Rising Above 728 lb: Abi Ruiz’s Journey from Paralysis to Purpose
This article tells the powerful story of Abi Ruiz, a man who spent seven years confined to a bed after a life-changing accident and ballooned to over 728 pounds. His journey from despair to hope was documented on My 600-lb Life, but what unfolded was more than just weight loss.
With the help of his devoted wife, expert medical care, and his fierce determination, Abi started the long path to health and healing. His story matters because it offers proof that even in the darkest circumstances, transformation is possible—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
A Life Stuck in Bed: The Breaking Point
For seven long years, Abi Ruiz lay in bed, unable to feel his legs or move without help. A tragic accident had left him partially paralyzed. As the years passed, his weight climbed dangerously high, eventually hitting 728 pounds. Every day was a struggle to exist.
He couldn’t leave the bed, shower, or even sit up without pain. His world had shrunk to the four walls of his bedroom. The emotional toll was overwhelming. He described his life as “just miserable”—and he meant it.
But something inside him refused to give up. He realized he needed help and made the brave decision to reach out. That moment became the spark for everything that followed.
Early Life and the Slippery Slope of Weight Gain
Abi’s early life was filled with energy and movement. He was born in Puerto Rico and spent much of his youth playing sports. He had dreams of staying active and maintaining his health.
But like so many people, his habits shifted with age. In college, the combination of fast food, stress, and inactivity started to catch up with him. He gradually stopped exercising and began to gain weight.
By the time he graduated, his weight was already over 400 pounds. Still, he believed he could fix it later. Then, life changed forever. A car accident left him with limited mobility and constant pain. What followed was a slow, devastating spiral.
The Accident That Changed Everything
The crash didn’t just injure Abi—it stole his independence. Doctors told him he had lost feeling from the chest down. For a long time, he clung to the hope that he would walk again. But the years ticked by, and nothing improved. His muscles weakened. His skin broke down. He developed infections and deep wounds. And the weight kept piling on.
Abi could no longer take care of himself. His wife, Brenda, stepped in as his full-time caregiver. Through it all, she never left his side. “I love you with all my heart,” she would tell him. “You’re my light.” Their bond became the emotional anchor that kept him afloat.
Reaching Out for Help: A Bold Step Toward Change
When Abi contacted Dr. Nowzaradan, he knew it was his last shot. He couldn’t even get to a clinic, so Dr. Now came to him—a rare move that showed just how serious his case had become. The doctor gave it to him straight: if he didn’t lose weight, his life would end.
With a new diet and a medical plan in place, Abi got to work. The first month was a test of discipline. Even without any movement, he lost over 100 pounds simply by following the meal plan. With time, he lost enough weight to qualify for bariatric surgery. He was beginning to believe again. This time, he wasn’t just surviving. He was starting to fight back.
Milestones That Mattered: Movement, Music, and Hope
Abi’s journey wasn’t just about numbers on a scale. It was about reclaiming the life he thought was gone forever. He began physical therapy and learned to sit up again. His core got stronger. His confidence returned.
One of the most significant moments occurred when he rode the bus for the first time in years. That small trip gave him a taste of freedom. He also took a walk through a haunted house for his birthday.
For most people, these might seem ordinary. For Abi, they were milestones. They meant freedom. He even started playing drums again—his passion since he was a teenager. Each beat was more than music. It was proof that he was still alive, still moving forward.
The Power of Love: Brenda’s Unshakable Support
Throughout Abi’s lowest moments, Brenda stood firm. She was his caregiver, wife, best friend, and cheerleader all in one. Her love never wavered, even when things got tough. She helped him bathe, fed him, and kept him motivated. In Abi’s own words, “The only thing that motivates me is my beautiful wife. She is my light at the end of this tunnel.”
Their love story became a central part of his transformation. Brenda reminded him of who he was and who he could become again. Together, they turned despair into action and action into results.
Where He Is Now: Weight Loss, Strength, and a New Outlook
As of 2025, Abi has lost more than 325 pounds. He’s now around 400 pounds, working full-time from home, and awaiting orthopedic surgery to improve his mobility further. He posts updates on social media, sharing his victories and challenges openly.
His weight or paralysis no longer defines him. He’s defined by his strength, resilience, and heart. The same man who once couldn’t sit up now lifts weights and dreams of walking again someday.
Why Abi’s Story Matters: A Message for Everyone
Abi Ruiz is more than a former reality TV patient. He’s a symbol of hope. His story reminds us that no one is too far gone to change. Whether it’s weight, illness, or emotional pain, recovery is possible. Abi shows us that healing doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen with patience, support, and hard work.
His journey also opens up a bigger conversation about accessibility, obesity, and chronic illness. It shows how medical systems, love, and inner drive can come together to rebuild a life once thought lost.
Final Words
Abi Ruiz is still on his journey. There are more challenges ahead—more therapy, more surgeries, more healing. But he’s no longer trapped in a bed. He’s no longer silent in his suffering. He’s moving, sharing, laughing, and living again.
His story serves as a beacon of hope to anyone who feels stuck, broken, or forgotten. With love in your corner and courage in your heart, even the most brutal fight can become the most remarkable comeback.
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