Al Roker and gastric bypass: twenty years of talking about it honestly

What did Al Roker say about his gastric bypass?

In November 2002, about eight months after the operation, Roker gave his first detailed interview about it to USA Today. He explained why he had stayed quiet: admitting to the operation “is embarrassing — the ultimate admission of failure. You don't want to talk.” He listed the diets he had tried — “Scarsdale, Atkins, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, you name it, I've done it” — and said that every time the weight came back. When his wife asked whether he was doing it for her, he answered: “No, I'm doing this because of me.”

On the twentieth anniversary, in March 2022, he posted photos with an old pair of jeans, reported by TODAY: “Hard to believe it was 20 years ago today, I wore these size 54 Levi jeans to my #gastricbypass at 340 lbs and here I am today. It's still a struggle but I'm never going back. I have setbacks and struggle every day, but I never forget how far I've come.”

These two statements are what this article relies on. USA Today reported that the gastric bypass was done laparoscopically; beyond that, Roker did not describe surgical details, and we do not guess at them. Where the text below explains techniques and timelines, it describes bariatric surgery in general.

What his words tell people considering surgery

Two things in Roker's account are worth holding on to. The first is his point about blame. “You can stop drinking, you can stop sticking a needle in your arm. You cannot not eat,” he told USA Today, arguing that severe obesity deserves treatment rather than lectures about willpower. The second is his honesty twenty years later: the operation changed what was possible, but he still calls it a daily effort.

That matches how surgeons describe bariatric surgery. It is a powerful tool against obesity and related conditions, not a cure that works on its own. Roker himself stressed in 2002 that no one should consider the operation unless they needed to lose at least 100 pounds; otherwise he recommended dieting.

How a gastric bypass is done today

Bariatric operations are now routinely performed laparoscopically, through a few small punctures. In a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass the surgeon forms a small stomach pouch and joins it to the small intestine, so food bypasses most of the stomach and the first part of the intestine. The result is earlier fullness and lower calorie absorption. The main options discussed at a consultation today:

After any bypass-type operation, vitamins and minerals are needed for life. The mini bypass carries a risk of bile reflux, which the surgeon weighs when choosing the method.

Who is a candidate and how to prepare

The usual indication is a BMI above 40, or above 35 with serious related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Before surgery patients go through:

• blood and urine tests, biochemistry, HbA1c and a coagulation panel;
• consultations with a GP, endocrinologist, cardiologist, psychiatrist and, for women, a gynaecologist;
• two to four weeks with fewer fast carbohydrates and fats;
• quitting smoking at least a month beforehand.

Recovery after a gastric bypass

According to USA Today, Roker was home after a weekend and back at work a week later. For patients in general, the hospital stay is one to five days and walking starts on day one. Office work is typically possible after two to four weeks, physical work after about six. The diet moves from liquids to soft food to normal food over one to two months. Swimming is allowed after about 30 days, and travel is best planned at least a month after surgery. The final result is judged after one and a half to two years; pregnancy is advised no earlier than 12–18 months after the operation.

1. Day of surgeryLaparoscopic operation through several small punctures.
2. Day 1Up and walking; the team monitors you in the ward.
3. Days 1–5Discharge from hospital, depending on the procedure.
4. Weeks 2–4Back to office work; liquid and then soft diet.
5. Months 1–2Normal food textures return gradually; swimming and travel are allowed.
6. Months 12–18Pregnancy can be planned from this point if relevant.
7. Months 18–24Weight stabilises and the final result is assessed.

Gastric bypass at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre performs sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, mini gastric bypass and SADI-S, all laparoscopically through four small punctures of 5–15 mm. A gastric bypass costs $4,000 and a sleeve gastrectomy $3,600. The first surgeon's consultation is free and can take place online; the cost named after the assessment is fixed in the contract. A personal coordinator stays with the patient from the first enquiry through recovery, and the team follows up during the first year. More information is on the bariatric surgery page.

City Medical Centre has no connection with Al Roker or his treatment. We tell his story because he has spoken about it publicly and consistently for more than twenty years.

Frequently asked questions

When did Al Roker have gastric bypass surgery?

On 15 March 2002. He discussed it publicly for the first time with USA Today in November 2002 and marked the 20th anniversary on Instagram in March 2022.

How much did Al Roker weigh before his surgery?

In his 2022 anniversary post he wrote that he weighed 340 lbs when he went for the operation and wore size 54 jeans.

Does Al Roker say the surgery solved everything?

No. Twenty years on he wrote that it is still a struggle and that he has setbacks every day, but that he never forgets how far he has come.

How much does a gastric bypass cost at City Medical Centre?

A gastric bypass costs $4,000 and a sleeve gastrectomy $3,600. The consultation is free, and the price is fixed in the contract.

Do I need vitamins after a gastric bypass?

Yes. Because part of the intestine is bypassed, vitamin and mineral supplements are needed for life, and blood tests are checked regularly.