My 600-Lb Life’s Dominic Is Striving for ‘Stability’ After Relocating to Texas With His Brother

Driven to succeed. My 600-Lb Life alum Dominic Hernandez is determined to overcome his weight loss battle and “get a fresh start” after relocating from California to Texas with his brother, James. The TLC personality documented his plight on season 8 of the reality series and has since shared more details about his journey on Facebook. He still resides in Houston, according to his public page.

It appears he may still be seeking the help of renowned surgeon Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a.k.a. Dr. Now, following his appearance on the show. 

In March, Dominic launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to get some financial assistance as he works toward getting back on his feet. “My life is falling apart due to my food addiction,” he wrote in the description, revealing he was still “homeless.” As of now, he’s reached $4,200 of his $30,000 goal.

“At over 600 pounds, living in a van with my brother, we decided to leave California for Texas, where I tried to get help from Dr. Now,” the star added. “With his help, I learned to face life’s challenges without using food to cope. Now, I need some stability in my life before I can get the surgery, so I’m raising [funds] to help get a stable place to live and help with medical expenses. Thank you for [the] help.”

Dominic vowed to not “give up” no matter what during his episode, which aired in March. The Fresno resident began his fitness journey at 672 pounds, and it was especially difficult for him to make progress because of his living situation. 

The My 600-Lb Life alum said he and James mostly enjoyed their childhoods “up until [their] dad left.” He found solace in food and used it as a way to deal with his dad no longer being around.

“No one wants to be the big kid in high school,” Dominic shared while reflecting on his past. “So I tried to control my eating some, but I never really could.”

Afterward, he and his brother, unfortunately, became homeless in the wake of their mother’s death, which made it even tougher on the siblings.

During their meeting, Dr. Now required Dominic to lose 60 pounds in the first two months, and he expressed the importance of getting their personal lives in order so he can continue to make strides.

However, Dominic only dropped 23 pounds by his first appointment, which didn’t sit well with Dr. Now as he tried to give him a “very moderate” goal given the circumstances. When Dominic returned for a follow-up, his final weight was 650.1 pounds, and the bariatric surgeon dropped him from the program while ensuring he could come back if he gets “serious.”

When the episode came to a wrap, Dominic and James spoke with a social worker to find affordable housing. “I know I have to do everything I can to prove myself to Dr. Now,” Dominic said at the time.

“I know I slipped up at moments, but I’m not going to stop trying to do this because my whole life depends on me succeeding and getting weight loss surgery,” he concluded. “I’m going to spend the next four to five months getting to where I need so I can go back for an appointment … and really impress him.”

We’re glad to see he’s not throwing in the towel!

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