Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, a familiar face from the hit reality TV show "Pawn Stars," embarked on a remarkable weight loss journey that captured the attention of fans worldwide. His transformation from 402 pounds to a healthier 210 pounds is a testament to his commitment to improving his well-being. This article delves into the details of Corey Harrison's weight loss story, exploring the motivations, methods, and impact of his life-changing decision.
The Wake-Up Call
In 2010, Corey Harrison faced a harsh reality check when his doctor informed him that he was pre-diabetic. Weighing in at 402 pounds, he was also struggling with high blood pressure, joint pain, and constant fatigue. This health scare served as a wake-up call, prompting him to take immediate action. As he told People magazine, the fear of dying motivated him to make a change.
The Lap-Band Surgery
Driven by his desire to improve his health, Corey Harrison made a bold decision. "I literally drove straight from the doctor to the lap-band center and had the surgery almost immediately," Harrison told the magazine. He opted for lap-band surgery, a procedure that reduces the size of the stomach, limiting food intake and promoting weight loss.
Financing the surgery was a challenge. "Back then, the surgery was too expensive for my bank account, so I had to pay with four credit cards, but it was something I had to do - I was not going to get diabetes!" he explained. This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to his health, even when faced with financial obstacles.
Early Success and Lifestyle Changes
The lap-band surgery proved to be a turning point for Corey. Within the first few weeks, he shed an impressive 50 pounds. In the first year after surgery, he lost another 100 pounds.
Read also: Inspiration: Corey Phelps
However, surgery was just one piece of the puzzle. Corey recognized the importance of adopting a healthier lifestyle. He eliminated fast food and soda from his diet and began incorporating regular exercise into his routine.
In the season immediately after the surgery, you can see "Big Hoss" dedicated to dropping the weight, doing jump rope in the back of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop that's featured on the show.
Embracing Fitness and Healthy Habits
Corey Harrison's commitment to fitness extends beyond just losing weight. He genuinely enjoys working out and has found activities that he is passionate about. "I'm actually excited to go to the gym now," he gushed. "I box 12 rounds a day five days a week."
He also rediscovered his love for snowboarding, an activity he had given up in his 20s due to his weight. "When I was a teenager I loved snowboarding, but in my 20s I was too big to strap my feet in the boards."
These newfound passions not only helped him maintain his weight loss but also improved his overall quality of life.
Read also: Read about Corey Taylor's journey
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Along with exercise, Corey Harrison emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet. He is mindful of the limited capacity of his stomach after the lap-band surgery. "I can only have four to five ounces of food in my stomach," he noted. "When you only have that much space in there, you don't want to fill it up with crap."
This awareness encourages him to make healthy food choices, ensuring that he nourishes his body with nutrient-rich foods rather than empty calories.
Inspiration and Support
Corey Harrison's weight loss journey has inspired many, including his "Pawn Stars" co-star, Austin "Chumlee" Russell. Inspired by Harrison's slim down, he began losing weight too, and is now down 100 pounds.
"Chum kind of thought we were gonna be fat guys together forever or something," joked Harrison. "I'm proud of him. He did it all with diet and exercise… [but] he's the sidekick!
The support of friends, family, and fans has been invaluable to Corey throughout his transformation. "When I meet fans, they are always congratulating me on the weight loss," Harrison said.
Read also: Body and Mind Journey
The Impact of Weight Loss
Corey Harrison's weight loss has had a profound impact on his life. He reports improved sleep, easier travel, and a renewed sense of energy. "I sleep better. I travel easier.
Beyond the physical benefits, his transformation has also boosted his confidence and self-esteem. "This isn’t about vanity. That’s the heart of it.
Challenges and Setbacks
Despite his success, Corey Harrison's journey has not been without its challenges. In 2023, he was arrested in Las Vegas and charged with DUI. This incident serves as a reminder that even those who have achieved great things can still face setbacks.
Life Beyond "Pawn Stars"
In recent years, Corey Harrison's role on "Pawn Stars" has become uncertain. Earlier this year, Pawn Stars patriarch Rick Harrison revealed that the show, which premiered in 2009 and aired for 23 seasons, is no longer under contract with the History Channel. Corey confirmed that he was not in any talks with History to renew his contract at the time, either.
Another part of the reason that Corey likely won’t be part of Pawn Stars in the future is because he’s relocated to Tulum, Mexico, and no longer lives in Las Vegas. “I’ve gotten to be friends with the mayor of Tulum, Diego,” he said. “The police come by once or twice a day to check on things, get photos with me. I never thought I’d be hanging out with cops and politicians in Mexico.
Personal Life
Corey Harrison has been married twice. His first wife was his high school sweetheart, Charlene, whom he married in 2009 and divorced in 2015. In 2017, he married Korina "Kiki" Harrison, but they split one year later.