Rex Ryan's Incredible Weight Loss Journey: How He Transformed On and Off the Field

Rex Ryan, known for his charismatic personality and successful career as an NFL coach, has also publicly battled with his weight. His journey involves not only the highs and lows of professional football but also a personal transformation marked by significant weight loss. This article explores Ryan's weight struggles, his decisions to undergo weight loss procedures, and the impact these choices have had on his life and career.

Early Career and Weight Concerns

Rex Ryan's career in the NFL spanned several decades, from his early days as a college coach to his roles as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens and head coach for the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. Throughout his career, Ryan's weight was a recurring concern. In 2009, as the New York Jets' first-year head coach, Ryan admitted to weighing 347 pounds. His weight became a topic of public discussion, especially when he mentioned being on a five-day liquid diet. There was concern that his health could affect his ability to fulfill his coaching duties.

Before becoming the head coach of the Jets, Ryan believed his weight may have cost him the head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons after the 2007 season, telling a reporter, “I think I was too fat.”

The Decision for Weight Loss Surgery

In March 2010, Ryan decided to undergo lap-band surgery to address his obesity. This decision came after years of struggling with his weight and trying various diets with limited long-term success. Ryan recognized that his weight was not only a personal health issue but also a potential obstacle to his professional aspirations.

Ryan told the Huffington Post's Rachel Cohen that his weight loss was spurred by wanting to be healthier and live longer, and was achieved with Lap-Band surgery.

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Lap-Band Surgery and Initial Success

The lap-band procedure involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach, creating a smaller stomach pouch. This helps to reduce the amount of food a person can eat, leading to weight loss. Following his lap-band surgery, Ryan experienced significant weight loss. By 2012, he had lost over 100 pounds and went from about 350 lbs to almost 240 lbs.

Ryan told ESPN that he would eat as many as 12 tacos in one sitting before, but now can settle for one. At the 29th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), Ryan announced that he’d lost 100 pounds, and his goal was to lose another 25 pounds.

Lifestyle Changes and Health Improvements

In addition to the surgery, Ryan emphasized the importance of making lifestyle changes. He spoke about his love of food and how the lap-band helped him eat smaller portions. Ryan also noted improvements in his health, such as normalized cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

The Downside and Removal of the Lap-Band

Despite the initial success, there can be downsides to the lap-band surgery. A significant number of people who have the lap band eventually remove it due to complications or failure to lose an appreciable amount of weight in about 50 percent of people.

Eventually, Rex Ryan had the lap band removed. It’s unknown whether he had complications or failure to lose weight.

Celebrity Weight Loss Surgeries

Rex Ryan is not the only celebrity to undergo weight loss surgery. Many other public figures have also turned to bariatric procedures to improve their health and well-being. Here are a few examples:

Mariah Carey: Underwent gastric sleeve surgery in October 2017 after struggling with her weight following gestational diabetes.
Rosie O'Donnell: Had gastric sleeve surgery in July 2013 after experiencing a life-threatening heart attack.
Randy Jackson: Decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
Roseanne Barr: Underwent gastric bypass surgery in 1998 and has since followed a plant-based diet and incorporates exercise into her daily life.
June Shannon: Went from 460 lbs. to 137 lbs. after gastric sleeve surgery in 2016.
Graham Elliot: Underwent weight-loss surgery after realizing his weight was likely to impair his quality of life.
Abby Lee Miller: Had gastric bypass surgery in 2017 and has lost 127 lbs.
Paul Wall: Had surgery after receiving a phone call to be on a reality television show featuring celebrities that are considered obese.
Gabourey Sidibe: Chose to get laparoscopic bariatric surgery after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 33 years old.
Star Jones: Has lost a total of 160 lbs. through strict diet and portion control after gastric bypass surgery.
Khaliah Ali: Wrote a book that delves into the specifics of her post-surgery life.
Carnie Wilson: Underwent gastric bypass surgery in 1999 and lost tremendous weight, but later had to go in for a lap band.
Al Roker: Lost a whopping 150 lbs. through a high-protein diet along with strength training after gastric bypass.
Patti Austin: Austin’s doctor suggested that she go through with the weight loss surgery due to her obesity-related diabetes and asthma.
Jennifer Holliday: Began her weight loss journey with gastric bypass surgery after being diagnosed with depression, losing her vision, and being unable to walk.
Fern Britton: TV presenter Fern Britton underwent the lap-band procedure to help with high cholesterol and knee pains.
Lauren Manzo: Had lap-band surgery after constantly failing to lose weight.
Corey Harrison: Dropped almost 200 lbs. since his gastric bypass surgery and admitted that eating nutritious foods and sticking to an exercise regime is the key to his success.
Lisa Lampanelli: Has lost 80 lbs. after undergoing bariatric surgery.

Rex Ryan's Legacy

Rex Ryan's weight loss journey is a testament to his determination to improve his health and well-being. His decision to undergo weight loss surgery and embrace a healthier lifestyle reflects a commitment to personal growth. While his career has had its ups and downs, Ryan remains a prominent figure in the NFL, known for his passion, his knowledge of defense, and his willingness to be open about his personal struggles.

The Importance of Mindset and Mental Health

Suzanne Ryan, who lost 120 pounds following the ketogenic diet, shares three tips for keto followers:

"Even the most perfect plan will fall short if you don’t believe in your ability to succeed. The bottom line here is that getting healthier is an inside job. As someone who has struggled with low self-esteem and depression, working on my inner voice and mindset through reading and counseling was by far one of the most important steps in my journey of losing 120 pounds. Also, it’s really beneficial to have a support system that keeps you uplifted and accountable."
"It’s important to know that forming healthy eating habits will always be a work in progress. Therefore, try to stay away from the mindset of all or nothing. Even if you eat something that is "off plan," don't allow that one choice to landslide the rest of your choices for the day. Get back on track with your next meal, and leave the guilt trip at the door. Progress, not perfection is the goal here."
"When you’re starting a new way of eating, it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole of learning all the things. While it’s good to be educated, sometimes this can feel overwhelming and prevent you from starting. Often, it’s better to keep things simple and just jump in. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn along the way. You will continue to make adjustments as you go. For example, when I first started keto, I didn’t check my blood ketones or worry extensively about macros. I simply ate keto-friendly foods and tracked carbs."

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