Let me introduce you to someone who didn’t just lose weight—he took back control of his future. Cole Prochaska, a South Carolina native, wasn’t trying to go viral or be a social media star. He just didn’t want to die young. And honestly? That mindset changed everything.
Rock Bottom at 585 Pounds
Imagine stepping on the scale and hitting the maximum number it could display. That’s exactly what happened to Cole. At 585 pounds, he felt like he was at the lowest point in his life. Every day felt harder than the last—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Video: The Most Stunning Weight-Loss Transformations Ever! | My 600-lb Life
Cole didn’t make excuses. He made a choice. He didn’t want to live trapped in a body that limited his every move, and more than that, he didn’t want to lose his life to something he could fight.
So he made a promise to himself: this wasn’t how his story was going to end.
The Turning Point: “I Just Started Walking”
No expensive trainer. No crazy diet plan. Cole started small—literally.
He walked.
Then he walked again.
He walked every single day, no matter how uncomfortable or slow it felt at first. He cut out junk food. No more fast food binges. No more empty calories. Just small, consistent choices that added up in a massive way.
Within less than two years, Cole lost 360 pounds. Read that again—360 pounds. And he didn’t stop there. He gained strength, built muscle, and rewrote his entire lifestyle.
When Weight Loss Leaves Scars Behind
But here’s the thing no one really talks about with major weight loss: the aftermath.
Cole was proud of his progress. But his body told a different story.
Loose skin covered his arms, stomach, and legs. It made it hard to run. Hard to move comfortably. Even finding the right clothes became a challenge. He had to size up to tuck in the excess skin, despite being physically smaller.
Emotionally? That was tough, too.
“I’m trapped,” Cole admitted in an interview. “I’ve worked so hard, but when I take off my shirt, I still feel insecure.”
Facing the Mirror and Showing the World
What Cole did next? It wasn’t easy.
He launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for surgery to remove the loose skin. But he didn’t just ask—he showed.
He posted a shirtless photo.
For someone who had once felt ashamed of his body, that move took serious guts.
He said, “I absolutely didn’t want to do it. But I told myself—I need to show people how far I’ve come. I need them to see what I’m still carrying.”
That honesty—raw and vulnerable—struck a chord online. The support poured in.
Preparing for Surgery: A New Chapter
By December 2024, Cole had done it. He met with a surgeon and finalized the plan for his skin removal operation. While he’s gone quiet on social media since, many believe he’s currently in recovery, healing and preparing to share the next part of his incredible journey.
And we can’t wait to see it.
Video: He Has A GoFundMe To Remove His Excess Skin
Why Cole’s Story Matters to All of Us
Cole’s journey is about more than just numbers on a scale. It’s about perseverance. It’s about facing the hardest parts of yourself and refusing to let them win.
His transformation didn’t happen because of some magical diet or reality show moment. It happened because he chose to fight every day—for himself, his health, and his future.
And the best part? You don’t need to wait for the perfect time to start doing the same.
Want to Take Control of Your Health? Start With These Simple Habits
Here’s what Cole did—and what you can do too:
Move Every Day
Start walking. It’s free, simple, and powerful. Even 20-30 minutes daily can begin reshaping your life.
Cut the Junk
Get real about your food. Remove processed snacks, sugar-loaded drinks, and greasy fast food. Fuel your body, don’t punish it.
Hydrate Like a Champ
Water helps with everything—digestion, energy, metabolism. Drink a glass before every meal. You’ll eat less and feel better.
Track Progress, Not Perfection
Use an app. Journal. Snap mirror selfies. Find what motivates you to keep going.
Set Realistic Goals
Forget crash diets. Aim for consistent, sustainable progress. Think long-term wins, not short-term hype.
Get Support
Whether it’s a friend, a trainer, or an online group—having people in your corner makes a huge difference.
Loose Skin Doesn’t Define You—Your Courage Does
One of the most powerful takeaways from Cole’s story is that transformation isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable. Messy. Emotional.
But it’s real.
And real change sticks.
Loose skin? That’s not failure. That’s proof of the fight. Proof that you’ve been through something tough and come out stronger.
Cole Prochaska’s story isn’t about overnight results or photo filters. It’s about grit. Commitment. And showing up for yourself when nobody else can do it for you.
If you’re reading this and thinking about making a change, here’s the truth: you already can.
Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait until the stars align. Start where you are.
Walk the block. Say no to the drive-thru. Drink your water. Share your story.
Because the world needs more people like Cole—and you just might be next.