Diane Pol Jr.: Dr. Pol’s Daughter Opens Up About Migraines, Mental Health, Motherhood, and Her Weight Loss Journey

Diane Pol Jr., the eldest daughter of renowned veterinarian Dr. Jan Pol from The Incredible Dr. Pol, has quietly built a meaningful presence outside the television spotlight. Over the years, she has documented her journey with chronic illness, emotional recovery, and personal growth through candid updates on social media.

From battling debilitating migraines and navigating depression to undergoing a major weight loss transformation and embracing her role as a “bonus mom,” Diane’s life reflects a series of deeply personal challenges met with honesty and resilience. Through her posts, she has become a relatable voice for many facing similar struggles—offering insight, encouragement, and the quiet reminder that healing is often a lifelong process.

A Childhood Marked by Loss and Love

Diane’s early years were shaped by profound grief. Her biological mother, JoAnn, passed away when Diane was just nine years old. “I have very few true memories of her that are mine,” she once shared. To honor JoAnn, Diane even created a memorial necklace engraved with “Love Always,” a phrase her birth mom used to write in letters.

Her mother’s death led to another major life change—being raised by Diane K. Dalrymple Pol, Dr. Pol’s wife, who became her second mom. “She took me in and chose to love me, a broken child with many, many issues. She loved me as her own from the day I moved in—no questions asked.” Over time, this bond grew so strong that Diane now simply refers to her as “Mom.”

Lifelong Struggle with Migraines

Diane has battled chronic migraines for over a decade, and she has been remarkably transparent about the toll they take on her daily life. In earlier posts, she shared how migraine episodes affected her mood and relationships. “I turn into a very mean and unkind person,” she admitted in 2010, acknowledging that a single episode nearly cost her a friendship.

Her symptoms have included seeing spots, pain in her scalp, and intense sensitivity to weather changes—especially during seasonal transitions. In 2019, she even shared a visual representation of how distorted words appear when she tries to read through the pain, offering a rare insight into what these episodes feel like.

After years of trial and error, Diane was approved for inpatient treatment in 2018. She spent 1–2 weeks working with healthcare providers to manage her condition and find the lowest effective medication doses. Since then, she has become a consistent voice for others dealing with invisible illnesses—offering solidarity and sharing what works for her.

In a recent update from March 2025, Diane noted a return of her migraine flare-ups, blaming shifting spring weather. “I am blaming ‘Mother Nature’ and this lovely spring weather,” she joked, referring to her recurring migraines as “March Madness.” It’s a reminder that even after years of management, chronic conditions require constant adjustment—and a sense of humor can still shine through.

Mental Health and Advocacy

During the pandemic in 2020, Diane Pol Jr. openly discussed her struggle with depression—sharing not only how it affected her emotionally, but how she actively sought support. On her doctor’s advice, she reached out to loved ones: calling her parents, FaceTiming with her mom, and spending time with a trusted friend. “They gave me their strength when I felt I had none left,” she wrote. “I will be OK.”

Her willingness to speak openly about these moments resonated with many. She used her platform not only to express vulnerability but to encourage others to seek help during isolation.

Diane has also been vocal about bipolar disorder. On World Bipolar Day in 2016, she posted a detailed message urging compassion and understanding. “Help us, help ourselves,” she wrote, emphasizing that bipolar depression, like any serious illness, requires long-term treatment, patience, and community support.

By sharing her experience with both depression and bipolar disorder, Diane continues to raise awareness about mental health. Her posts contribute to reducing stigma and remind others that healing often begins with openness and consistent care.

A Transformational Weight Loss Journey

Diane Pol Jr. has shared her weight loss journey with remarkable openness. At her highest weight, she was over 300 pounds. After undergoing bariatric surgery, she lost approximately 155 pounds by 2019 and later set a new target to lose an additional 80 pounds.

In a 2020 Facebook post, Diane responded to public misconceptions about weight loss surgery. Reacting to a scene from a TV show that implied bariatric surgery was a shortcut, she explained the reality: “The weight doesn’t just go away because of the surgery. It takes following a strict diet and exercise plan, for the REST OF OUR LIVES.”

She went on to outline the long-term lifestyle changes she manages daily—avoiding foods that could cause dumping syndrome, being cautious about medications due to ulcer risks, tracking vitamin levels, and living with the emotional challenges of body dysmorphia. “I’m sorry, but what part of this is easy?” she wrote. “This was VERY hard… and I would do it again in a heartbeat. It gave me the tool I needed to save my life when nothing else worked.”

By 2022, Diane remained determined not to regain the progress she had worked so hard to achieve. Despite a hectic schedule and the everyday challenges of maintaining healthy habits, she shared that she had not regained any weight. “I still want/need to lose about 80 more lbs to be at my goal. I WILL get there,” she wrote, pushing back against the misconception that surgery makes weight loss effortless. Her continued transparency underscored that the real work happens after surgery—when motivation must meet consistency.

In January 2023, just months before her wedding on April 1, Diane shared her motivation to restart her stalled weight loss efforts. Her short-term goal was to feel confident in her wedding dress; her long-term goal was to reach a healthier weight and maintain it for life.

She continued that momentum into 2024, launching a campaign she called “Fall Into Fitness.” She regularly shared side-by-side progress photos and personal updates to stay accountable and encourage others on similar paths. Her willingness to share both progress and setbacks highlights the persistence behind long-term health changes.

Becoming a Bonus Mom

Diane Pol Jr. has been open about the emotional toll of infertility and the longing to build a family of her own. For years, Mother’s Day was a difficult time. But that changed when she married her husband, Ryan, and became a stepmother to his four adult children and a grandmother to 12.

In a heartfelt Mother’s Day post in 2023, Diane reflected on this transformation. “This year, I wept with joy as I was hugged by my new daughters. I understand for the first time the unconditional love my Mom showed me,” she wrote.

Diane now embraces the role of “Bonus Mom” and “Grammy” with gratitude, often expressing appreciation for being welcomed into a large, loving family. In response to a follower who asked about her journey, she explained, “God had a different plan for me.” Her story offers encouragement to others navigating alternative paths to motherhood.