New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he underwent secret gastric band surgery because he had been feeling frustrated and angry over his inability to slim down, and his family had urged him to shed pounds for the sake of his long-term health.
The governor told people attending an event at a Princeton bookstore Tuesday that he got upset with himself when his clothing wouldn't fit.
The Record newspaper reports Christie appeared at the shop with MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski to promote Brzezinski's new book Obsessed, which includes an interview with Christie about his weight.
The governor says he often hears from people who don't understand the struggle.
"It's not as simple as, 'Push yourself away from the table and you'll be fine,'" Christie says.
In February, the father of four had a band surgically placed around his stomach to restrict how much he could eat. He said the operation last 40 minutes and he was home the same afternoon.
Christie declined to say how much weight he has lost since the surgery. He said he doesn't feel that different.
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Christie is running for a second term in November, although his name is often mentioned as a possible presidential candidate.
Gastric band surgery is pitched as a minimally invasive procedure. One version of it is sold under the brand name Lap-Band. Its website says the surgery is appropriate for adults who have failed with more conservative alternatives, such as diet and exercise.
