Listen, let me tell you a story about Al Roker, the beloved Today show weatherman who, 15 years ago, became a national sensation after shedding an incredible amount of weight. In 2003, Al weighed a staggering 340 pounds. That’s right, 340. The Queens, NY native decided enough was enough and opted for gastric bypass surgery, a life-changing procedure that would help him lose more than a hundred pounds. After the operation, he slimmed down to a healthier 190 pounds. But, as with many weight loss journeys, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Over the years, Al faced fluctuations in his weight, but after over a decade of ups and downs, it seems like the weight loss has finally stuck. Keep reading to discover exactly how Al managed to lose the weight and keep it off!
Why Al Chose Gastric Bypass Surgery
Now, let’s dive into why Al made the decision to go under the knife. For years, Al struggled with his weight, trying every diet under the sun but never finding something that worked long-term. It wasn’t until a heart-to-heart conversation with his father, who was battling lung cancer, that Al made the life-changing choice to undergo gastric bypass surgery. “My father said to me, ‘Look, I’m not going to be here for your kids. And you’ve got to be here for your kids. So I want you to promise me you’re going to lose weight,’” Al revealed during a 2013 interview. That moment was a wake-up call for Al, and it set him on the path to a healthier life.
Al with his wife in 2001.
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After the surgery, Al dropped a massive 115 pounds, but he quickly realized that the procedure wasn’t some kind of "magic bullet." Sure, the weight was gone, but Al knew he needed to change his mindset around food. During an interview, he explained that any reputable surgeon will recommend psychological counseling following the surgery. This step is crucial because it helps patients understand the emotional and psychological aspects of their relationship with food.
Rebuilding a Healthy Relationship with Food
Unfortunately, Al soon discovered that losing weight didn’t automatically mean he had a healthy relationship with food. After his surgery, the father-of-two gradually regained 40 pounds. Al, who later wrote the book Never Goin’ Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle for Good, admitted that he should have taken advantage of the support groups offered after the surgery. “I knew I needed to make some basic changes in my life,” he confessed. Despite all his professional successes, Al admitted to feeling unworthy at times. “You know, it’s that feeling like you’re going to be found out as a fraud, like you’re not as good as you think you are,” he told Matt Lauer in an interview. These feelings can make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but Al was determined to change.
The 28-Day Cleanse: A Fresh Start
After regaining those 40 pounds, Al decided it was time for a fresh start. He embarked on a 28-day detox cleanse, cutting out caffeine, alcohol, sugar, dairy, and gluten entirely. By the end of the four weeks, he had lost an impressive 28 pounds. “After my detox cleanse, my choices were more limited, but now I’ve expanded my diet to include a variety of healthy foods,” he said. This cleanse was the catalyst Al needed to overhaul his diet and exercise habits permanently.
Revamping His Diet for Good
After the cleanse, Al knew it was time to change his diet for good. Today, the Today show star focuses on eating whole, unprocessed foods that are high in protein and low in carbs. He’s also extremely disciplined about portion control. “I used to think a whole pint of Häagen-Dazs was a serving size,” he joked. “Now I know I can have a couple of spoonfuls and I’m done. I’m more in control, and I’m controlling food instead of letting it control me.” This shift in mindset has been key to maintaining his weight loss.
