Chris Christie has Lap Band Surgery

christie_mainGovernor Chris Christie just revealed that he’s undergone Lap Band surgery. Christie had the procedure in February, and kept the surgery secret from all but a few people, until now. Dr George Fielding of NYU Langone Weight Management Program performed the procedure. Dr Fielding is known internationally as a lap band expert, and in addition to his surgical experience, has kept off over 100 pounds since undergoing the band procedure himself in 1999. Fielding has performed thousands of weight loss procedures, including Rex Ryan’s lap band surgery in 2010. Christie reportedly spoke with Ryan before making the decision to go through with the procedure.

When we spoke with Dr Fielding last year about Rex Ryan’s surgery, he told us “Weight loss after bariatric surgery is a journey. It’s not a race.” It’s believed that Christie has lost 30 – 40 pounds so far. The lap band, or adjustable gastric band, is a small silicon ring that is placed around the upper portion of the stomach. It creates a pouch about the size of a golf ball, that food travels through slowly. This helps patients feel less hungry – they eat smaller meals and go longer before they feel hungry again. The band is adjustable, meaning patients see their doctors regularly for “fills”. A fill involves liquid being added to (or removed from) the band. These adjustments are key to the success of the band, since the doctor and patient work together to find the optimal tightness for the band.

Christie had the procedure done on Feb 16th, and was home that afternoon. He told the Post, “I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years… For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”

You can learn more about the Lap Band procedure here, or other surgical options: gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.

By Emma Squillace

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