If you’re a fan of TLC’s 1000-lb Sisters, you’ve likely followed Tammy Slaton’s inspiring weight loss journey. At NetFilming, we’re diving into the fascinating behind-the-scenes details of Tammy’s excess skin removal surgery, featured in the show’s seventh season finale. Dr. Peter Rubin, a well-known plastic surgeon and head of the Department of Plastic Surgery at UPMC, recently talked about how he filmed this heartbreaking episode at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Let’s look at what it was like for a doctor to go from working in medicine to working on reality TV.
A Surgeon in the Spotlight
Dr. Rubin is no stranger to cameras. He has been in medical documentaries, films for surgical training, and even on Dr. Oz as a guest. But working on 1000-lb Sisters was a new experience. The episode, which aired in June 2025 and is now available to stream on Max and Discovery+, showed Tammy’s life-changing operation after she lost more than 500 pounds from her top weight of 730 pounds. This procedure, performed in January 2025 at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the UPMC Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center, marked a significant milestone in her journey.
I was curious about how a busy surgeon like Dr. Rubin ended up on a reality TV set. He admitted he wasn’t familiar with the show before the project, as his demanding schedule leaves little time for TV. However, he was impressed by the professionalism of the TLC crew. “They respected the operating room and stayed out of the way,” he said. This ensured the medical team could focus on Tammy’s care without distractions, which is critical in such a complex procedure.
The Surgery: A Team Effort
Tammy’s operation was not easy. Two surgical teams worked together for eight hours to remove 10½ pounds of extra skin. Dr. Rubin, who has been doing surgery on people who have lost weight for more than 20 years, said that these treatments are much more complicated than regular cosmetic surgeries. He said, “The cuts are measured in feet, not inches,” to show how much planning went into it. Tammy’s surgery was planned in stages, with the most important regions being worked on first. Depending on how well she recovers, more surgeries may be needed in the future.
What really struck me was how much work went into getting ready. Tammy had to deal with health problems like vitamin shortages and quitting smoking, which can slow down healing, before she could have surgery. Dr. Rubin stressed that these actions are very important for a safe and good result. The Life After Weight Loss program, which started in 2002, helps patients get through these difficult journeys by combining medical knowledge with emotional support.
Reality TV vs. Medical Filming
Dr. Rubin said that filming for 1000-lb Sisters was different from his other medical endeavors. Academic videos focus on surgical methods and are meant to teach. But reality TV is primarily about telling stories. The TLC crew’s main goal was to show how emotional the operating room was, how strong Tammy was & how well everyone worked together to make the procedure happen. These things speak to viewers, making the show both interesting and easy to relate to.
I thought it was fascinating that Dr. Rubin liked how the staff balanced everything. They talked about the human side of the procedure—struggle, fortitude and triumph—without getting in the way of the medical process. This method allows people relate to Tammy’s story while also showing how skilled the UPMC team is.
Tammy’s Remarkable Journey
Tammy has lost more than 500 pounds, which is nothing short of amazing. Dr. Rubin said it was “impressive by any standard” and applauded her bravery. When you lose that much weight, you may have problems like extra skin that might make you uncomfortable and cause health problems. Tammy’s quality of life got a lot better after the surgery at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Dr. Rubin, on the other hand, said that surgery is only one component of the process. For long-term success, you need to keep recovering and make changes to your lifestyle.
The show 1000-lb Sisters follows sisters Amy and Tammy Slaton as they try to lose weight, deal with health problems and grow as people. Many people have been moved by Tammy’s tale and her operation in Pittsburgh was a turning point in her path. If you’re eager to watch, the episode is available on Max and Discovery+, with reruns airing on TLC.
Will There Be More Filming?
When asked about future filming with 1000-lb Sisters, Dr. Rubin kept the focus on Tammy’s recovery. “My goal is to get her safely through this first stage,” he said. There are no plans for more operations or episodes in Pittsburgh right now, but Tammy can come back if she needs to. Dr. Rubin’s patient-first attitude shows that he cares more about the patient than the spotlight.
We at NetFilming love how shows like 1000-lb Sisters mix real-life problems with medical knowledge to make interesting stories. Dr. Rubin’s story shows how hard the medical teams and production crew work behind the scenes. It shows that reality TV can be educational and inspiring, as well as show wonderful things people have done.
For now, Tammy’s story continues to inspire and Dr. Rubin’s work reminds us of the dedication behind every successful surgery.
