1000-lb Best Friends Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: I Am Worthy (2024)

Now that the friendships of 1000-lb Best Friends seem to be smoothed out, the cast of the reality TV show faces a whole host of other challenges. As they continue to support one another in their weight-loss group, the conversation turns to the topic of self-worth and figuring out how to love yourself even when it feels hard.

In Episode 3, we even see some of the cast members start to put themselves out there. While some of the group takes a dip into a freezing ice pool, others find themselves venturing out into the dating pool. For those who are testing out the relationship scene, they struggle not only with finding someone to take an interest in them, but also with building up their self-confidence enough to accept that potential interest from others.

Tina Tackles Pre-Op Tasks

We open the episode with Tina at her check-in appointment with Dr. Procter. Though she fears she's gained weight because she's "slipped up" by her own admission, she's pleased to see that she clocks in at 360 pounds, the same weight as her last visit.

Dr. Procter is less pleased, saying that he can't approve her for surgery unless she gets her eating habits in check and gets down to 350 pounds. He suggests she follow a diet that consists of two meal replacement drinks to help her get to her target weight. Tina is concerned about having rules to follow, but she wants to get approved for the surgery at any cost, so she vows to try.

Vannessa Tries On A New Look

Next, we catch up with Vannessa, who opens up about one of the unfortunate side effects of her surgery: hair loss. Vannessa goes to visit a woman who operates a wig shop, where she shares with the cameras how much losing her hair has affected her confidence:

"For some reason, when you start losing weight, you start worrying more about your outward appearance," Vannessa explains. She tries on a few different hairstyles, laughing at a short hairdo that makes her look like her mother. When she tries on a long blonde wig, she tears up, starting to feel like her old self once again.

The Friends Try Out An Ice Bath

Meanwhile, Meghan heads to an appointment for ice baths. It was her idea to try something new, and she's invited Vannessa and Ashely to join her, figuring they can work on their friendship at the same time. Though Ashely is dreading dunking in the cold water, she shows to support her friends.

The women change into their swimsuits and prepare to jump into the ice bath. The employee there tells them they should stay submerged for at least two minutes, and Meghan, the first one to go, hardly makes it to 40 seconds. Vannessa goes next, dunking in for one second before jumping back out.

Ashely goes last, determined to make it all the way. She sits with her eyes closed, telling the cameras what she's imagining:

Ashely makes it to an entire minute, inspiring Meghan to make a second attempt. This time, she makes it past two minutes, and she feels "so freaking proud" of her accomplishment, giving her hope for her weight-loss attempt as well.

The Support Group Talks Self-Confidence

Next, the friends attend Dr. Procter's weight-loss support group, where he announces that Vannessa is the winner of their step count contest. Tina shares that she lost the ten pounds she needed to move forward with surgery the next week, and Scott shares that he's recently given up fast food and soda.

He also says he's feeling more confident and is even interested in getting back into dating. Ashely says she's also interested in "dating with a purpose," knowing that her goal is to one day get married and have children. Vannessa adds that it's hard to see herself differently in romantic relationships, saying that she still allows men to treat her the way they treated her when she was over 400 pounds.

"I don't know if that'll ever change," Vannessa admits to the cameras. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to look at myself different." This confession makes Meghan grow emotional as well, who's witnessed men walk all over her friend before. Scott is also sad to hear this, relating to her struggle with self-worth, and he suggests that Vannessa start texting him "I am worthy" as a daily reminder to herself.

Later, Scott, Vannessa, and Ashely attend a speed dating event in the spirit of putting themselves out there. During one of his dates, Scott vamps about how insecure the situation makes him, possibly pushing away a potential match. Vannessa is also candid about her weight-loss journey and wanting to eat healthy food, and, after one particularly awkward exchange, one of her dates gets up and leaves mid-conversation.

To her credit, Vannessa puts on a brave face and goes on with her next date, which is much better. It turns out she chats with a man who has also lost over 135 pounds himself, and he completely relates to and commends her journey. Scott also seems to hit it off with a woman named Sequoia who works as a chef. Despite the rules saying that participants aren't allowed to exchange contact information, Vannessa still slips her crush her phone number before she leaves.

The episode ends with Ashely meeting with Dr. Procter to discuss her ability to get pregnant in the future. Though she's at a new low weight of 286 pounds, he tells her that getting down another 100 pounds would be ideal in order to be as safe as possible. "I'd like to see you well below 200," he tells Ashely, shocking her. Hearing this news stresses her out, as she's already 38 and doesn't want to wait any longer, feeling like she's up against her biological clock.

1000-Lb. Best Friends

Reality

1000-Lb. Best Friends follows the story of four friends, Vannessa, Meghan, Tina, and Ashely, as they focus on losing weight and ditching their sedentary habits for a healthier, better future!

TMDB User Rating

47

Release Date

February 7, 2022

Main Genre

Reality

Seasons

3

Filming Locations

Georgia

Production Company

Crazy Legs Productions

Main Cast

Tina Arnold, Vannessa Cross, Meghan Crumpler, Ashley Sutton

Avg Episode Length

42 minutes