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'My 600-lb Life': Does Dr Now charge for the surgeries he performs? Here's how much money is needed for them

The show casts morbidly obese people trying to get their lives back on track after years of abusing food. The process includes diets, exercises and a weight loss surgery

'My 600-lb Life' is TLC's very popular series that has been on the air for almost nine years now. Each season, they've cast morbidly obese people who are on the verge of their bodies giving up on them because of abusing food coupled with other psychological issues. Helping them in the process is Dr Nowrazadan, better known as Dr Now, who takes the onus of enlisting the cast on his weight loss program.

These are the patients who've been turned away by most doctors because of their extreme weight as well as a slew of health ailments. Dr Now works with them over months, putting them on controlled diets and exercises needed to bring patients to a goal weight after which they can be operated upon.

Audiences watching the show have a resounding question regarding these surgical procedures and how much money is needed for them. What has also piqued their interest is whether Dr Now charges money for all these surgeries or does it for free. Here we try to answer these questions. 

Who pays for all the surgeries on 'My 600-lb Life'?

People who have been cast on the show usually live their lives with a very tight budget. Managing to accumulate the money required for the surgeries, pay for post-operative care, as well as the medicines required is difficult because most of these people face a lack of income as their employment options are almost negligible.

Fortunately for them, their drive to get their health on track is rewarded by the show itself that shoulders the cost for all of the surgeries and care needed till they fully recover. 

Do the people who appear on 'My 600-lb Life' get paid?

Not only does the show cover the surgeries for the cast, but the show also pays them cash for just appearing on the show. For sharing their journeys, they get paid a flat $1,500 fee and an added $2,500 moving fee is provided in case they are required to move close to Dr Now's office, according to The List. 

Does the cast have to spend any money?

Bariatric surgery is just one part of the patient's weight loss journey. With such a drastic drop in pounds, there's bound to be layers or loose skin. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists average fees for three common procedures for skin removal: a thigh lift costs $4,863, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) costs $5,798, and an upper arm lift (Brachioplasty) costs $4,257. These procedures fall under cosmetic surgeries and the cast is required to pay for these should they opt for it. 

'My 600-lb Life' airs on Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on TLC.