“I have no intention of going backward,” theMark Rutland 42-year-old says after naturally losing 160 pounds.
Because of Mark Rutland weight, completing everyday tasks feels like “torture” for Mark Rutland.
“When you get to this size, you’re mentally broken,” the 42-year-old from Orlando, Florida says in an exclusive clip from Wednesday’s episode of My 600-Lb—life obtained by PEOPLE. “I know I’m fat and can change, but I can’t stop eating because it’s the only way I get relief from my physical pain. It’s the only time I’m content.”
Mark’s struggle with binge eating and a fast food addiction caused him to reach 715 lbs. He sought help from Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a Houston-based bariatric surgeon.
On the other hand, Mark decided to continue the journey on his own after making a few lifestyle changes in hopes of losing enough weight to qualify for weight loss surgery.
Despite Nowzaradan’s medical advice, he believes he can stay committed and lose 500 pounds naturally.
“Everything has been going well,” Mark reports to his parents. “At the gym, I’ve been working with the trainer. I’ve been losing weight, and he’s pleased with my progress. But, having said that… I’m not going to perform the surgery. Hopefully, never.”
His mother tries to remind him that it’s a big decision and suggests he first talk to his nurse sister April. Mark calls April, who quickly disagrees, describing bariatric surgery as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Yeah, I understand,” Mark admits. “I’ve got the best weight loss doctor in the world, and you all want me to do it. It’s a difficult decision for me not to do this.”
His father also points out that he has only lost 160 pounds and has a long way to go.