Actress Gabourey Sidibe, renowned for her groundbreaking role in "Precious," has consistently embraced vulnerability, both on and off the screen. Her weight loss journey, marked by a decision to undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery, is a testament to her commitment to health, empowerment, and self-acceptance.
A Longtime Struggle and a Life-Changing Decision
Like many, Sidibe struggled with weight loss for years. This struggle was further complicated by the pressures of being in the public eye. After years of battling her weight and ultimately being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she opted for a procedure to help kick-start the process. "I truly didn’t want to worry about all the effects that go along with diabetes," she told People in 2017. She quietly decided to get laparoscopic bariatric surgery, a procedure that removes a portion of the stomach to limit how much patients can eat. By the time she entered the operating room, Sidibe was at her heaviest weight-330 pounds.
Sidibe shared with People that the decision to have surgery was not something she took lightly. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” she shared in an interview with People. “The surgery wasn’t the easy way out. I wasn’t cheating by getting it done."
Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: A Tool, Not a Solution
After undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery, which involved the removal of a significant portion of her stomach, Sidibe began a new chapter in her life. A benefit of laparoscopic bariatric surgery? “It’s a less invasive procedure that reduces the stomach’s size to help with weight loss,” says Giselle Prado-Wright, MD, MBA, medical director at Exert BodySculpt. The surgery helped reduce her stomach’s capacity, meaning she couldn’t eat as much at once, and she felt full much faster.
Sidibe is adamant about the fact that this wasn't just an "easy way out." "I wasn’t cheating by getting it done," she says. "I wouldn’t have been able to lose as much as I’ve lost without it."
Read also: The story of Gabourey Sidibe's transformation
Overhauling Lifestyle: Diet and Exercise
While the surgery gave her a fresh start, it wasn’t a magical fix. Sidibe had to completely overhaul her approach to food and fitness. She worked hard to maintain a balanced diet, focusing on healthy, nutrient-dense foods. “I started by cutting out soda entirely,” she revealed. “That was a big one for me."
Right after surgery, Sidibe was on an all-liquid diet while her stomach healed. Once she recovered, she focused on smaller, nutrient-filled meals. “But now, I eat about five times a day-I use meal plans that are really, really good, especially for when I’m busy,” she shared with People. “I cook a lot more." Dr. Prado-Wright notes that Sidibe’s approach is helpful for sustainable progress.
But the changes didn’t stop at food. Sidibe also began to incorporate regular exercise into her routine. “I started slow,” she explained. “At first, it was just walking, but now I’ve built up to doing more intense workouts."
Sidibe knew that surgery alone would not help her achieve her weight loss goals, so she incorporated exercise into her daily routine. In her interview with People, Sidibe shared that she worked out with a personal trainer three to four times a week. She shared that “I’m as active as I can be, which is quite a lot. I have an Apple Watch that tracks me all the time. I have a tricycle at my house in L.A.; I also have a tricycle on set in Chicago [Sidibe was filming Empire at the time]. During my lunch break, I ride my tricycle around the block or I’ll ride it around set. I stay as active as possible. I’m stronger, and I’m able to move more and I’m not worried about losing my f-ing toes anymore."
Mental Health: An Integral Part of the Journey
What stands out most about Gabourey Sidibe’s weight loss journey is her commitment to her mental health. Throughout her transformation, she has been vocal about her battles with depression and anxiety. “It’s been a long, hard road,” she admitted.
Read also: Sidibe's Story of Self-Discovery
Sidibe emphasizes the importance of self-love, noting that weight loss should never be about conforming to society’s beauty standards. “I’ve spent too many years trying to please others,” she said. “Now, I’m focused on pleasing myself."
The Results: A Transformation Inside and Out
Her hard work paid off: Gabourey lost a staggering 150 pounds, reaching a healthy weight of 180 pounds. But, even more remarkable than the number on the scale was the confidence she gained along the way. “I love my body now,” Sidibe said in an emotional interview. “I’m not doing this for anyone else."
In her memoir, This Is Just My Face, Try Not to Stare, she also said, “It has taken me years to realize that what I was born with is all beautiful. I did not get this surgery to be beautiful. I did it so I can walk around comfortably in heels. I want to do a cartwheel."
Maintaining Momentum: A Continuous Process
Even with the help of surgery, Sidibe was still struggling to correct unhealthy habits. “I still obsess about eating, and I obsess about weight and I obsess about my body just as much as I did before,” she told People. She also admitted that she was obsessed with the numbers on the scale and would weigh herself multiple times a day.
Sidibe acknowledges that her weight loss is a journey, but she's finding peace within herself through the process. She says that she's almost at her first goal weight, and when she reaches it, she plans to set a new goal.
Read also: Achieve Weight Loss with CrossFit
Lessons Learned: A Guide to Lasting Change
So, how did Gabourey Sidibe pull off this incredible transformation? While surgery played a key role, the real secret lies in the consistency of her healthy habits.
- Bariatric Surgery: Sidibe’s decision to undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery was a game-changer. The procedure reduced her stomach size, helping her control her portion sizes and feel full with smaller meals.
- Balanced Diet: Sidibe is mindful of what she eats, opting for smaller meals throughout the day. She prioritizes vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and makes sure to drink plenty of water.
- Exercise: While it wasn’t always easy, Sidibe now makes regular physical activity part of her life. From walking to more intense workouts, her fitness routine has been a key component of her weight loss journey.
- Mental Health Focus: Gabourey Sidibe understands that weight loss isn’t just about the body-it’s about the mind too. She’s been open about her struggles with mental health, and she works with therapists and coaches to maintain a healthy mindset.