12 Celebrities Who Had Weight Loss Surgery

The allure of the Hollywood lifestyle often comes with immense pressure to maintain a certain image. For many stars, this pressure extends to their physical appearance, leading to a constant battle with the scale. In recent years, however, a refreshing shift has taken place. High-profile figures are stepping out of the shadows to share their experiences with bariatric procedures.

By openly sharing celebrities’ weight loss experiences, they’re helping reduce stigma and showing that medical weight loss tools can play a powerful role in transforming health and confidence.

Quick Look: Celebrity Bariatric Success Stories

Here is a summary of the transformations we will cover:

• Mariah Carey
• Rosie O’Donnell
• Etta James
• Lisa Lampanelli
• Randy Jackson
• Carnie Wilson
• Sharon Osbourne
• Kelly Osbourne
• Mama June
• Roseanne Barr
• Star Jones
• Graham Elliot

Mariah Carey Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Mariah Carey has always been open about her health, weight, and body image. That said, she shared that she never focuses on the scale numbers, attributing her larger frame to her height and big bones.

Despite previous weight loss accomplishments, such as shedding 70 pounds after the birth of her twins in 2011 through diet and exercise, Carey opted for a more permanent solution with gastric sleeve surgery.

In October 2017, Mariah Carey decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery, prompted by the realization that her weight was affecting her stamina and performance on tour with Lionel Richie. The procedure proved to be a pivotal moment in her journey towards better health and well-being.

Just a month after the surgery, Carey began experiencing positive results and a significant improvement in her overall well-being. This transformation enabled her to maintain her weight loss and sustain her super-successful career.

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Rosie O’Donnell Gastric Bypass

Comedian and talk show host Rosie O’Donnell turned to weight loss surgery following a serious health scare.

After suffering a heart attack in 2012, her doctors urged her to prioritize weight loss for her long-term health.

Rosie attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise for a year, but ultimately decided to undergo vertical gastric sleeve surgery in 2013.

In a candid interview with People in 2016, Rosie shared her perspective on the surgery, advocating for more attention to be given to those who have struggled with obesity.

Etta James’ Weight Loss Transformation

At her heaviest, the iconic “At Last” singer, Etta James, weighed 400 pounds. In 2001, she made a transformative decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery, a choice that led to a remarkable weight loss of 235 pounds.

Etta shared her newfound joy with People Magazine, expressing, “It feels so good to be happy.

”Her son, Sametto, also spoke about the significant transformation the surgery had on his mother’s life, revealing, “She was embarrassed because she had to come out in one of those little scooters. Now she comes onstage running and doing dances. I’m like, ‘Mom, you’d better sit down before you trip and fall.’ I never thought I’d see her like this.”

Lisa Lampanelli’s Gastric Bypass Surgery

Known for her sharp wit and humor, Lisa Lampanelli took a serious turn in 2012 when she revealed on The Dr. Oz Show that her weight had become no laughing matter in her personal life.

Despite her ability to find humor in almost everything, years of emotional eating and unsuccessful attempts at weight loss prompted her to make a significant decision. Lisa chose to undergo gastric bypass surgery as a transformative step in her health journey.

Admitting that she had tried everything over the course of 32 years, from various diets to purchasing a house on a health spa property, Lisa saw the surgery as a clean slate, a tool to treat her weight struggles like the addiction she considered them to be.

Opening up about her journey, she explained to Dr. Oz that the surgery was merely a tool to aid her in overcoming the challenges she had faced for decades. Lisa not only shed 80 pounds but also embraced a new lifestyle, characterized by small meals, multivitamins, and a commitment to regular exercise.

Randy Jackson Gastric Bypass Surgery

Former American Idol judge Randy Jackson faced a major wake-up call when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Frustrated by the limitations of conventional diets, Randy candidly shared with WebMD that he had tried various unconventional methods, from liquid fasts to unusual remedies like bee stings and the urine of pregnant women.

Realizing that these approaches were not effective for individuals dealing with the disease of obesity, he made a significant decision in 2003 to undergo gastric bypass surgery. The surgery proved transformative, resulting in a remarkable 100-pound weight loss.

However, as Randy faced the common challenge of weight regain, he prioritized regular exercise and healthier eating habits. Recognizing the importance of staying vigilant about his health, especially given his diabetes, Randy emphasized the value of proactive health management during regular check-ups.

Carnie Wilson Lap Band Surgery

Carnie Wilson, a prominent member of the pop group Wilson Phillips, faced a significant weight challenge, surpassing 300 pounds before taking a transformative step in 1999.

Opting for gastric bypass surgery, she successfully shed 150 pounds, a remarkable achievement that showcased her commitment to a healthier lifestyle. However, the journey faced a detour when Carnie, citing the demands of motherhood, experienced weight fluctuations.

Undeterred, she made a resolute decision to undergo a second weight loss surgery in 2012, choosing lap band surgery this time. In just a matter of months, Carnie told People she had already lost 30 pounds, emphasizing that the decision was about prioritizing self-care.

Sharon Osbourne Gastric Band Surgery

Television personality Sharon Osbourne has always been open about her cosmetic and medical procedures.

Among her various transformations, Sharon chose to undergo gastric band surgery, a decision that she did not conceal from the public.

Her remarkable weight loss of 8 stone (approximately 112 pounds) following the procedure garnered widespread attention. After seven years with the gastric band, Sharon Osbourne opted to have it removed.

Despite this reversal, she expressed gratitude for the lessons learned during that period, believing that the gastric band had empowered her to control her eating habits effectively.

Kelly Osbourne Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Following in her mother’s footsteps, Kelly Osbourne’s weight loss surgery also became public in 2020.

Witnessing Sharon’s success with the procedure, Kelly gained firsthand insight into how gastric surgery could effectively manage weight struggles.

In 2020, Kelly opened up about her own journey, sharing that she had undergone gastric sleeve surgery almost two years prior. Emphasizing transparency, she stated, “All it does is change the shape of your stomach. I will never ever lie about it ever. It is the best thing I have ever done.”For Kelly, the impact went beyond just shedding pounds; the surgery played a pivotal role in her journey to sobriety. Kelly Osbourne, before weight loss surgery, was battling with alcohol addiction for years, but after her gastric sleeve surgery, she revealed that her cravings for alcohol vanished completely.

Curious if bariatric surgery could work for you?

Ready to start your own transformation? Schedule a consultation with our bariatric specialists today.

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Mama June Gastric Sleeve

Reality TV star Mama June documented her transformation on the show Mama June: From Not to Hot.

At the outset, Mama June grappled with a weight of 460 pounds, but by the season’s end, she showcased an incredible transformation, slimming down to 137 pounds.

The series not only documented her remarkable physical changes but also delved into the emotional toll of the process. Mama June, transitioning from a size 18 to a size 4, took additional steps to bolster her newfound confidence, opting for excess skin removal and a breast augmentation.

Her honest admission on the show, shared via E Online, reveals the profound challenges she faced, stating, “Doing all the surgeries really took a toll on me, not just physically, but emotionally.”

Roseanne Barr Gastric Bypass Surgery

Comedian Roseanne Barr underwent gastric bypass surgery in 1998 when her weight reached approximately 350 pounds.

In an interview with WebMD, Roseanne shared her weight loss journey but also delved into the emotional nuances associated with cosmetic procedures, stating, “Nips and tucks are okay if people feel they want to do that. It comes from feeling insecure, though…it’s like a walking ad for ‘insecure.’”

After successfully shedding 80 pounds, Roseanne took an additional step to address the aftermath of her weight loss by opting for a tummy tuck to eliminate excess skin.

Star Jones Gastric Bypass Surgery

Television host Star Jones underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003 after being diagnosed with morbid obesity.

Opting for a transformative step, Star made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery to address her weight concerns. Initially choosing to keep the surgery private, she encountered criticism when she lost an impressive 160 pounds without publicly addressing her fans.

In 2012, Star decided to open up about her weight loss journey during an interview with Matt Lauer on the Today Show, acknowledging the audience’s sense of betrayal.Reflecting on her decision, she stated, “It really ticked them off. Because I was so public with all other aspects of my life, I think the audience felt betrayed in some way. And I completely understand that. The reason I say I don’t regret that, Matt, is that it really worked for me. It allowed me to get emotionally safe and secure.”

12. Graham Elliot’s Gastric Sleeve Success

Award-winning chef and former MasterChef judge Graham Elliot faced a unique challenge: losing weight while his career literally revolved around tasting high-calorie food. At his heaviest, Graham weighed 400 pounds, which began to take a toll on his ability to play with his children and his overall health.

In 2013, Graham opted for a gastric sleeve procedure. He chose the sleeve specifically because it allowed him to continue his career as a chef; unlike bypass surgery, the sleeve doesn’t change how the body digests or absorbs nutrients, just the amount of food the stomach can hold.

Following the surgery, Graham lost an incredible 150 pounds. He swapped heavy cream and pasta for lean proteins and vegetables and even went on to run the Chicago Marathon.

What These Celebrity Weight Loss Stories Teach Us

Seeing celebrities’ weight loss success stories helps humanize a medical procedure once whispered about in secret. Whether it is the Mariah Carey weight loss surgery success or the mental health breakthrough of Kelly Osbourne, the message is clear: surgery is a valid, effective, and often necessary step for those battling chronic obesity.

At Pivot Weight Loss, we know that surgery is just one part of a holistic journey. Like the stars mentioned above, our patients receive a comprehensive plan that includes nutritional guidance, physical activity, and emotional support to ensure long-term success.

Is It Your Turn?

You don’t need a Hollywood star on the Walk of Fame to deserve a healthy, vibrant life. If you have struggled with weight loss for years and are looking for a permanent solution, bariatric surgery could be the “clean slate” you’ve been waiting for.

Ready to start your own transformation? Schedule a consultation with our bariatric specialists today.

Schedule a consultation →