Sadly, for years, Cindy was trapped in her eating addiction, which only worsened after her parents divorced. By the age of 30, Cindy was living with mental health issues. She later developed lymphedema (tissue swelling) and diabetes. Due to her precarious situation, her friend Sandy encouraged her to seek professional help. However, Cindy refused to cooperate fully - she wouldn't stick to Dr. Now’s strict diet and exercise plan. At the end of her episode, Cindy had lost 40 pounds rather than the required 70. This meant she wouldn't qualify for bariatric surgery.

My 600-Lb Life's Cindy Vela Lost Close Family

Cindy Has Been Through A Lot

According to The Cinemaholic, Cindy lost her niece, Miranda Sue, in September 2021. Cindy and her relative were very close, and she paid tribute to her relative with a post on her social media. In January 2022, the My 600-Lb Life alum shared the news that her stepfather, Raul Garcia Quintanilla, had also ed away. Raul was very ive of Cindy before his death, and the loss was extremely painful for her. She honored him in the post shown above.

My 600-Lb Life Cindy Vela’s Weight Status Was Revealed

Cindy Vela Appeared On My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now On May 15, 2024

Cindy's post-show journey has been as fascinating as what unfolded onscreen during her My 600-Lb Life season. She wasn't a series villain like Justin and Steven Assanti. She was someone it was easy to feel sorry for. While filming the series, Dr. Now discovered that Cindy had a hernia. That is a painful health condition. Losing weight would likely ease her pain. So, the desire to avoid pain was the catalyst for the first stage of her weight-loss journey. Learn more about the earlier part of Cindy's body transformation in the clip shown above.

As shown on My 600-Lb Life: Where Are They Now? season 9, episode 3, Cindy dropped 241 pounds. That's quite an achievement and she should be proud. It's a bit unusual that she isn't flaunting the results online, but maybe she's more interested in enjoying life than posting about it.

Her WATN episode aired on May 15, 2024. Before the follow-up special was available, there were so many questions about Cindy's weight-loss journey. It seemed like she'd failed, but really, she was destined to succeed. It took a couple of years to lose all those pounds, but she did it.

Before slimming down, Cindy felt like a prisoner. She had serious mobility issues that made living a normal life impossible. Also, she was living with an addiction that has claimed other lives. Super-morbid obesity is very hard on the human body. Feeling frustrated, she said:

"I'm trapped in this bed pretty much all day, every day"

In 2021, things were bad, but she turned it all around with the help of a sleeve gastrectomy. Dr. Now performed that bariatric procedure. Now, based on information from her WATN episode, she weighs 373 pounds. The days of being trapped in bed are long gone, and she's really enjoying her mobility. Addiction takes its toll and those who are addicted to food (and very obese) often find it hard to move around. They pay such a heavy price for their emotional eating.

Cindy Vela Did Post One Fun Picture In September 2022

She's Still Active On Instagram In 2024

Cindy hasn't posted full-length photos that might give followers clues about her current weight, but she did post a glam picture of her face in 2022, as seen above. The photo is cute, and it was tweaked with an app to give it a little extra glamour. In general, Cindy's posts about her family are the most heartfelt and confessional. However, as with the post above, she can be more lighthearted. She posted on New Year's 2024, clearly thrilled that another year had begun. That was a sign of hope.

Followers Want Newer Pictures Of Cindy

She Doesn't Seem To Want To Post Recent Photos Of Her Face & Body

In 2020, Cindy posted the photo seen above. It seemed like a throwback, and fans on Instagram begged her to post newer pictures. They clearly want to see her face and body in 2024. While the picture is very nice, it's probably not an accurate depiction of how Cindy looks today. However, it's her Instagram and she should be able to post whatever she likes. In the photo, Cindy wears brick-red lipstick, and smiles slightly as she poses for the camera. She looks content and wears a vest over a t-shirt.

Most of her body is hidden in the shot. However, she does appear happy. While it seems like she's still a lot thinner than she used to be, there's no way to know for sure. One frustrated fan called her out for not posting newer content, clearly curious about what she looks like today. Victoria_Moran_Nielson wrote:

Wow these are old. What about now?

On Reddit, in a thread started by ShockedOldLady, fans discussed Cindy's journey, from her initial My 600-Lb Life episode to her Where Are They Now? stint. Some of them felt that she wasn't getting the backup she needed. They called out her caregiver in season 9 for bringing her into a home that wasn't accessible. A critic wrote:

This is also what I find ridiculous, and why I think Sandy was not a good caregiver. Re watching the episode right now, and like, Cindy was completely bound to that chair. Absolutely ridiculous that she’d gain weight instead of lose it, because Sandy should have been following the diet 100%. I’ll never understand when the Sandy said well, she’s pushing back a lot. Like what?? What’s she doing, calling you bad names from the other side of the house?? Get over it. If she’s hungry, she can suck it up. Bring her exactly what Dr. Now states and if she throws a fit or won’t do the exercises, that’s fine! At least she’s losing weight, which is the MOST important part of this whole thing. Sooooo ridiculous.

Cindy GAINED weight after getting to Sandy’s house. Sorry OP, that is a very bad caregiver.

Sure, Sandy probably made mistakes, but ultimately, the responsibility for following Dr. Now's instructions did fall on Cindy. It's her life and her health. Unfortunately, when people are trying to lose weight after years of overeating, they may find it too hard to overcome their addictions. Sandy could have helped by providing a more appropriate environment, which made it easier for Cindy to take care of herself.

Dr. Now Did His Best To Help Cindy Vela

Hopefully, She Is Thriving Today

Even though she's active on social media, the star doesn't give a lot of information away. That's why her Where Are They Now? episode was so fascinating. While it's impossible to judge from the My 600-Lb Life alum's Instagram pictures, as she generally captures only her face, and not her full body, she is much thinner. Cindy is hopefully maintaining her weight-loss results and feeling good.

My 600-Lb Life is available for streaming on Discovery+ and TLC Go.

Sources: Cindy Vela/Instagram, The Cinemaholic, Cindy Vela/Instagram, TLC/YouTube. Cindy Vela/Instagram, ShockedOldLady/Reddit