Coliesa McMillian, from My 600-lb Life, dies at 41 after bariatric surgery

Coliesa McMillian, a participant in the eighth season of the reality show My 600-lb Life, passed away at 41 on September 22, 2020, in Port Allen, Louisiana, United States. Her death occurred months after complications from bariatric surgery performed to address extreme obesity. Weighing 292 kilos during filming, she sought to improve her health to care for her four daughters under the guidance of surgeon Younan Nowzaradan, known as Dr. Now. The case, aired by TLC and recently rebroadcast by Record TV, reignited debates about the risks of interventions in severe cases.

Coliesa’s journey on the show revealed a struggle marked by trauma and medical challenges. A heart attack at 39, untreatable due to her weight, prompted her pursuit of weight loss. With limited mobility, she relied on family for basic tasks. The show documented an initial loss of 66 kilos, but post-surgical complications led to her tragic outcome.

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• Prior heart attack prevented cardiac interventions.
• Initial weight of 292 kilos restricted mobility.
• Bariatric surgery followed a 1,200-calorie diet.
• Complications included hemorrhage and sepsis.

Childhood trauma and compulsive eating

Coliesa described a difficult childhood in Louisiana, marked by her mother’s early death and an alcoholic father. These events fueled compulsive eating, worsened by the loss of her fiancé in a car accident.

The trauma led to patterns that caused morbid obesity, increasing cardiovascular risks. On the show, she described her body as a “ticking time bomb,” reflecting the severity of her condition.

Challenges of bariatric surgery

The bariatric surgery, performed in Houston, Texas, aimed to reduce stomach size to limit food intake. Coliesa followed a strict diet and lost enough weight to qualify for the procedure.

However, post-surgery complications included a ruptured internal suture and hemorrhage. Successive hospitalizations followed, with infections progressing to sepsis.

Doctors attempted stabilization with emergency surgeries and induced coma. Despite efforts, her remaining weight of 226 kilos hindered recovery.

Palliative care and clarifications

In her final days, Coliesa received palliative care, known in the U.S. as “hospice care,” focused on comfort and symptom relief. The term caused confusion among Brazilian fans, who mistook it for psychiatric facilities.

The service involved nursing support and family counseling, prioritizing quality of life. Family confirmed the shift to palliative care after exhausting hospital options.

Her niece, Blair Shelton, a nurse, monitored her condition. Social media updates noted partial paralysis and kidney failure before her passing.

Family legacy and show’s impact

Coliesa left four daughters, now under relatives’ care. Seven sisters and six brothers organized her funeral in Plaquemine, Louisiana. TLC removed the episode from its streaming catalog out of respect for the family’s privacy.

Her case underscores that up to 10% of bariatric patients face severe complications, such as infections. The Record TV rerun renewed discussions on extreme obesity risks and surgical limits.

Repercussion and memory

Coliesa’s death sparked mourning among the show’s viewers. Fans on social media highlighted her determination to change for her daughters, despite challenges.

The family chose silence after the loss, avoiding further statements. Her case emphasizes the need for rigorous medical follow-up in high-risk surgeries.