The New York Post is reporting that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie secretly underwent stomach surgery earlier this year to lose weight for the sake of his family.
Christie told the paper in an exclusive interview that he decided to have the lap-band surgery out of concern for his wife and children, saying the decision was not motivated by plans for a future presidential run.
“I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years,” the popular Republican governor said. “For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”
Contrary to what observers may say, Christie insists the effort to slim down was not motivated by thoughts of a presidential bid.
“It’s so much more important than that,” he said.
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Despite Christie’s denials, political fundraisers say the surgery is a clear sign that he’s going to join the 2016 race — and will do whatever it takes to win.
“This means he’s running for president. He’s showing people he can get his weight in control. It was the one thing holding him back,” a top
political donor told The Post.
Christie underwent the surgery on the morning of Feb. 16, and was home the same afternoon. He was admitted under a fake name, the Post learned from a source.
The lap-band surgery restricts the stomach, causing patients to feel fuller faster. Christie declined to tell the Post how much weight he has lost so far, but sources estimate around 40 pounds.
Christie says he is noticing changes in his appetite after the surgery.
“A week or two ago, I went to a steakhouse and ordered a steak and ate about a third of it and I was full,” he told the paper.
Christie has never revealed his weight, but estimates have run from about 300 to 350 pounds.
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