When "1000-lb Sisters" premiered on TLC in January 2020, the show primarily focused on Amy and Tammy Slaton, two sisters from Kentucky striving for bariatric surgery and a healthier lifestyle. However, as the show progressed, their other siblings, including Chris Combs, Amanda Halterman, and Misty Wentworth, became more prominent. Chris Combs' story is particularly inspiring.
Chris Combs' Initial Struggles and Motivation
At his first meeting with Dr. Eric Smith, Chris Combs weighed 450 pounds. His primary motivation for losing weight was his family: his wife, Brittany, his children, and his grandchildren. He wanted to be there for them and feared following in his father's footsteps, who passed away at 57, weighing between 400 and 500 pounds. Chris, then 41, expressed his desire to witness his children and grandchildren grow up and pass on his knowledge.
The Path to Bariatric Surgery
Initially, Chris faced challenges adhering to his doctor's program. However, his determination eventually led to his approval for bariatric surgery, a goal he had been pursuing for over a decade. Dr. Eric Smith ultimately approved Chris for the procedure after seeing his strides and commitment to his health and wellness goals.
Post-Surgery Weight Loss and Challenges
After undergoing bariatric surgery in 2022, Chris Combs experienced significant weight loss, shedding approximately 150 pounds relatively quickly. However, this dramatic weight loss came with its own set of challenges, primarily loose skin, which he humorously compared to looking like a "flying squirrel." This excess skin made exercising and moving around difficult.
Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Milestones
Despite the challenges posed by loose skin, Chris persevered and continued his weight loss journey. He participated in a 5K, tackled an obstacle course, and even explored London with his siblings. Chris described this journey as the best decision he had ever made and expressed his satisfaction with the results of his efforts. He said in the episode (via TLC), "This is the best journey that I've ever decided to take and stick with. Everything that I've done has finally paid off."
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Fan Appreciation and Future Plans
Chris Combs' increased screen time in recent seasons of "1000-lb Sisters" has been well-received by fans. His cheerful, humorous demeanor and protective nature towards his sisters have made him a fan favorite. Chris acknowledges and appreciates the support from fans. In addition to his role as a McDonald's regional manager, he engages with fans through Cameo, offering personalized video messages for various occasions. He also attends fan conventions, with Vette City Con marking his first appearance.
Continued Weight Loss Journey and Family Life
Chris has continued his weight loss journey throughout Season 7 of "1000-lb Sisters." He and Brittany remain happily married and are currently trying to have a baby. Chris is also planning on having a second skin surgery, a goal that his sisters have also strived towards. Throughout the season, the siblings have been crossing bucket list items off of their collective list now that they're lighter, including activities like going ziplining. While times have been chaotic, the family has still managed to have a lot of fun and do a lot of good as a group.
Brittany's Weight Loss Journey
Even though the show centers around sisters Tammy Slaton and Amy Slaton, other members of the Slaton family have gotten in on the weight-loss action, including their step-brother, Chris, and his wife, Brittany. Chris and Brittany's weight loss journey allowed for new experiences like family vacations. Chris and Brittany's weight loss progress has inspired fans and strengthened their relationship.
Other Family Developments
Meanwhile, Tammy has been working toward her own self-improvement plan during her stay at a weight loss rehabilitation facility in Ohio. Tammy, respectively, still has her trach tube in after undergoing a tracheotomy following a hospitalization in November 2021, during which doctors discovered that she had carbon monoxide poisoning. “After I got off life support, they put a trach in, so, yeah,” she updated via social media. As for Amy, her husband, Mike Halterman, filed for divorce in March 2023, after nearly four years of marriage.
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