Question:
Did Al Roaker on the Today Show have WLS???

Al has lost a lot of weight and there is a rumor that he had WLS. This information comes from the National Equirer, which I take with 10 grains of salt any story from there... but Al is losing A LOT of weight... if anyone else knows anything and your source is NOT the Enquirer I would love to know.....    — Pamela W. (posted on May 16, 2002)

May 16, 2002
Yes, Al has been losing a lot of weight. It is my guess that he did, but he has not confirmed it yet, that I am aware. He does make mention of having a surgery to better his health, and the effects would become more noticable in the days to come. You can read exactly what he says in his online journal at www.roker.com. This specific entry is on March 27. If he did have the surgery, I hope that he makes it public for the sake of other MO's, if he doesn't, that is his business and he can keep it private if he chooses. Go AL!!
   — Cheri M.

May 16, 2002
I agree that Al Roker has lost a lot of weight, and I too think he had wls. One morning on the show someone was reviewing a restaurant and he said to Al that he'd treat him next time they went. He said he'd buy him A GRAPE! I think that's pretty conclusive.
   — cjabates

May 17, 2002
I think Al Roker has probably made a deal with his network to do a full story when he is close to goal. He probably can not say anything about the surgery to anyone without messing up a contractual thing. That's my theory for what it is worth. His wife will probably get to do the story!
   — Marilyn S.

May 17, 2002
Not sure but I HEARD that he had the lap-band......His wife interviewed a family of 8 (i think it was 8) that all had surgery. The segment aired just about the time Al "supposedly" had surgery. I heard from a friend online who has mutual friends with the family that he indeed had the lap-band. Again this is just my hearsay.
   — Melody F.

May 17, 2002
yes Al Roker did have lap rny. it was in my local newspaper. (the real newspaper, not the enquirer).
   — Tami K.

May 18, 2002
From what I've read, Al Roker had WLS on March 15th this year. I also have been following his "upates" in the Enquirer. By the way, I have been reading the Enquirer for 25+ years (Not proud of it) and boycotted it once for about six years when they plastered John Lennon's murdered head-shot on the cover.....I thought that was SO tasteless and swore I'd never read that magazine again. But I caved about five years later and I read it for entertainment. I'm a trivia nut. By the way, you'd be suprrised what all turns out to be "true" in the Enquirer. And most time, you read it there first. They are vultures, I know, but I can't help it. I'm an addict and love to read the trivia. I wish Al all the best. He probably has a chef preparing his meals and shakes and someone reminding him to take the top of the line vitamins.......wouldn't that be nice? But in the meantime I don't blame him for not discussing it. It's his body, his surgery. And I'm sure he'll talk about it IF and WHEN HE is ready. Just like us.
   — Annie H.