost 176 lbs. after weight loss surgery, emphasizes prioritizing mental health over physical size post-divorce.

In a new interview, she acknowledged the impact on her two toddlers and recognized the absence of support in her tumultuous marriage. Seeking therapy, she revealed a bipolar disorder diagnosis, expressing relief at understanding her emotions.

Slaton's commitment to therapy, medication, and positive surroundings is reflected in her kids' improved well-being. She aspires to raise them in a healthier environment, introducing them to wholesome foods and fostering personal growth.

In an interview with People magazine, Slaton noted the importance of placing her mental health over physical size. "You can't have weight loss without mental health," she said.

During the chat, she opened up about her challenging year, marked by a divorce from her husband of six years, Michael Halterman. The 36-year-old also reflected on her mental health struggles, stating it was the "worst it's ever been."

With two toddlers, Gage Deon, 3, and Glenn Allen, 1, Slaton stressed the impact of her mental health on her family, adding: "It wasn't just affecting me, it was affecting Gage and Glenn. So it was just rough."

While reflecting on her tumultuous marriage, Slaton said, "There was no support. There was no love. There was no kindness. There was just mental abuse."

Acknowledging the severity of her mental health issues, Slaton highlighted her moment of realization came during a heated confrontation with her sisters Amanda and Tammy in Florida during the summer.

"That's not the person I am. That is not the person I want to be," Slaton stated, adding that the incident prompted her to seek help and attend therapy. "I've said I'm not a therapy person — I said, 'I will never go to therapy,'" she noted. "But I went to therapy. And I'm happier."

Recently, the reality star revealed her new relationship with her boyfriend, Tony Rodgers, on social media.

During the interview, Slaton also shared her mental health journey, revealing a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, depression, and acute stress disorder, "which is like PTSD from the whole stuff going on with Michael," she revealed.

The mom of two noted, "It's a relief to know that I'm not crazy. It was something totally different. I'm not just snapping because I'm snapping. I'm snapping because I'm bipolar."

Slaton shared that she continues to go to therapy, uses her medication, and focuses on maintaining happiness, "talking to Tammy and being with my kids and my family as much as possible. Surrounding myself with love and light … and puppies."

She talked about the positive impact on her children, saying, "Once you're calm, the babies are usually calm."

Her sister Tammy added, "I think the kids are even happier now. Gage, he has anxiety I guess, and when he gets really overwhelmed, he starts crying and holding his ears. So he doesn't do that very often anymore."

"He was doing a lot there for a while," Slaton chimed in.

Slaton also shared that she prioritizes her sons' well-being by engaging in activities like park walks for exercise. She added that she is committed to providing a nurturing environment, ensuring their time together, unlike her childhood experiences.

"I try to be there for them as much as possible," she said. "If they ain't at Daddy's, they're with me. I know my mama couldn't always do that."

The reality TV star revealed that she introduced her children to healthy foods, although, as the kids they are, they also love junk food. "Gage will eat Brussels sprouts. He'll eat broccoli. He'll eat cauliflower. He'll eat all of that," she said, adding, "He prefers chicken nuggets and french fries!."

Speaking to People magazine about her hopes for her kids, Slaton said, "I want them to learn how to be good guys. I want them to learn as much as they can and soak up all that knowledge. I don't want them to be on the streets one day. I want them to actually be contributing members of society."