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Abi's appearance on My 600-lb Life season 2 highlights his struggle with obesity and disability after a car accident in 2014 left him partially paralyzed. For seven years, he has been bedridden, grappling with constant pain and limited mobility.
Abi's story illustrates the challenges of living with extreme weight, physical disability, and the emotional burden of both. During the show's episode 4, which aired on March 27, 2024, he said in a confessional,
"Forcing myself to begin each day is just miserable."
Despite these hardships, the My 600-lb Life star's relationship with his wife, Brenda, and his determination to improve his situation have been central to his journey.
My 600-lb Life star Abi's seven-year struggle with obesity and paralysis
Life before the accident
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Abi’s early life involved physical activity and relatively normal weight. Growing up in Puerto Rico, he enjoyed sports like basketball, which kept him active. He explained that he was “really skinny” during his younger years. However, as he entered his teenage years, Abi began to gain weight after he stopped playing sports and shifted his focus to music. He described his transition, saying,
“I started gaining more weight... I stopped doing Athletics and playing basketball... I started liking more music.”
Abi's weight continued to increase after high school. He moved to Florida to attend school and described his eating habits, noting that he would buy a “bucket” of fried chicken rather than a smaller combo meal, contributing to his weight gain. He explained that, despite this, he thought,
“It’s okay I’m still young, I can lose weight later.”
By the time he graduated, he had reached 450 pounds. Although Abi managed to lose some weight during his time working in theater, his weight continued to increase as he adopted unhealthy eating habits. He explained that “my metabolism just stopped,” leading to further weight gain.
The life-changing accident
In 2014, Abi was got in a car accident that left him partially paralyzed. He explained the severity of his injuries, stating that he “lost feeling from my chest down.” Doctors immediately performed surgery to address the damage to his spinal cord. Abi later highlighted that he was “basically quadriplegic” for a period, requiring full assistance with his daily needs.
Following the accident, Abi's life dramatically changed. He was confined to a hospital bed and later returned home with the help of Brenda, his wife. The My 600-lb Life star described his emotional response to the situation, stating,
“I didn’t have any broken bones but my neck got whiplash... I can’t feel my legs.”
The My 600-lb Life star emphasized the uncertainty of his recovery, sharing that doctors told him he “might not be able to ever walk again.” Abi explained that Brenda took on the role of caregiver, assisting him with all aspects of daily life. She helped with personal care, including bathing and dressing. She underscored her commitment to Abi, stating,
“I love you with all my heart and you're the one I’m not looking for anything else.”
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Brenda remained by Abi’s side, supporting him physically and emotionally.
Abi’s path to change
After bedridden years, Abi contacted Dr. Nowzaradan, a weight loss surgeon featured on My 600-lb Life. He hoped Dr. Nowzaradan could help him lose weight and improve his mobility. Abi underscored the importance of weight loss, stating that his main goal was “to find a way to stand up.”
To receive surgery, he needed to lose a portion of his weight through diet and exercise. Abi highlighted that this process would be difficult, given the challenges of his condition. The My 600-lb Life star acknowledged that weight loss surgery was not the only solution, explaining,
“The only thing that motivat me to keep trying is my beautiful wife Brenda...She is my inspiration my light at the end of this 0:45 tunnel.”
While Abi faced significant challenges in reducing his weight, he remained committed to improving his health, emphasizing that this was a crucial step in achieving his goal of standing again with his wife.
Viewers can watch season 12 of My 600-lb Life on TLC, Prime Video, or Max to follow Abi's journey and see how he continues to work for his health and future.
