Chris Combs has basically become the heartbeat of TLC’s 1000-lb Sisters. While the show originally focused on the chaotic, often heartbreaking journey of Amy and Tammy Slaton, Chris stepped into the frame and changed the whole vibe. Honestly, he’s the one everyone is rooting for right now.
But where is chris 1000 lb sisters now in 2026? If you’ve been keeping up with the latest episodes of Season 8, which just kicked off this January, you know he’s not the same guy who first stepped onto our screens weighing 450 pounds. He’s thinner, sure, but the real story is about his health, his wife Brittany’s own surgery journey, and the fact that he’s still working that 9-to-5 life.
The Physical Change: More Than Just a Number
Chris has officially lost over 150 pounds since his journey began. That's a whole person.
After his gastric sleeve surgery back in 2022, the weight fell off, but it left him with a problem most people don't talk about: the skin. In Season 6, we saw him finally get approval for skin removal surgery on his abdomen. It was a massive milestone. In the most recent 2026 updates, Chris has been seen wearing compression shirts—sorta like a girdle—to manage the remaining loose skin on his chest.
He’s waiting to do the next round of surgery. Why? Because he’s being a supportive husband. He wants to wait until his wife, Brittany, finishes her own recovery before he goes back under the knife.
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Brittany’s Big Moment
For a long time, Brittany was the quiet one in the background. But in the January 13, 2026 episode, we saw a huge breakthrough. After months of struggling with her A1C levels due to Type 2 diabetes, she finally got her numbers down to 9.7.
Dr. Eric Smith—who has become a bit of a legend in the Slaton-Combs circle—officially gave her the green light for her own weight loss surgery. Chris was right there, joking that he's much "cuter" now that he’s thin, though Brittany insists he was always cute to her. It’s probably the most stable, wholesome relationship on the whole show.
What is Chris Combs Doing for Work?
There’s a lot of rumors about reality stars being secret millionaires. For Chris, that's just not the case. He’s a hustler.
- The Day Job: Chris still works at McDonald's. He’s not just flipping burgers, though. He’s a regional franchise manager. It’s a solid career that he’s had for years, and it's likely where he earns a bulk of his stable income, estimated between $85,000 and $120,000 depending on the year's bonuses.
- Side Hustles: He’s a king on Cameo. Seriously, he’s ranked in the top 50 globally on the platform. He charges about $50 for a video, and fans love him because he actually puts effort into the jokes and advice.
- The Catering Dream: He and Brittany have been talking about starting a catering business. Brittany has even started a side hustle making pies to test the waters.
Dealing With the Slaton Drama
Even though chris 1000 lb sisters now is focused on his health, he’s still the "fixer" for his sisters.
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The family is currently split. Amy and Tammy have been feuding (again), and Chris often finds himself in the middle. Recently, he even took Tammy in after she had a falling out with their sister Amanda. This caused some tension at home because Brittany wasn't exactly thrilled about the drama coming into their personal space.
Chris is also a grandfather now. He often says that the main reason he worked so hard to lose the weight was to make sure he didn't end up like his father, who passed away in his 40s due to obesity-related issues. He wants to be able to run around with those grandkids without gasping for air.
The Reality of Skin Removal
Don't let the "after" photos fool you; the recovery is brutal. Chris has been very open about the fact that skin removal isn't just a cosmetic "tuck." It’s a series of painful, expensive surgeries.
He’s currently managing:
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- Physical discomfort during exercise from the weight of excess skin.
- The psychological toll of "plateauing" after the initial surgery.
- The financial planning required to cover procedures that insurance doesn't always want to pay for.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, but his attitude is what keeps the fans coming back. He recently finished a 5K run and tackled an obstacle course, things that would have been physically impossible for him four years ago.
Actionable Takeaways from Chris’s Journey
If you're looking at Chris and wondering how to apply his "success" to your own life, here’s the real talk:
- Consistency over Speed: Chris hit several plateaus where he didn't lose an ounce for months. He didn't quit; he just adjusted his macros with Dr. Smith.
- Support Systems Matter: He and Brittany do this together. If you're trying to change your lifestyle, find your "person" who won't bring junk food into the house when you're struggling.
- Don't Quit the Day Job: Even with TLC money, Chris kept his career. Financial stress is a huge trigger for overeating, and keeping his job provided the stability he needed to focus on his health.
You can catch Chris and the rest of the crew on Tuesdays on TLC or stream the episodes on Max. He’s living proof that you can be the "big guy" your whole life and still decide to write a different ending.
To stay updated on Chris's progress, you can follow his Instagram where he occasionally posts "day in the life" snippets from his management job and family outings.