Chris Combs is basically the heart of 1000-lb Sisters. While the show started with Tammy and Amy Slaton, Chris quickly became the person fans rooted for the most. He was the one doing the work, hitting the gym, and actually listening to Dr. Smith. But here’s the thing: losing over 150 pounds isn't just about a smaller number on a scale. It leaves a physical reminder. For Chris, that reminder was a massive amount of loose skin that no amount of lifting weights could fix.
People have been asking about the Chris Combs skin removal surgery for a couple of years now. It's a huge milestone. Honestly, it’s the "final boss" of weight loss. You spend years fighting your own cravings and pushing through workouts, only to be met with a "skin apron" that causes rashes, back pain, and just looks... well, saggy. Chris didn't hold back on the show. He called it his "old man saggy skin."
He wasn't wrong.
The Reality of the Chris Combs Skin Removal Surgery
When you lose weight as fast as Chris did after his bariatric surgery in Season 3, your skin doesn't always have the elasticity to "snap back." It’s like a balloon that’s been inflated for years and then suddenly deflated. The rubber is stretched out. In Season 6 and into the latest 2026 updates, we’ve seen the real-time fallout of this.
Chris eventually qualified for his skin removal. This wasn't just a "tummy tuck" for vanity. In the world of massive weight loss, this is usually a panniculectomy or a full lower body lift.
📖 Related: Leonardo DiCaprio Met Gala: What Really Happened with His Secret Debut
Why the surgery was a "must"
- Physical Pain: The sheer weight of excess skin pulls on the lower back. It’s heavy.
- Hygiene Issues: Folds of skin create moisture traps. This leads to nasty fungal infections and rashes that just won't go away.
- Mental Health: Imagine losing 150 pounds but still feeling "big" because of the loose skin. It’s a mental hurdle that stops people from feeling like they’ve actually won.
What Dr. Smith Required Before the Procedure
You can't just walk into a clinic and ask for skin removal the day after you hit your goal weight. Surgeons like Dr. Smith are strict. Chris had to prove he was stable. Usually, doctors want to see a stable weight for at least six months. Why? Because if you have the surgery and then lose another 50 pounds, you’re just going to have more loose skin. It's a waste of a very expensive, very painful procedure.
Chris had to get his A1C levels in check and stay consistent. We saw this play out with his wife, Brittany Combs, too. She had to drop her A1C below 10 before she could even get her initial weight loss surgery. The Combs family basically turned their lives into a health clinic.
The Recovery: It’s No Walk in the Park
Honestly, skin removal is often worse than the original weight loss surgery. With bariatric surgery, they’re working on your insides. With skin removal, they are slicing through the largest organ you have.
Chris had to deal with:
👉 See also: Mia Khalifa New Sex Research: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessed With Her 2014 Career
- Surgical Drains: These are little tubes that hang out of the incisions to drain blood and fluid. They’re gross, they’re annoying, and you have to empty them several times a day.
- Compression Garments: You’re basically stuffed into a tight bodysuit for 6 to 8 weeks. It keeps the swelling down and helps the skin "stick" to the new muscle layer.
- Limited Mobility: For the first few weeks, you can’t even stand up straight. If you stretch too much, you risk ripping the internal stitches.
Chris mentioned in recent episodes that while he has a "nice flat stomach" now, the recovery was a "beast." He had to rely heavily on his family during those first few weeks.
The Financial Side of Things
Here is a detail most "reality TV" fans miss: insurance rarely covers this.
Insurance companies often view skin removal as "cosmetic." They’ll pay to save your life with a gastric sleeve, but they often won't pay to fix the skin left behind unless you can prove severe medical necessity—like chronic, documented infections that haven't responded to medication. For a guy like Chris, who is now pursuing a new career and staying active with his grandkids, this was an investment in his future.
What We Can Learn From Chris
Chris Combs didn't just get lucky. He stayed the course when Tammy was struggling and when Amy was dealing with her own hurdles. His skin removal surgery represents the closing of a chapter.
✨ Don't miss: Is Randy Parton Still Alive? What Really Happened to Dolly’s Brother
If you are on a similar journey, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, don't rush the process. Most experts, including those at places like the Cleveland Clinic, suggest waiting 12 to 18 months post-bariatric surgery before even booking a consultation for skin removal.
Second, start saving now. Even with the "reality TV" boost, these procedures can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on how many areas (arms, thighs, stomach) are being treated.
Actionable Steps for Post-Weight Loss Success:
- Prioritize Skin Health Early: Use high-quality moisturizers and stay hydrated, though realize this won't prevent the need for surgery if weight loss is massive.
- Document Everything: If you have rashes or infections, go to your primary care doctor. Get it in your medical record. This is the only way you have a shot at insurance coverage later.
- Focus on Muscle: Lifting weights won't "fill" the skin, but it provides a better "frame" for the surgeon to work with.
- Set Realistic Expectations: You will have scars. They will be long. Chris has them, Tammy has them, and anyone who goes through this will have them. It's a "battle scar" for a war you won.
Chris is currently living his best life, showing off a much slimmer profile and reportedly feeling better than he has in decades. The surgery wasn't a shortcut—it was the finish line.
Next Steps for Your Journey:
Research board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in "massive weight loss" (MWL) patients. These cases are much more complex than a standard tummy tuck. Check their "before and after" galleries specifically for patients who lost over 100 pounds to see how they handle the unique scarring patterns.