Al Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery to honor his dying dad’s wishes. The decision would become a turning point in his decades-long battle with weight management.
‘The Today Show’ weatherman and co-host struggled with his weight for “most of his adult life”, but when his father Albert was nearing the end he pleaded for his son to “get in shape” to ensure he would be around to care for his kids, and so he decided he had to do something about his 340lbs size in 2002. According to medical records, this weight placed him at significant risk for various health conditions.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Roker said: “My dad had gotten very ill, and at one point toward the end, he made me promise that I was going to get in shape.”
“And he said, point-blank, ‘Look, we both know I’m not going to be here to help you raise your kids. You’ve got to be here for your children.'”
“And that really stuck with me, and that led me to do a gastric bypass.” The procedure has been shown to help patients lose up to 70% of their excess weight within the first year.
In 2022, the 70-year-old TV star revealed in an Instagram post – which saw him holding up his old oversized trousers on the 20th anniversary of his gastric bypass surgery – that he has “setbacks and struggle every day”. His transparency about the challenges has resonated with millions facing similar struggles.
“Everybody comes to their moment in their way and in their time,” Al said. “It’s a means to an end, but it’s not the end. It’s not the final thing.”
“Every day I work at this. You’re never quite done, and that’s okay because anything [good] in life is worthwhile.”
“You’re going to continue to work at it.”
“It’s like my dad used to say about me and my siblings – ‘No matter how old you are, you’re always my kid.'”
“You’re never done being a parent. You’re never done being a friend or a family member. You just keep working at [these things].” Research shows that maintaining weight loss requires ongoing commitment and lifestyle changes.
The Meteorologist continues to stay healthy by doing 20 to 25 minutes on the treadmill, then 10 minutes of load-bearing exercises before work. Studies indicate that consistent morning exercise can boost metabolism for up to 14 hours.
However, on some days, he walks home from the NBC Studios in Rockefeller Centre, New York. The American Heart Association recommends walking as one of the best forms of exercise for overall cardiovascular health.
“I think that the mantra I have adopted — and I kind of adopted this thanks to my wife, Deborah [Roberts], who is very fitness-oriented – I was one of those people that if I didn’t get in an hour’s worth of workout, then I just wouldn’t do it,” Al added.
“And her thing was, ‘Hey, look, something’s better than nothing.'”
“So that’s where I am now. I do believe that something’s better than nothing.” This approach aligns with current fitness research showing that even short bursts of activity can provide significant health benefits.
Since his surgery, Roker has maintained a healthier lifestyle, inspiring countless viewers with his journey. His story demonstrates that weight loss surgery is not just about physical transformation but also about fulfilling promises and being there for loved ones. Medical studies show that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery often experience improvements in related health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
The weatherman’s commitment to health has made him a role model for others struggling with weight issues, showing that it’s never too late to make positive changes. His ongoing dedication to fitness, combined with his father’s inspiring last wish, continues to motivate others on their own health journeys.
