Suvechha Sarkar
The transformative journey of Ty Griffin was featured in season 2, episode 1 of TLC’s ‘Dangerously Obese.’ During his time on the show, he was just 22 years old and battling obesity. He revealed that it had long been present in his family, but he realized that it was a cycle he wanted to break. He had shared that being overweight had made him a target during middle school, leaving him with emotional scars. Ty also struggled to be open about his own identity since his weight affected his confidence. Even simple joys like playing with his little cousins became a distant dream for him. Ultimately, he decided to fight back and take control of his life. Hence, he contacted Dr. Charles Procter to seek professional help.
Ty Griffin’s Consistency With His Diet Helped Him Get the Weight Loss Surgery
Initially, Ty Griffin shared how his increased weight had already taken a toll on his body, with issues like high blood pressure and sleep apnea. During his first appointment, he was shocked to find that he weighed 505.2 lbs. Dr. Procter readily set him the goal of losing 50 lbs in one month through strict calorie control and consistent exercise. However, sticking to the plan wasn’t easy because shortly after beginning his diet, Ty’s old habits crept back in. His family members often caught him eating fries, milkshakes, cookies, and even indulging in late-night snacks. Yet, after a few setbacks, he finally had a moment of clarity and began following his diet seriously.
With just a week left before his next appointment, Ty also began working out at a nearby gym, determined to make up for lost time. By the time he stepped onto the scale during his next appointment, he had met his goal by bringing his weight down to 455.8 lbs. That achievement earned him approval for weight loss surgery, which fortunately went very smoothly. About 10 months after the procedure, Ty’s weight dropped to 235 lbs, surpassing his goal weight of 275 lbs. He shared that his next goal was to reach 200 lbs. Around seven months later, Ty lost 13 more pounds, bringing his total weight loss to an incredible 333 lbs since his surgery.
Ty Griffin is a General Manager and is Embracing His Newfound Confidence
Beyond reality TV, Ty Griffin has built an inspiring and fulfilling life. During the show, he shared that he was working full-time at a loan and tax office, balancing long hours while trying to improve his weight. However, it seems that he has since then moved on from his role. In December 2024, the reality star took a significant step forward in his career by joining America’s Car-Mart as a General Manager. Ty takes immense pride in his work, selling cars, helping his clients, and even celebrating each sale with genuine excitement. His social media feed often reflects this passion, showcasing a man who truly loves what he does.
Although Ty remains occasionally active on Facebook, his Instagram account is private, suggesting that he prefers to keep certain aspects of his life private. Yet, he often uses Facebook to share with his followers about his continuing weight loss journey and occasional glimpses into his personal life. One of the most notable aspects of Ty’s story is his courage in embracing his identity. On the show, he shared that he was gay but had been afraid to come out to his family members since he was from a conservative place. That changed in August 2021, when Ty finally stepped into the world as his true self.
Ty also disclosed that he had long been interested in drag performances, but had kept it hidden due to his insecurities about his weight. After his transformation, he proudly made his public debut as a drag queen, fully embracing the confident and vibrant persona he always possessed. In February 2025, Ty shared a picture of himself, wearing a seatbelt, and wrote, “The only caption I have for this is… I’m actually wearing my seatbelt?!” It is a simple act that symbolizes how far he has come in his journey. As of writing, the reality star continues to inspire countless fans who cheer him on every step of his way.
Ty Griffin’s Life Today Centers on Love, Family, and Spiritual Strength
At the very heart of Ty’s journey is his deep bond with his family, who stood by him at every victory and setback. He has often spoken with pride and gratitude about his parents, Melanie and David, as well as his stepmother, Misty, who became his pillar of strength during his most challenging days. Their support never wore off, whether it was during his weight loss journey, his moments of self-discovery, or even his new beginnings. When Ty shared the news of his doctor’s appointment to get weight loss surgery with David and Misty, they were overjoyed and offered nothing but love and encouragement. In fact, his stepmother was right by his side, accompanying him to his surgery and the doctor’s appointments.
No matter what, Misty always ensured Ty never felt alone. He also maintains an incredible relationship with his cousins, Lindsay and Raelynn, who have also been his biggest cheerleaders through it all. Ty had admitted that he was not ready to date because of his insecurities. However, as he lost weight and regained confidence, he began to open his heart again. The reality star eventually found the love of his life, Chandler Layne, whom he had met through Facebook. By October 2025, they even celebrated their one year and eight months of togetherness. The couple often spends time together and with their families, whether it be celebrating Halloween, taking long drives, or simply enjoying quiet moments together.
In December 2024, Ty took another beautiful step forward in his personal life as he got engaged to Chandler. He never misses a chance to express his love for his fiancée. In one instance, he wrote, “Days can be long. Times can be rough. Life can be hard.. But every day, you make it worth it! I love me some you.” Their love continues to grow with the addition of their adorable pup to their lives. Ty always makes sure to shower their furry friend with affection. As a man of immense faith, he frequently shares how his spirituality guides him and how he discovered an LGBTQ+-supportive church community in Georgia that provided him with a sense of belonging. Ty has built a life that radiates joy, gratitude, and confidence, proving the transformation begins within the heart.
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