Chris Combs is basically the unsung hero of the Slaton family. While everyone was watching Tammy's dramatic health scares and Amy’s chaotic personal life, Chris was quietly putting in the work. He’s the guy who didn't just talk about it—he actually did it. But the one thing fans keep asking about is the aftermath. Specifically, what’s the deal with Chris Combs after skin removal surgery?
Most people think that once you lose the weight, you’re done. Mission accomplished, right? Wrong. For someone like Chris, who started his journey on 1000-lb Sisters weighing over 450 pounds, the weight loss was just Phase One. Phase Two is much more physical, painful, and honestly, a bit of a mental trip.
The Reality of Loose Skin (It's Not Just Cosmetic)
Let’s be real for a second. When you lose over 150 pounds like Chris did, your skin doesn’t just "snap back." It hangs. It’s heavy. In some of the more recent episodes and social media updates, Chris hasn't been shy about the "old man saggy skin" situation. He’s joked about it, sure, but it’s a massive hurdle.
Loose skin isn't just about how you look in a mirror. It’s a health issue. It causes rashes, infections, and it’s heavy enough to pull on your back. For Chris, getting to the point where he was eligible for skin removal was a marathon. He had to prove he could keep the weight off first.
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Dr. Eric Smith, the bariatric surgeon who has become a staple of the show, is usually the one who makes the final call. Chris had to hit a stable weight and stay there. In early 2026, we’ve seen him experimenting with compression shirts. He even joked that he finally understands why women wear girdles. It's a way to hold everything in until the surgeons can get in there and do the "tuck and snip."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Surgery
There is a common misconception that skin removal is a "quick fix." It's actually a brutal recovery. We’re talking about massive incisions, drains, and weeks of being unable to move properly.
The Current Status of Chris's Procedures
As of the latest updates in January 2026, Chris has been navigating a bit of a waiting game. While he has already had some work done to address his midsection—famously saying his skin removal was the "icing on the cake" for his journey—the process isn't a one-and-done deal.
- The Chest: Chris is still eyeing more surgery for his chest area.
- The Timeline: He’s actually been putting his own needs on the back burner recently to support his wife, Brittany.
- The Partnership: Brittany just got approved for her own bariatric surgery. Chris made the choice to wait on his next round of skin removal until she is through her procedure and recovery.
That’s just who Chris is. He’s a family man. He’s the glue holding the Slatons together.
The Mental Game After the Scalpel
Honestly, the physical change is only half the battle. Chris has talked about how weird it is to look in the mirror and not see the 400-pound man he used to be. After skin removal, the transformation is even more jarring. You go from having "apron" skin to a flat stomach.
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It changes how you walk. It changes how you buy clothes. Chris has even ventured into new career territories, appearing at fan conventions like Vette City Con because he finally has the confidence to stand in front of a crowd without feeling like he needs to hide.
Why This Matters for 1000-lb Sisters Fans
If you've been following the show since 2020, you know the stakes. We saw Chris struggle with his weight while trying to manage a restaurant. We saw him get COVID-19 and have a health scare that almost derailed everything. Seeing Chris Combs after skin removal is the payoff we all wanted.
But it’s also a reality check. It shows that bariatric surgery isn’t a "cheat code." It’s the start of a five-year process that involves multiple surgeries, thousands of dollars in medical bills, and a complete overhaul of your relationship with food.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Journey
If you’re looking at Chris and thinking about your own weight loss or skin removal journey, here’s the reality of the situation:
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- Stabilization is Key: Most surgeons won't touch you for skin removal until your weight has been stable for at least 12 to 18 months. Chris had to show he wasn't going to yo-yo back up.
- Compression is Your Friend: Before surgery, high-quality medical-grade compression wear is a lifesaver. It helps with the physical discomfort of carrying extra skin.
- The "Wait" is Part of the Work: Like Chris waiting for Brittany, sometimes life happens. Don't rush the surgery if your body or your family isn't ready.
- Health Over Vanity: Don't do it just to look good. Do it to stop the skin infections and the back pain. That’s what keeps you motivated during the tough recovery.
Chris Combs is proof that you can change the trajectory of your life at any age. He’s not just a "reality star" anymore; he’s a guy who survived a life-threatening addiction to food and came out the other side with a flat stomach and a new lease on life. He's much thinner than he's ever been, and even with the remaining surgeries on his "to-do" list, the transformation is nothing short of a miracle.