5 Tragic Truths About Coliesa McMillian’s Life, Weight Loss Journey, And Sudden Death At 41

The story of Coliesa McMillian is one of the most heartbreaking and complex narratives ever featured on TLC's reality series, My 600-lb Life. Her journey, which aired during the eighth season of the show, was marked by immense emotional trauma and severe health crises that ultimately led to a tragic end. As of today, December 15, 2025, her story remains a somber reminder of the high stakes involved in the battle against severe obesity and the complications that can follow life-saving bariatric surgery. Coliesa's episode, titled "Coliesa's Story," premiered in March 2020 and immediately captured the attention of viewers due to her candid vulnerability and the urgency of her medical condition. Her desperate attempt to regain control of her life for her four daughters was a central theme, making her subsequent passing a profound loss for her family and the show’s community.

Coliesa McMillian: A Complete Biographical Profile

Coliesa McMillian's life, though tragically short, was defined by her deep love for her family and her struggle with severe obesity, which she openly shared with the world.

• Full Name: Coliesa Gail Marie McMillian
• Date of Birth: (Approximate) 1979
• Date of Death: Tuesday, September 22, 2020
• Age at Death: 41 years old
• Hometown: St. Francisville, Louisiana
• Starting Weight on Show: Approximately 643 lbs
• Cause of Death: Complications following weight loss surgery, including acute kidney failure and sepsis
• Spouse/Partner: Lost the love of her life in a fatal car crash, a trauma which fueled her emotional eating
• Children (Daughters): Hannah, Sadie Gail Marie McMillian, Kadelynn, and Victoria
• Reality TV Appearance: My 600-lb Life, Season 8, Episode 12 ("Coliesa's Story")
• Bariatric Surgeon: Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (Dr. Now)
• Burial Location: Grace Memorial Park in Plaquemine, Louisiana

1. The Extraordinary Risk Dr. Now Took With Her Surgery

Coliesa McMillian’s case was highly unusual, even for the challenging standards of My 600-lb Life. Typically, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, known affectionately as Dr. Now, requires patients to demonstrate significant weight loss through a strict diet and exercise regimen before he will approve them for life-altering bariatric surgery. This initial weight loss proves the patient's commitment and lowers the surgical risk. However, Coliesa's health was in such a critical state that Dr. Now made the rare decision to move forward with the weight loss surgery almost immediately. She had already suffered a heart attack at the age of 39 and was, in her own words, a "ticking time bomb". Her initial weight of 643 lbs, combined with her existing severe health issues, meant that waiting for the standard pre-surgery weight loss was deemed too dangerous. This immediate intervention highlighted the extreme urgency of her situation and the grave risk she was facing, even with the surgery.

2. The Double Tragedy That Triggered Her Emotional Eating

Coliesa's struggle with food was not merely a physical one; it was deeply rooted in profound emotional trauma, a common theme among patients on the show. The most significant tragedy she faced was the loss of her partner, the love of her life, who was killed in a devastating car crash. After this devastating loss, Coliesa was left to raise her four young daughters—Hannah, Sadie Gail Marie, Kadelynn, and Victoria—on her own. The overwhelming grief and the immense pressure of single motherhood led her to turn to food as a coping mechanism, resulting in rapid, uncontrolled weight gain. Her primary motivation for seeking help from Dr. Now was the desperate desire to be a healthy, active mother for her children, a motivation that resonated deeply with viewers.

3. The Complex Surgical Complications That Led to Her Death

Coliesa McMillian passed away on September 22, 2020, at the age of 41, at a hospital in Louisiana. Her death came after a period of intense struggle following her weight loss surgery earlier that year. She was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two weeks prior to her passing. The official cause of death was attributed to severe complications from the bariatric procedure. These complications included acute kidney failure and sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to infection damages its own tissues and organs. While the surgery had initially helped her achieve a significant weight loss of approximately 150 lbs, her body ultimately could not recover from the post-operative issues. Her family revealed on social media that she had been put on life support in June 2020 due to these complications, highlighting the prolonged and difficult battle she fought in the months leading up to her death.

4. The Impact of Her Story and TLC’s Response

The death of a reality star is always a sensitive issue, and Coliesa McMillian's passing had a notable impact on the show's network, TLC. Following the news of her death, TLC released a statement expressing their condolences to her family. The network also made the decision to pull Coliesa's episode from syndication and streaming platforms for a period of time. This action is typically taken out of respect for the deceased and their family, allowing them privacy during their mourning. The removal of the episode, while temporary, underscored the tragic nature of her story and the sensitivity surrounding the fate of patients on a show dedicated to their survival and recovery. Her story became a major point of discussion among fans of the series, sparking conversations about the risks of extreme obesity and the inherent dangers of the necessary, but invasive, weight loss procedures.

5. Her Lasting Legacy Through Her Four Daughters

Despite the tragic circumstances of her death, Coliesa McMillian's most enduring legacy is her four daughters: Hannah, Sadie Gail Marie, Kadelynn, and Victoria. Her entire motivation for enduring the grueling process of appearing on My 600-lb Life and undergoing a high-risk surgery was to secure a future where she could be a healthy mother to them. In the wake of her passing, her daughters and extended family, including her seven sisters and six brothers, continued to share tributes to Coliesa, remembering her as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend. The family often posted updates on her condition during her hospital stay, demonstrating the close-knit support system that surrounded her during her final months. Coliesa’s narrative—a mother fighting for her life against overwhelming odds—serves as a powerful, albeit painful, reminder of the human cost of the obesity epidemic and the profound emotional reasons behind the desire for a healthier life.