When Chris Combs first stepped onto the screen during the second season of TLC’s 1000-lb Sisters, he wasn't exactly the star. He was the protective older brother. The guy in the background making sure Amy and Tammy didn't kill each other—or themselves—with their lifestyle choices. But something shifted. Honestly, it's kinda rare to see a "supporting character" in reality TV take over the narrative so completely, yet that’s exactly what happened.
Chris didn't just lose weight. He basically rewrote his entire life script.
While the internet usually obsesses over Tammy’s massive 500-pound drop or Amy’s domestic drama, Chris has quietly become the most successful member of the family in terms of consistency. He started his journey at over 450 pounds. He was scared. Specifically, he was scared of dying in his 40s like his father did. That’s a heavy weight to carry, and I don't mean the physical kind.
The Reality of the "Flying Squirrel" Phase
Most people think bariatric surgery is a "get out of jail free" card. It’s not. Chris found that out the hard way. After his gastric sleeve surgery in 2022, the pounds melted off—about 150 of them in a relatively short window. But the aftermath wasn't a fitness magazine cover. It was loose skin. A lot of it.
He famously joked on the show that he looked like a "flying squirrel." You've gotta love his humor, but behind the jokes, that skin was a nightmare. It was heavy. It chafed. It made exercise—the very thing he needed to stay healthy—actually painful.
Dr. Eric Smith, who has basically become a secondary father figure to the Slaton clan, wouldn't let Chris get skin removal surgery right away. He made him work for it. Chris had to hit a stable weight and prove he could maintain it. That meant running a 5K. Think about that for a second. A man who struggled to walk across a parking lot a few years ago was suddenly crossing a finish line on his own two feet.
By the time Season 6 rolled around in late 2024 and early 2025, Chris finally got his wish. He had the excess skin removed from his abdomen. He was so hyped about his "new belly button" that he couldn't stop talking about it. It’s those small, weird details that make his story feel so human. He didn't want a six-pack; he just wanted to look normal in a suit.
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Why 2026 is a Huge Year for the Combs Family
Right now, as we move through early 2026, the focus has shifted from Chris to his wife, Brittany. For years, Brittany was the rock. She stayed in the background, supported Chris through his "hangry" phases, and managed their life while he climbed the corporate ladder at McDonald's (yeah, he’s a regional manager now, which is a massive job).
But in the most recent episodes of Season 8, we’re seeing Brittany’s turn.
- The Surgery Milestone: Brittany finally qualified for her own weight loss surgery.
- The Health Scare: Her A1C levels were a major hurdle due to her Type 2 diabetes.
- The Motivation: She admitted that seeing Chris get off his diabetic medications was the "kick in the pants" she needed.
It hasn't been all sunshine and roses, though. Brittany had to give up soda cold turkey, and Chris—in his typical blunt fashion—noted that she was "very irritable" during the process. That's real life. It’s messy. They aren't pretending that changing your life is easy or that they're perfect.
The Baby Rumors and the Truth
There’s been a lot of chatter online about Chris and Brittany having a baby. Let’s clear that up. While Brittany has been very open about her reproductive struggles and her desire to be a mom, as of now, they haven't announced a pregnancy.
Chris is 45. He’s already a grandfather. He’s been very honest about the fact that starting over with a newborn while his grandkids are running around is... a lot. But he loves Brittany. If she wants a child, he’s all in. That dynamic—the aging patriarch who finally has his health back versus the wife who wants to experience motherhood—is one of the most relatable things on TV right now.
The McDonald's Factor: A Career Most Get Wrong
One thing that drives fans crazy is the "McDonald's thing." People see Chris working at a fast-food joint and think it’s a contradiction. How can you be a weight-loss icon and work at Mickey D’s?
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Well, first off, it’s his career. He didn't just quit because he got "TV famous." Chris is a regional manager. In the world of franchise management, that’s a high-stress, high-pay corporate role. It shows a level of discipline that most people overlook. He’s surrounded by fries and burgers all day and still maintains a weight of around 250 pounds.
If that isn't willpower, I don't know what is.
He’s also leaned into his fame in a smart way. He’s one of the top creators on Cameo, charging about $50 for a video. He’s ranked in the top 50 globally. Why? Because he’s actually nice. He doesn't give canned responses; he tells jokes and gives genuine encouragement. He knows what it’s like to be at the bottom of the hill looking up.
What's Next for Chris?
Chris isn't done with the surgeon's table. He’s recently mentioned that he wants a second skin removal surgery, specifically for his chest area. He joked that he’s tired of having a bigger chest than some of the women in his life.
It’s easy to look at the Slaton family and see a train wreck, but Chris is the bridge. He’s the one who stayed with Amy during her messy divorce from Michael. He’s the one who took Tammy in when she was feuding with their sister Amanda.
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 reality of what worked for him:
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1. The "Why" Must Be Bigger Than the "What"
Chris didn't lose weight to look good. He did it because he didn't want his grandkids to grow up without a grandfather. If your goal is just "to be thin," you'll probably fail when the first plate of nachos shows up. Find a "why" that scares you.
2. Plateaus Are Part of the Process
During Season 6, Chris hit a major plateau. He was devastated. He cried on camera. But he didn't quit. He adjusted his movement, worked with Dr. Smith, and pushed through. If the scale doesn't move for three weeks, it doesn't mean the diet is broken; it means your body is recalibrating.
3. Support Isn't Always Sweet
Chris and Brittany’s relationship works because they’re honest. He told her she was "hard to live with" when she quit soda. She told him he was "cuter" after his surgery. Real support isn't just "you're doing great, sweetie." It’s being able to say the hard things so you both stay on track.
4. Movement Over Exercise
Chris started by just moving more at work and playing with his grandkids. He didn't jump into a 5K on day one. He built the foundation of "active living" before he ever worried about "training."
The most important thing to remember about Chris from 1000-lb Sisters is that he’s still a work in progress. He’s 45, he’s a manager, a husband, and a brother. He’s just doing it with about 200 pounds less baggage—both literal and emotional.
Next Steps for Fans:
Track Brittany’s progress in the current season (Season 8) as she begins her post-op recovery. Watch for Chris’s potential "Phase 2" skin surgery announcement, which is expected to be a major storyline in late 2026. Keep an eye on his official social media for Vette City Con appearances, as he’s increasingly moving into the public speaking and "fan meet" circuit.