For years, Casey King believed his future was already written.
At his heaviest, the Georgia native weighed an astonishing 845 pounds. Everyday tasks that most people take for granted, from showering to getting dressed, had become overwhelming challenges. Today, after years of determination, surgery, and lifestyle changes, King has lost more than 600 pounds, proving that even the biggest obstacles can be overcome.
King, now 38, first shared his story on TLC’s Family By the Ton in 2019. At the time, his life revolved around eating, watching television, and playing video games.
‘I will just eat till I’m dead,’ he admitted on the show. ‘A normal day for me is waking up around noon, finding something to eat immediately, watching TV, playing video games, and going back to bed.’
His struggle with weight began early. He described himself as a ‘big kid’ throughout childhood and already weighed around 300 pounds by the time he graduated from high school. After graduation, he worked in restaurants, where constant access to food fueled further weight gain. Eventually, he quit working and moved in with his father, and his weight continued climbing until it reached 845 pounds.
As his size increased, simple daily routines became nearly impossible. King could no longer fit into a standard shower or bathtub, so his father set up an outdoor livestock trough on the family’s back deck for him to bathe in.
Speaking candidly about the experience, King explained that washing himself required tremendous effort because of the excess skin and folds created by his weight. He also revealed that he sometimes needed his father’s help with basic personal hygiene because he could no longer reach certain parts of his body.
Recognizing the seriousness of his condition, King sought help from renowned bariatric surgeon Dr. Charles Procter Jr. Before surgery could be approved, however, he first had to lose weight on his own.
His mother became one of his biggest supporters, putting him on a healthier meal plan and encouraging regular exercise. King joked that she acted like a strict drill sergeant, carefully monitoring everything he ate.
Although dieting wasn’t easy, the effort paid off.
King eventually underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy, a procedure that dramatically reduced the size of his stomach. The surgery helped him control portions and marked the beginning of an incredible transformation.
Following the operation, his weight dropped from approximately 700 pounds to 631 pounds, and he continued working relentlessly over the following four years. Combined with healthier eating habits and consistent physical activity, the surgery helped him lose more than 600 pounds overall.
His improved health has also transformed his daily life. After years of unemployment, King returned to the workforce and has spent the past several years working at Home Depot, where staying active is part of his everyday routine.
Reflecting on his progress, he shared an emotional message on social media:
‘I’m the healthiest I’ve been since high school. I’m the happiest I’ve been in forever. I don’t know if I’ve ever loved myself more.’
King frequently offers practical advice to others hoping to improve their health. He encourages drinking water instead of sugary beverages, choosing lean protein over fried foods, and finding enjoyable ways to stay active.
‘Finding healthier options isn’t that difficult,’ he says. ‘You just have to use some common sense.’
He also believes staying busy is one of the keys to long-term success.
‘Try to keep yourself as active as possible,’ King advises. ‘Find something you enjoy. I’ve gotten into hiking, and I’ve always liked walking. Whatever keeps you moving is worth doing.’
Casey King’s remarkable transformation is about far more than the number on a scale. It is the story of someone who refused to give up, embraced change one step at a time, and rebuilt his life through persistence, discipline, and hope.
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