New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Has Lap Band Surgery

Chris Christie, the governor of the state of New Jersey, recently announced that he had a previously undisclosed Lap Band surgery in February in order to improve his health. Christie, who has battled this problem most of his life, said that made the choice for the sake of his family.

When asked about his reasons for the surgery, Christie replied that, “I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years,” he told the New York Post. “For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”

Lap Band Surgery for Potential Presidential Candidate

While many have speculated that this Lap Band procedure improves the chances of a Christie Presidential campaign in 2016, the governor won’t discuss it. “My decisions about anything to do with my career are based upon what I think is best for me and best for my family,” said Christie in an ABC News story. “Whatever size I happen to be when I have to make a decision about what to do next in my career, I doubt that’ll play any role or effect in what I decide to do.”

Citing a wish for privacy, Christie had his Lap Band procedure on February 16th, telling only his family and chief of staff, and using a pseudonym at the hospital. His Lap Band device was implanted in an out-patient one day procedure, and he went home that day. Since the procedure, Christie has lost more than 30 pounds, sporting a noticeably slim figure at the recent White House Correspondent’s Dinner.

Prior to his procedure, Christie consulted with New York Jets coach Rex Ryan, who recently had the Lap Band procedure himself, with a resulting weight loss of over 100 pounds.

Photo by Bob Jagendorf on Flickr.