Weight loss is rarely the clean, "happily ever after" movie montage we see on screen. For Casey King, the former breakout star of TLC’s Family by the Ton, shedding nearly 600 pounds was just the first half of a grueling marathon. If you remember him from the show, you know he started at a terrifying 845 pounds—a weight that essentially kept him prisoner in his own home. He spent his days playing video games and eating naked because clothes simply didn't fit.
Fast forward to 2026, and Casey is a different human being. He’s active, he’s working, and he’s independent. But there’s a massive, literal weight still hanging off him. Casey King skin removal has become the defining chapter of his post-weight loss life, and honestly, it’s a lot more complicated than just "getting a tuck."
The Reality of a 600-Pound Transformation
Most people lose 20 pounds and feel like a new person. Casey lost the equivalent of three or four grown men. When you lose that much mass—specifically after your skin has been stretched to its absolute limit for years—the biological "snap back" just isn't happening.
It’s not just about aesthetics.
Excess skin after extreme weight loss is heavy. It chafes. It causes infections. For Casey, it’s a physical reminder of a past he’s worked desperately hard to leave behind. He’s been very open on social media about the fact that even though he’s "thin" by his previous standards (hovering around the 240-250 lb mark), he still feels "trapped" by the loose folds of skin that remain.
The Massive Financial Wall
You’d think after being the face of a successful TLC show, the network might chip in for the "finishing touches," right?
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Well, Casey has been pretty vocal about that. He’s called out the network for what he perceives as a lack of support for those who actually succeed. While TLC covers the initial bariatric surgery for filming, they often don't cover the casey king skin removal procedures, which are classified as "cosmetic" by many insurance providers—even when they are medically necessary for quality of life.
The cost is astronomical. We are talking:
- Panniculectomy (removing the apron of skin on the stomach)
- Brachioplasty (arm lift)
- Thighplasty
- Chest contouring
Estimates for these procedures often run north of $45,000 to $50,000.
Crowdfunding a New Life
Because he didn't have fifty grand sitting in the bank, Casey turned to his community. A GoFundMe organized by Ethan Klein (of H3 Podcast fame) originally helped kickstart the fund, raising over $20,000. But the medical bills for multiple surgeries, anesthesia, and months of recovery time mean that even that wasn't enough to cover everything.
Casey has continued to update fans on his personal GoFundMe, noting as recently as late 2024 and into 2025 that he was still pushing toward that final goal. It’s a slow process. It's frustrating. You’ve done the hard part—the dieting, the exercise, the mental overhaul—and now you're stuck behind a paywall.
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Why This Surgery Is So Dangerous (And Necessary)
Skin removal isn't like getting a quick Botox injection. For someone who used to weigh 800 pounds, surgery is always high-risk.
The blood supply to the skin is complex. The recovery time is months, not weeks. Doctors have to be incredibly careful about fluid balance and preventing blood clots. Casey has acknowledged the fear involved in going under the knife again, but for him, the alternative is worse. Living with the skin is a physical burden that prevents him from fully engaging in the "normal" life he fought so hard to get back.
He wants to run. He wants to fit into standard clothes without tucking and folding. He basically wants to feel like the skin on the outside matches the man on the inside.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "After"
There’s this misconception that once the weight is gone, the "battle" is won.
But talk to anyone who has undergone a massive transformation, and they’ll tell you the mental game gets harder. Casey has been incredibly transparent about his struggles with body dysmorphia. When you look in the mirror and see folds of skin, your brain sometimes still sees the 800-pound version of yourself.
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The casey king skin removal isn't just a physical surgery; it's a mental health requirement. It’s the final "divorce" from his former identity.
What’s Next for Casey?
Casey is still grinding. He’s working, he’s staying active, and he’s keeping his "Fupa Troopas" (the nickname for his supporters) updated on his progress. He hasn't let the slow pace of the skin removal process derail his health. That’s the most impressive part. Many people would hit this plateau and give up, but he’s still eating right and hitting the gym.
If you’re following his journey or starting your own, here is the reality:
- Surgery is a tool, not a cure. Casey still has to work every single day to maintain his weight.
- The "Final" Step is often the hardest to fund. Medical insurance in the US is notoriously difficult when it comes to skin removal.
- Community matters. Casey’s transparency has built a safety net of people who actually care about his success.
How to Navigate Your Own Path
If you or someone you know is dealing with the "aftermath" of extreme weight loss, here are a few actionable things to keep in mind:
- Document everything for insurance. If you have skin rashes, infections, or back pain, see a doctor and get it on record. This is the only way to get "cosmetic" surgery covered as "medically necessary."
- Focus on "Maintenance" first. Surgeons won't touch you for skin removal until your weight has been stable for at least 12 to 18 months.
- Prepare for the "Mental Gap." Losing the weight doesn't automatically fix how you feel about your body. Therapy is just as important as the gym.
Casey King's story is a reminder that the road to health isn't a straight line—it’s a long, winding, and sometimes expensive path. But looking at where he started, bathing in a trough on a porch, to where he is now? It’s a journey worth every single step.
You can stay updated on Casey’s progress through his official social media channels, where he frequently shares raw, unfiltered updates on his surgery status and daily life.