Question:
Has Oprah had weight loss surgery?
We had dinner with friends the other night and discussed my upcoming surgery. They told me that Oprah had the surgery several years ago but has since regained everything. I'm certain they are wrong, but I thought this community could confirm it for me, if it is true. Comments? — Lorri S. (posted on July 23, 2000)
July 23, 2000
From the publicity I've seen over the past 10 years, she has
not had WLS. Several years back Oprah tried a liquid diet
(Optifast?), lost a lot of weight and regained. All this
was in the open on her show. Then a few years ago she
started a "lifestyle change" regimen, i.e. exercise, limited
meals, etc. Of course she had personal trainers, cooks, etc.
to assist in her efforts. Oprah shared with her audience her
efforts and acknowledged that the average person could not
possibly have such a support system. She also made it clear on her
program that she was not trying to get down to an unrealisticly
low weight (as happened with the liquid diet). Recently she seems
to have regained some weight.
Of course, with Hollywood, we may not have the whole story.
However, if Oprah had had the surgery, I believe she would
have acknowledged it on her show and let her audience in on
her experience, regardless of the outcome.
— L. E. S.
July 23, 2000
A few months ago Oprah made a comment on her show that WLS was "taking
the easy way out." This comment caused so much commotion that she had
to come out during one of her shows and apologize. She said that she
shouldn't have said anything like that until she learned more about the
surgery and maybe she would even do a show on WLS. These comments would
lead me to believe that she did not have the surgery. Maybe your friends
are thinking of Roseanne who had the Fobi pouch surgery a couple of years
ago.
— Kellie L.
July 24, 2000
It's my understanding that Oprah has NOT had WLS, and like many of us,
struggles with dieting - gaining all back and more when the diet fails. As
Kellie mentioned below, it was Roseanne who had WLS with Dr. Fobi, and the
accounts I read have said she has had problems with it. But it is also my
understanding that Dr. Fobi uses a different technique that is not common
to most bariatric surgeons. Regardless of who did or didn't do what, just
hang in there. Your surgery will come through with flying colors! It's
good that your friends are concerned, but they need to be informed as well.
Best of luck to you. - 2 1/2 months post op and 49 pounds gone forever!
— Paula G.
July 24, 2000
Hey Lorri:
I am certain Oprah has not had surgery. In fact, I remember her putting
surgery down on one show which really bothered me because I had just had
it. She felt it was not the right way to achieve weight loss. I have
always wanted to write to her about it and show her the fantastic results.
— Dot W.
July 24, 2000
I did write Oprah and suggest she do a show about WLS or at least find out
more about it for herself. No response except she did mention it on the
show. Maybe we should bombard her with our thoughts. An endorsement from
her could do wonders for national acceptance of WLS.
— jiggers
July 24, 2000
Where do we write Oprah? I think that is a fabulous idea!Besides...she
would benefit from it. Think of her viewers! She would get great ratings if
she advertised this show. It's a hot topic right now.
— [Anonymous]
July 25, 2000
If I remember correctly Oprah had her jaws wired, but she has never had
Gastric Bypass. Hopes this helps
— Barbara P.
July 25, 2000
Absolutely Not. She was on Opti Fast which is a liquid Diet. Then she got
her own personal trainer and cook. But as you all know, It is a real
battle trying to maintain a normal weight when you do it the
"traditional way."
— blank first name B.
October 4, 2001
Gee, Tom, such a helpful comment about Oprah. You should hear what she
says about YOU!
— Anne G.
October 4, 2001
Just for the discussion, I don't think Oprah would qualify for WLS, I don't
think she's that overweight, except by holywood standards.
— kcanges
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