New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has long faced criticism for his weight, with some questioning whether it presents an obstacle should he decide to run for president in 2016. It was revealed on Monday that Christie had lap-band surgery in February, according to the New York Post.
"I've struggled with this issue for 20 years," Christie told the New York Post. "For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them."
He is insistent that the procedure is not related to the presidential race, though political pundits disagree.
"This means he's running for president," a top political donor said. "He's showing people he can get his weight in control.
"It was the one thing holding him back," the source added.
"It's so much more important than that," Christie said. "I know it sounds crazy to say that running for president is minor, but in the grand scheme of things, it was looking at Mary Pat and the kids and going, 'I have to do this for them, even if I don't give a crap about myself.'"
Christie reportedly sought counsel from Rex Ryan, the coach for the New York Jets, who also underwent the procedure. He then checked into the surgery center on February 16, where he registered under a false name. The operation consisted of placing a silicone tube around the top of his stomach, where it will restrict the amount of food that he can eat at one time, making him feel fuller faster, while also restricting his caloric intake.
So far it has had positive results!
"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," Christie said. Sources have told the New York Post that he has lost 40 pounds so far.
Christie has not publicly revealed his weight, but he was estimated to weigh between 300 and 350 pounds.
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