How Mama June Learned How To Keep Off The Weight

When 37-year-old Mama June Shannon first gained fame on Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, she tipped the scale at 460 pounds. Today, Mama June is 300 pounds lighter thanks to hard work and medical intervention. She allowed cameras to chronicle her dramatic weight loss journey from the danger zone to a size four on a new show, WE tv's Mama June: From Not to Hot. Now the reality-show star is opening up in interviews to talk about reaching goals and seeing results. But she is not afraid to discuss the ugly side of weight loss either. Here is what she said about one shocking aspect of the transformation process:

Her personal trainer, Kenya Crooks, said he and Mama June had to reinvent the way she looked at food. For example, they talked about portion control to help Mama June see the difference between the large meals she used to create and the reasonable portions she ought to choose now. Crooks explained that he and Mama June had to get other family members on board with the lifestyle adjustments so that Mama June's new focus on health could become a lasting change through a team effort. Therefore, Crooks said that there could not be two menus.

According to People, Mama June spent around $75,000 for the medical procedures to help her lose weight. She had a gastric sleeve surgery and a tummy tuck. She had a breast augmentation surgery. She had surgery to remove nine pounds of skin from her neck, arms, and stomach. She actually hired personal trainer Kenya Crooks well in advance of any medical intervention so that she could get to a reasonable weight before the procedures. With help from Crooks, Mama June learned valuable fitness strategies to help her lose the weight for good.

Mama June revealed that she does not want her two youngest daughters, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Shannon and Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson, to deprive themselves by eating only salads. Still, she also does not want them to get anywhere near the critical state of health she reached. She hopes they will join her on the weight loss ride, but the children may not be fully there yet. The paparazzi did spot Alana Thompson with a McDonald's bag when she and Mama June were on their way to a recent interview. Of course, we have no idea what was inside that bag. In the future, avoiding fast food restaurants may be a good idea for a family starting over with a health-first mindset.

Mama June's transformation truly is stunning. She has always had an apparent confidence, but now it seems her efforts toward good health are having holistic benefits for her mind and spirit and making her more confident than ever. We hope she can keep heading in the direction of health.