Carnie Wilson, known for her singing career with Wilson Phillips, has openly shared her weight loss journey, which has included multiple surgical procedures and significant dietary changes. Her experiences offer insights into the complexities of weight management and the various approaches available.
A History of Weight Loss Interventions
Wilson's journey began in 1999 when she underwent gastric bypass surgery. At that time, she weighed over 300 pounds. This procedure involves creating a small pouch from the stomach and connecting it directly to the small intestine, limiting food intake and nutrient absorption. The surgery was initially successful, helping her lose 150 pounds.
However, in the following years, Wilson regained some of the weight. In 2012, she opted for a second surgical intervention: a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (lap band). This procedure involves placing a silicone device around a portion of the stomach to restrict food intake.
Recently, Wilson shared her experience with having the lap band removed, describing it as "very scary." She was readmitted to the hospital after the removal surgery due to high blood pressure and swelling and doctors found an ulcer and an obstruction with food inside the lap band.
Dietary Changes and Exercise
In addition to surgery, Wilson has made significant changes to her diet. She has publicly stated that she lost 40 pounds by eliminating sugar and gluten from her diet. She also avoids butter and keeps fats down. Wilson shared that she uses corn tortillas and brown rice in her diet.
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Wilson also emphasizes the importance of cooking to control food intake and maintain progress. She focuses on incorporating more whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, into her diet.
While diet has been her primary focus, Wilson acknowledges the importance of exercise. She lost about 40-45 pounds through a combination of walking regularly and maintaining a diet without gluten or sugar. She also plans to increase her exercise routine to further aid her weight loss efforts.
Stance on Weight Loss Medications
Amid the increasing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wilson has voiced her reservations about them, stating that the drugs "scare" her. Although her doctor initially suggested she try Ozempic, she declined due to potential side effects. She added that she was "too afraid" of the side effects to use the drug. Side effects of semaglutide injections include diarrhea, constipation, and hair loss, among others, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Wilson is not against intervention in general, as she has undergone weight loss surgeries. However, she feels that weight loss medications are not the right choice for her, particularly given her history of gastric bypass surgery and lap band placement.
Insights from Medical Professionals
Medical professionals offer varied perspectives on weight loss surgery and medications. Dr. Hector Perez, lead bariatric surgeon at Renew Bariatrics’ Mexico headquarters, notes that bariatric surgery, such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, can lead to significant and lasting weight loss, with patients losing an average of 25% to 35% of their total body weight. He also highlights that gastric bypass is best for diabetes and reflux, while sleeve gastrectomy is effective but can worsen acid reflux.
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Dr. Marina Kurian, a bariatric surgeon at NYU Langone, emphasizes that obesity is a chronic disease and that treatment approaches should be tailored to the individual. She notes that some people may do well with medications, others with surgery, and some may require both.
Both Perez and Kurian agree that a combined approach of surgery and medication may be the most effective strategy for some patients. Perez states that "In 2025, the smartest approach is no longer ‘surgery or medication’ - it’s using them together, strategically."
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon and longevity expert, offers a different perspective, arguing that bariatric surgery carries "significant risk" and does not address the underlying behavioral issues that contribute to weight gain. He suggests that GLP-1 agonists target the brain's command centers of appetite and satiety, leading to behavioral changes from the inside out.
Potential Risks and Complications
Weight loss surgeries, while effective, are not without potential risks and complications. Perez notes that lap bands are "notorious for causing long-term irritation." He adds that he spends more time removing them than placing them, and that he has pulled out bands years later that literally eroded into the stomach wall.
Kurian acknowledges that "things can happen" in any type of surgery. Wilson’s complications occurred upon lap-band removal after 13 years with the implant.
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Osborn points out that surgery doesn’t teach discipline and that the recidivism rate (weight regain) is high.
The Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Regardless of the chosen intervention, lifestyle changes are crucial for long-term weight management. Perez emphasizes that weight-loss surgery isn’t a "free pass" and that patients need to follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results. This includes protein-focused eating, muscle-preserving exercise, daily vitamins, and regular bloodwork.
Wilson's experience underscores the importance of ongoing lifestyle adjustments. She has found success by making dietary changes, such as eliminating sugar and gluten, and by cooking to control her food intake.