Just four years ago, 41-year-old Cole Prochaska from Florida faced a seemingly impossible challenge—his weight had soared past 585 pounds, the highest number his scale could even measure. But today, after shedding a staggering 360 pounds, he proudly declares that he’s gone from “the size of three men” to just one.
A Lifetime of Struggles
Prochaska’s battle with obesity started in childhood, fueled by a sedentary lifestyle and excessive overeating. His daily diet was a calorie bomb—multiple bags of chips, a 12-pack of soda, and entire fast-food meals in a single sitting. He estimates he was consuming a staggering 5,000 calories a day.
“I felt pretty bad,” he admitted. “I put on a happy front, like a lot of big people do, but deep down, I was lonely.”
The wake-up call came when his seven-year relationship began crumbling.
“I knew she had lost respect for me. I wasn’t doing anything with my life,” he revealed. “I tried to save the relationship, but instead, I saved myself.”
Walking His Way to Success
Prochaska’s transformation started with a single step—literally. At first, he could barely walk a couple of blocks. But he made a promise to himself to keep moving. Those short strolls turned into a daily habit, eventually reaching an impressive 10,000 steps a day.
“I hold myself accountable! It’s the only way to take control of your life,” he wrote on social media, vowing never to skip a walk, even in bad weather.
But walking was just the beginning. He also completely overhauled his diet—ditching sugary drinks, junk food, and excessive carbs in favor of a high-protein, balanced approach. As the pounds melted away, he hit the gym, building strength and reshaping his body.
“It all came down to one decision—I had to change my life,” he said.
‘Still Trapped’ in Excess Skin
By 2023, Prochaska had reached his goal weight, but a new struggle remained. His dramatic transformation left him with painful, excess skin—a constant reminder of his former self.
“Three to one. I once weighed as much as three men, and now, I am one person,” he wrote on his GoFundMe page, where he’s raising money for skin removal surgery.
“My weight loss journey is complete, but my life isn’t. I have to tuck my extra skin into my pants and wear loose clothing to hide the flab. I’ve never walked on a beach without a shirt or felt comfortable at pool parties. I’m still trapped.”
His fundraiser has already collected over $81,000 of his $100,000 goal to cover the expensive procedure.
Inspiring Millions
Prochaska’s story has resonated across social media, inspiring countless others to take control of their health.
“Absolutely inspiring! Good luck on your journey, and thank you for being such an inspiration,” one donor wrote.
Another added, “Cole, your transformation is incredible. I hope this little bit helps you reach your goal!”
Though he hasn’t undergone surgery yet, Prochaska recently took another major step—his first-ever flight to California to consult with a plastic surgeon. He hopes to have his first procedure within the next six months.
For anyone looking to embark on a similar journey, his message is simple:
“Keep going, keep walking… You can do it. I’m living proof. Let’s go.”
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