If you’ve watched Pawn Stars, you know Austin Russell—better known as “Chumlee”—for his trademark humor, quick wit, and larger-than-life personality. But behind those camera-ready moments was a man battling his own personal struggles, particularly around weight. In 2018, Chumlee made a bold decision that would change his life forever: he began his journey toward a healthier lifestyle, shedding an impressive 160 pounds along the way. The weight loss wasn’t just about numbers on a scale—it was a transformation that went far beyond the physical, touching his emotions, relationships, and career.
So, what led Austin to take such a dramatic step, and how did he manage to pull it off? In this article, we’ll dive into the gritty details of Austin’s weight loss journey, the obstacles he faced, and the pivotal moments that made this one of the most talked-about celebrity transformations in recent years.
The Starting Point: The Struggles Before Change
Before his dramatic weight loss, Austin had long been aware of his weight issues. At his heaviest, he weighed in at over 350 pounds, and like many, he had tried numerous diets and workout routines with little success. “I’ve always struggled with my weight,” Austin said in a candid interview. “I would lose some, but then it would always come back. It was frustrating, and I felt like I was stuck.”
The Turning Point: Inspiration from a Friend
In 2018, Austin made a decision that would change his life. He revealed that part of his motivation to pursue a healthier lifestyle came from his close friend, Corey Harrison, a fellow Pawn Stars star. Corey had undergone gastric sleeve surgery and had seen incredible results. “I saw Corey’s transformation, and it really inspired me,” Austin said. “He had done it the right way, through surgery and a lifestyle change. I thought if he could do it, maybe I could too.”
The gastric sleeve surgery—also known as sleeve gastrectomy—removes a significant portion of the stomach, reducing it to about the size of a banana. This drastically limits the amount of food one can consume and helps individuals feel full faster, which in turn aids in weight loss. It was a procedure that was already changing lives, and it seemed like the solution Austin had been waiting for.
The Big Decision: Undergoing Gastric Sleeve Surgery
In March 2018, Austin went under the knife, opting for the same gastric sleeve procedure Corey had done. The decision wasn’t easy; it came after years of dieting, exercise, and self-doubt. “I thought long and hard about it,” Austin admitted. “I didn’t want to take the easy way out. But I knew I had tried everything else and wasn’t seeing the results I needed.”
This wasn’t just about fitting into smaller clothes—it was about reclaiming his health. Austin had struggled with weight for most of his life, and the excess pounds were taking a toll on his physical and mental health. “I was always tired, had trouble breathing sometimes, and I just wasn’t feeling like myself,” he recalled. “I knew I had to make a change if I wanted to live a longer, happier life.”
Post-Surgery: The Journey Continues
After the surgery, Austin faced the reality of what it would take to keep the weight off. While the gastric sleeve surgery helped him eat less, it wasn’t a magical fix. He still had to adopt a new lifestyle—one that required him to focus on eating healthier, exercising regularly, and maintaining the right mindset.
“A lot of people think the surgery is the easy way out, but it’s just the first step,” Austin said. “The real work begins after. You have to make sure you’re eating the right foods and working out regularly. It’s not like you can eat whatever you want and expect to lose weight.”
Austin’s diet plan after the surgery was strictly monitored. He cut out processed foods and focused on lean proteins, vegetables, and smaller portions. As he continued to lose weight, he gradually increased his exercise routine, incorporating both cardio and strength training to build muscle and stay fit.
“I started with simple exercises, just walking and light lifting. But over time, I became more and more confident, and the weight kept coming off,” he said.
The Results: A New Austin Russell
By 2021, Austin had successfully lost 160 pounds, dropping from a weight of 350 pounds to 190 pounds. His transformation was incredible, and fans of Pawn Stars couldn’t help but notice the new, healthier Austin.
But the transformation didn’t just stop at his physical appearance. Austin’s mental health and overall well-being were drastically improved. “I feel so much better,” he said. “Not just physically, but mentally too. I have more energy, I’m happier, and I’m able to do things I never thought I could do.”
It wasn’t just his physical appearance that changed. The weight loss gave Austin a newfound sense of confidence, and he felt more in control of his life. “I’m able to do more with my family and friends. I can take my kids out and not feel winded or embarrassed. It’s such a relief.”
The Emotional Struggles: Mental Health and Weight Loss
For many, weight loss is not just a physical journey—it’s an emotional one too. Austin faced his own set of emotional hurdles along the way. There were moments when he struggled with self-doubt, particularly during the initial months after surgery. “There were times when I didn’t think I could do it,” he confessed. “But I kept reminding myself why I was doing this—for my health, for my family, and for my future.”
His openness about the emotional side of weight loss is part of what makes his story so relatable. “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows,” he said. “There are tough days. But you just have to keep pushing forward.”
How Austin Maintains His Weight Loss: Tips and Advice
Austin’s weight loss success didn’t come from a quick fix—it came from hard work, consistency, and determination. Here are a few tips he’s shared along the way:
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Focus on Healthy Eating: Post-surgery, Austin adopted a clean eating regimen, focusing on lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains. “Processed foods were my enemy,” he says. “Once I cut them out, everything started to change.”
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Exercise is Key: While the surgery helped with portion control, regular exercise played a significant role in Austin’s transformation. He started slow, with walking and light workouts, but gradually built up to more intense routines.
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Mindset is Everything: “It’s all about mental strength,” Austin said. “You can’t give up on yourself. There will be setbacks, but you have to keep pushing forward.”
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Seek Support: Austin credits a lot of his success to the support he received from his friends and family, particularly Corey. “Having people who believe in you makes all the difference.”
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Stay Consistent: Losing weight is one thing, but maintaining it is another. Austin’s advice? “Stick to the plan. Don’t let small setbacks derail you. Stay consistent and the results will follow.”
Final Thoughts: The Power of Change
Austin’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. His decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, combined with a healthy diet and consistent exercise, helped him achieve a dramatic transformation. But what really stands out is the emotional growth he experienced along the way.
If you’re considering a similar journey, Austin’s story shows that with the right mindset and a little help, anything is possible. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about gaining your life back. And for Austin, the change isn’t just physical—it’s a whole new way of living.
So, what’s next for Austin? “I’m not done yet,” he said with a smile. “This is just the beginning. I want to keep improving, keep growing, and keep inspiring others to take control of their health. There’s no going back now.”
FAQs on Austin Russell Weight Loss:
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What surgery did Chumlee undergo to lose weight? Austin, also known as Chumlee, underwent gastric sleeve surgery to help with weight loss. This procedure removes a large portion of the stomach, helping to limit food intake.
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How much weight did Chumlee lose? Austin Russell lost a total of 160 pounds, dropping from 350 pounds to 190 pounds.
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How did Chumlee maintain his weight loss after surgery? After surgery, Austin maintained his weight loss through a combination of healthy eating, regular exercise, and a positive mindset. He also emphasized the importance of consistency and support from friends and family.
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What are the benefits of gastric sleeve surgery? Gastric sleeve surgery helps with weight loss by restricting food intake. It’s a tool to jumpstart weight loss, but long-term success requires commitment to healthy eating and regular exercise.
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How can I start my own weight loss journey? Like Austin, starting with small steps and seeking support from loved ones is key. Consider consulting a medical professional for personalized advice on your weight loss journey.
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