Top 21 Celebrity Weight Loss Surgery Transformations

Celebrity weight loss surgery is on the rise, with actors like Roseanne Barr, Randy Jackson, Al Roker, and Mariah Carey as a few of the many inspiring success stories. They have undergone bariatric surgeries like gastric sleeve (VSG), RNY gastric bypass, and even lap-band to transform their lives. These personalities are ecstatic about their decision to get the surgery, and without it, they could not have lost the extra pounds quickly and effectively.

Some celebrities have been candid about their weight loss surgery and honestly shared their journeys with the public.  MBC editors put together the top 21 celebrity gastric surgery success stories as well as their before-and-after photos to inspire you to create healthy new beginnings!

21 Celebrity Weight Loss Surgery Stories

Mariah Carey

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

One of the best female singers of all time, Mariah Carey’s beauty goes far beyond her voice. She is a best-selling musical artist who sold over 200 million records across the globe. Mariah suffered from gestational diabetes while pregnant and struggled with her weight for years. She knew that she needed to do something to lose weight. Mariah Carey underwent the gastric sleeve procedure, also known as vertical sleeve gastrectomy, in October 2017. Today she shows off her figure and her slender curves.

“I think I have to remain eternally oblivious to age. Honestly, when you put a number on it yourself, it’s just like, Why? Why do that?” – Mariah Carey

Rosie O’Donnell

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 240 lbs.
• Current Weight: 176 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 64 lbs.

Rosie O’Donnell is an American comedian, actress, producer, and television host. O’Donnell underwent gastric sleeve surgery in July 2013 after experiencing a life-threatening heart attack in 2012. Doctors informed O’Donnell she must lose weight to prevent another severe heart complication. After the surgery, O’Donnell lost an astounding amount of weight in six months: she went from 230 to 190 lbs.

“You are worth it, take care of yourself, and know the symptoms of America’s leading killer of women and men,” – Rosie O’Donnell

Randy Jackson

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 350 lbs.
• Current Weight: 235 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 115 lbs.

Randy Jackson is well-known as a singer/songwriter and one of the former judges of American Idol. While on the show, Jackson weighed in at 350 pounds. After being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, the performer realized he needed to make a change. Jackson decided the best way to improve his life was to undergo gastric bypass surgery. The surgery has helped Jackson maintain a 115-pound weight drop while helping him manage his diabetes.

“It’s a curse to be saddled with a disease that’s life-threatening and that you can’t completely get rid of. But it’s a blessing to get that huge wake-up call,” – Randy Jackson

Roseanne Barr

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 350 lbs.
• Current Weight: 250 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 100 lbs.

Once considered one of the funniest women on television, the American actress Roseanne Barr decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 1998. When the sitcom ended, Barr had an epiphany; she needed to make a necessary lifestyle change to better her health. Barr has since been following a plant-based diet and incorporates exercise into her daily life to maintain her 100lb weight loss. Her partner John Goodman in the hit TV show Roseanne has also had a drastic transformation that is hard to achieve with portion control. The only possible explanation is that he underwent a weight loss procedure like Roseanne Barr.

“…a sustainable weight loss is a journey that needs self-reflection, perseverance, and change of habits and lifestyle.” – Roseanne Barr

June Shannon

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Starting weight: 460 lbs.
• Current Weight: 137 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 323 lbs.

Widely known as “Mama June,” June Shannon has one of Hollywood’s most shocking weight loss transformations. Shannon went from 460 lbs. to 137 lbs. after her surgery in 2016. Shannon was determined to be the best version of herself after struggling to watch her own weight gain on the reality television show. The reality star maintains her 300lb weight loss by exercising regularly with her personal trainer and portion control.

“I’ve worked my ass off, working out, getting healthy… And now I feel like becoming the person on the outside that I always felt like on the inside.” – June Shannon

Graham Elliot

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Starting weight: 400 lbs.
• Current Weight: 250 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 150 lbs.

Professional Chef Graham Elliot was named one of the Ten Best New Chefs in 2004. Elliot underwent weight-loss surgery after realizing his weight was likely to impair his quality of life, as well as his lifespan; Elliot was already suffering from hypertension, sleep apnea, and constant aches and pains. The Chef started at 400 lbs. and lost a whopping 56 lbs. in one month. After the first six months, Elliot’s blood pressure was almost normal, and he experienced better cholesterol levels. Elliot plans on furthering his slim-down by continuing to eat clean, small meals and exercising regularly.

“I was physically unable to do things a father, husband, and parent should be able to do. I was headed for disaster if I didn’t make tough decisions, take drastic measures.” – Graham Elliot

Abby Lee Miller

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Total Weight Loss: 127 lbs.

Reality television star and choreographer Abby Lee Miller was determined to shed weight after despising how she saw herself on television. The star was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which contributed to the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Miller went through chemotherapy after being diagnosed with cancer; Miller announced she was cancer-free after one year. The dance teacher has lost 127 lbs. since the gastric bypass surgery in 2017 and is continuing her weight-loss diet by eating small portions of nutritious foods.

“I think this is the right time” because “there’s no right time.” – Abby Lee Miller

Rex Ryan

Gastric Band

• Starting weight: 348 lbs.
• Current Weight: 245 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 103 lbs.

Head coach of the New York Jets, Rex Ryan, who underwent gastric band surgery back in 2010, has wowed the sports media with his shocking weight reduction of 100 lbs. Ryan knew this surgery was the optimal choice for him after experimenting with countless diets that he couldn’t seem to maintain. Just going up the stairs would leave Ryan out of breath. After his substantial weight loss, Ryan feels better than ever and is ready to take on the football season.

“I tried a million diets, and I was successful with a bunch of them. But I would just gain the weight right back.” – Rex Ryan

Paul Wall

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Starting weight: 320 lbs.
• Current Weight: 220 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 100 lbs.

Rapper Paul Wall is among the many stars that have experienced a successful weight loss surgery. Wall realized he needed to lose weight somehow when he received a phone call to be on a reality television show featuring celebrities that are considered obese. Heart issues were also a major concern of Wall’s. Considering the rapper was morbidly obese, he figured the best thing for him would be to get the surgery. Wall claims he feels like a brand new person and is extremely satisfied with how he feels; Wall believes that the surgery may have added years onto his life.

“I’d be on stage feeling like I was about to collapse. I’d get dizzy spells. I’d be on the airplane and have to ask for seatbelt extensions.” – Paul Wall

Gabourey Sidibe

Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

• Starting weight: 300 lbs.
• Current Weight: 150 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 150 lbs.

After being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 33 years old, actress Gabourey Sidibe knew she needed to make a change in her life. Sidibe chose to get the surgery after realizing that dieting years were not working for her; she needed something that would work best for her body. The actress maintains her 150lb weight loss by working with a trainer and a nutritionist to stay on track. Along with proper nutrition, she also swims and rides her bike regularly; she insists that she stays as active as possible throughout the day.

“So I’m glad that I finally realized that the surgery wasn’t the easy way out. I wasn’t cheating by getting it done. I wouldn’t have been able to lose as much as I’ve lost without [the surgery]. I spent years trying to lose this much weight, and I didn’t do it. I wish I’d done it sooner.” – Gabourey Sidibe

Star Jones

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 307 lbs.
• Current Weight: 147 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 160 lbs.

Star Jones’ career took off when she became a co-host on the talk show “The View.” Jones could not stand watching herself on television any longer and was ashamed that she had let herself get to 300 lbs. After a friend admitted she was worried about Jones’ weight, the talk-show host realized she needed to lose weight for her health and sanity. Jones has lost a total of 160 lbs. through strict diet and portion control.

“I’m not sure I thought I would be successful at it, to be honest with you,” she told Lauer. “I thought I’d gain the weight back. I had never been successful at losing weight before.” – Star Jones

Khaliah Ali

Gastric Band

• Starting weight: 325 lbs.
• Current Weight: 158 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 167 lbs.

Khaliah Ali, daughter of the famous boxer Muhammad Ali, became worried about her health in 2004. Ali felt ashamed of being obese while in the spotlight because her father was famous for his fitness. Wishing to inspire others through her weight-loss journey while also keeping herself motivated, Ali wrote a book that delves into the specifics of her post-surgery life.

Carnie Wilson

Lap-Band

• Starting weight: 296 lbs.
• Current Weight: 166 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 130 lbs.

Carnie Wilson, known as an American pop singer and television host, has had a difficult weight loss journey. The singer underwent gastric bypass surgery in 1999 and lost tremendous weight. However, Wilson’s nutrition choices spiraled out of control, and she regained the excess weight. After years of being unable to lose weight, Wilson decided the best thing to do was to go in for a lap band. The singer realized she needed a big change when she couldn’t move the way she used to. Since her second surgery, the star has lost weight and plans to continue to do so.

“I didn’t feel good. It’s not all about looks. When I would walk down the street, I was out of breath; my feet were hurting … Morbid obesity is a clinical disease.” – Carnie Wilson

Al Roker

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 340 lbs.
• Current Weight: 190 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 150 lbs.

After seeing the scale hit 340 lbs., television news anchor Al Roker decided it was time to change. Roker has been extremely open about his decision to undergo weight loss surgery and believes it was one of his best decisions. The news anchor lost a whopping 150 lbs. through a high-protein diet along with strength training. Roker insists that he will never go back to his previous lifestyle and has maintained his weight loss for several years.

“I’m thrilled about where I am. Life is terrific; I wouldn’t trade it for a moment. But you always wonder where you would be if ‘x’ hadn’t happened.” – Al Roker

Patti Austin

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 285 lbs.
• Current Weight: 140 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 145 lbs.

Grammy Award-winning singer, Patti Austin, underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2004. Austin’s doctor suggested that she go through with the weight loss surgery due to her obesity-related diabetes and asthma. The singer has since then lost 140 lbs. and feels better than ever at 70 years old! Through a balanced diet, this star was able to maintain her weight loss.

“Learning should never stop for all age groups. We can empower millions to realize the opportunity to help shape a new society of creative ‘mentorologists’ in all areas of life.” – Patti Austin.

Jennifer Holliday

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 400 lbs.
• Current Weight: 270 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 130 lbs.

Singer Jennifer Holliday began her weight loss journey with gastric bypass surgery after being diagnosed with depression, losing her vision, and being unable to walk. The singer faced backlash in Hollywood for being “too big.” After the surgery, Holliday was able to walk again and has since regained her vision, all while maintaining a steady weight loss.

“I am, you know, really fighting for myself and my life. And I think the message that I could give to anybody is that it’s never too late to start your life again and dream new dreams.” – Jennifer Holliday

Fern Britton

Lap-Band

• Starting size: 22
• Current Size: 12

Originally from London, TV presenter Fern Britton underwent the lap-band procedure. Britton suffered from high cholesterol and knee pains. After an unsuccessful attempt at dieting, Fern decided the surgery was the best option for her. A healthy diet that includes high amounts of protein, fruits, and veggies helps maintain Fern’s weight loss.

“I had the gastric band for health reasons. My cholesterol was high. My knee joints were starting to hurt. I wasn’t able to run. I was approaching 50 and I thought: ‘Do you know what? I’m going to be different when I’m 50.’ For me it’s worked. I’ve got good cholesterol now. I’m incredibly fit.” – Fern Britton

Lauren Manzo

Lap-Band

• Total Weight Loss: 35 lbs.

Lauren Manzo, daughter of reality TV star Caroline Manzo, had lap-band surgery after constantly failing to lose weight. Manzo is delighted with her decision and works hard to lose weight. Her diet consists of protein and veggies, and Manzo incorporates two hours of exercise into her daily routine.

“Getting the lap band was the best thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she declared. “I bought leather shorts at Betsey Johnson the other day. A size ten was too big. The next size they had was a six, so I was like, ‘Forget it. They’re not gonna fit me’. But they fit!” – Lauren Manzo

Corey Harrison “Big Hoss”

Gastric Bypass Surgery

• Starting weight: 400 lbs.
• Current Weight: 210 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 190 lbs.

After being told that he was pre-diabetic, Pawn Stars co-star Corey Harrison became determined to lose weight. The reality star researched the surgery and realized that it was necessary for his weight loss journey. Harrison dropped almost 200 lbs. since his surgery and admitted that eating nutritious foods and sticking to an exercise regime is the key to his success.

“…it was something I had to do – I was not going to get diabetes!” – Corey Harrison

Lisa Lampanelli

Gastric Sleeve

• Starting weight: 248 lbs.
• Current Weight: 210 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 138 lbs.

Comedian Lisa Lampanelli has lost 80 lbs. after undergoing bariatric surgery. Lampanelli has struggled with her weight since a young age and concluded that the surgical procedure would be the most logical solution. Sustaining a diet consisting of small portions and high amounts of protein is a staple in Lampanelli’s weight loss.

“…the doctor who did my procedure explained that obesity risks are much greater than the risks for this surgery. I was such an overeater. Now, I get full quickly – at three, four bites, I have to stop.” – Lisa Lampanelli

Austin Russell “Chumlee”

Gastric Sleeve Surgery

• Starting weight: 320 lbs.
• Current Weight: 225 lbs.
• Total Weight Loss: 95 lbs.

Austin Russell, the co-star of the reality show Pawn Stars, was convinced that the surgery would help his weight loss after his friend and co-star Correy Harrison had an impressive weight loss. Russell stays fit by weight lifting and eating small portions; a friendly competition with Harrison also helps them maintain their weight loss.

“I started at 320 pounds, and now I’m down to 225. When I first began, I eliminated all processed foods except mustard. Now, ‘everything in moderation’ is my motto. I’m going to the gym six days a week. I’m eating right. Well-balanced diet. I drink a juice smoothie every morning.” – Austin Russell

Trending Weight Loss Surgery Procedures

Bariatric surgical procedures result in weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold, which causes the malabsorption of nutrients. Weight loss surgeries, such as gastric sleeve, have gained popularity in curing obesity and its related diseases worldwide. Procedures include:

• Gastric Sleeve (VSG) works by removing 85% of the stomach which uses restriction to achieve weight loss. It is one of the most popular surgical treatments for losing excess fat in the United States and Canada.
• RNY Gastric Bypass forms a new, small stomach pouch, causing the small intestine to be absorbed. Over a decade ago, the roux-en-y gastric bypass was the #1 recommended bariatric procedure worldwide. This, however, has changed with the introduction of sleeve gastrectomy.
• The Lap-band procedure is a non-permanent weight loss device that places a silicone band around the upper stomach to restrict food intake and cause overeating to become extremely uncomfortable.
• Lastly is the Duodenal Switch. The Duodenal Switch results in the highest weight loss; the surgeon removes 60-70% of the stomach while also bypassing the intestines.

Some patients revisit the surgeon for additional surgery if the first operation does not yield their goal weight. This is known as bariatric revision surgery.

Conclusion

The American obsession with famous personalities is fascinating. We make certain people “stars” and idolize them. We follow them on social media and watch every move they make. Celebrities have a tremendous influence on us; their health-related lifestyle and decisions can have a positive impact on us, as well as a negative effect.

There is constant scrutiny from Hollywood for celebrities to be size zero skinny. Stars try to stay thin and look their best to keep their jobs. The pressure has caused so many to have eating disorders, drug issues, and other health problems.

Celebrities are motivated to lose weight either for health-related reasons like diabetes or upcoming movie roles. More and more stars are opting for bariatrics to get thin. However, some share their weight loss methods, and others like Rebel Wilson, Adele, Oprah Winfrey, Melissa McCarthy, and John Goodman keep it a secret.

If you are interested in following these role models to renew your life, schedule an appointment today!

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