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'Cry for attention': Fans slam 'My 600-lb Life' star Wess Schulze for claiming viewers lack 'compassion'

The former TLC star took to social media to criticize some of the viewers who have made hurtful remarks
PUBLISHED APR 26, 2024
For Wess Schulze, his substantial weight loss has been critical to both his physical and emotional wellness (YouTube/@TLC)
For Wess Schulze, his substantial weight loss has been critical to both his physical and emotional wellness (YouTube/@TLC)

BAY CITY, MICHIGAN: Many people featured on 'My 600-lb Life' on TLC struggle to acknowledge their addiction to food. However, Wess Schulze from Season 11 realized the need for change before reaching the point of being bedridden. He was fully aware of his circumstances, unlike many others on the show.

The former TLC star has taken to social media to criticize some of the viewers who have made hurtful remarks about Dr Younan Nowzaradan's patients, which has undoubtedly upset Wess. 

Recently, Wess took to a Facebook fan page to write, "Hello, everyone. I'm Wess from Season 11 Episode 3. It's sad to see that this group lacks compassion. I joined hoping for a positive community, but it's become clear that people here and in the sarcastic group are more interested in ridiculing those struggling with mental health and addiction. Do better… Be better."

Wess Schulze calls out 'My 600-lb Life' fans for 'ridiculing' TLC participants (Facebook/groups)
Wess Schulze calls out 'My 600-lb Life' fans for 'ridiculing' TLC participants (Facebook/groups)

As some fans attempted to reason with the TLC star in the comment section, one remarked, "People have opinions and unfortunately when you put your life on TV for the world to see you open your life up to DIFFERENT opinion’s some you agree with some you won’t some harsh that’s just life ."

Wess replied to the fan, saying, "Tell me you missed the point of my post without telling me you missed the point… I knew full well what I was in for when I went on tv. That being said a significant portion of the castmembers who do this show are desperate. They reach out because most bariatric surgeons won’t even touch you at our size but Dr Now will. They didn’t do it to be some tv star. They did it to save their lives and now they have to live with being shamed and mocked."

While another fan claimed, "I’m not a fan of a participants who blow this opportunity," Wess was quick to question, "It's a reality show. How do you know what you are seeing is 100% accurate?"

One fan noted that hate comments seem to be directed towards a specific type of patient, stating, "Let's be honest ..quite a few of the people on the show have wasted Dr Nows time. They've been rude, they've lied, and some have acted like entitled brats, who certainly haven't deserved the chance to be on the show."

Wess reminded the fan, "So there are people in mental health crisis who are coping with mental health illness and they are having everything they say or do edited byba reality TV show production company. I got a very good edit. I did what I was supposed to do and have lost 400lbs, yet I still had people (in this group) making fun of every aspect of my life and being."

While disagreeing with Wess, one fan of the show wrote, "Uh not quite sir Wes, we are fans of the show! Not here to support the participants on the show! And the majority of us are very caring and compassionate. But people in active addiction often see the truth as an insult. I’m not saying that no one has been insulting, but dude, I don’t even remember you or your episode. Guess I’ll watch that today as I’m laid up after an emergency surgery. Guessing it will shed light on this cry for attention."

Wess swiftly asked the fan, " I don’t need your attention or compassion. Perhaps you should ask yourself why you think its ok to mock people who are dealing with mental illness. Also, its a show chronicling a year in their life. The entire show is about them. So… what exactly are people supporting if they are fans of the show?"   

Wess Schulze urges fans to not trust reality shows like 'My 600-lb Life' (YouTube/TLC)
Wess Schulze urges fans to not trust reality shows like 'My 600-lb Life' (YouTube/@TLC)

Did Wess Schulze lose weight on 'My 600-lb Life'?

Food became a coping mechanism for Wess after he endured sexual abuse as a youngster at the hands of a family member. When he first visits Dr Now, Wess weighs 705 pounds, whose use of tough love is disputed by supporters.

Following bariatric surgery and overcoming several hurdles, Wess reaches a weight of 477 pounds by the end of the episode. Wess even gets to take part in his favorite activity, which is attending a theater performance.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wess Schulze (@my600lblifewess)


 

Where is Wess Schulze after 'My 600-lb Life'?

Wess has maintained his wellness quest, which he frequently records on Instagram and TikTok, since filming for 'My 600-lb Life' ended. In total, he has shed a little over 300 pounds. In one photo, he puts on a pair of pants that were previously skin-tight but now won't stay around his waist until he hangs onto them.

For Wess, his substantial weight loss has been critical to both his physical and emotional wellness. He exudes confidence in all of his social media postings, something he lacked when he was on the edge of being bedridden at the beginning of his 'My 600-Lb Life' episode.

Recently, he was again admitted to the hospital as he revealed in an Instagram post, "Thank you all so much for the support and encouragement! Ended up having emergency surgery to remove the gallbladder on Friday. I’ve been in severe pain since then."

He added, "As a result what would normally be an outpatient procedure has turned into a 2 night stay. They have had me on a rotation of morphine and oxy every 3 hours, lol. Finally started to feel better this morning around 1 a.m.! Dr. Now said the gallbladder was in such bad shape that had I waited one more day it would have ruptured! Hopefully I get to go home today. Love you all!"


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wess Schulze (@my600lblifewess)


 

Wess Schulze rehashed issues with father in 'My 600-lb Life'

Wess' mental transformation has been just as crucial as his physical one. On the show, following his operation, Wess has sessions with psychologist Dr Matthew Paradise, who assists him in confronting the pain he has been suppressing since childhood.

Wess even dares to confront his father about the matter after years of avoiding it. They all agreed that what occurred to Wess was solely the responsibility of the culprit.

Wess Schulze addressed issues with his father in 'My 600-lb Life' (YouTube/TLC)
Wess Schulze addressed issues with his father in 'My 600-lb Life' (YouTube/@TLC)
RELATED TOPICS MY 600LB LIFE (2012)
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