I saw Aretha Frankklin on Letterman a week or so ago and she looks like she has taken the bariatric "plunge" into losing weight. She has lost a lot of acreage recently. According to reports that I have read, she denies getting a "Gastric By-pass." BUT she does not rule out Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, as far as I know. (Word games again.)

There is a responsibility that people in the public eye have to their fans NOT to tell everything about the surgeries they have because no one should get a bariatric operation just because a celebrity has had one. But I would like to know if she has had one. Just cat-curious, I guess.

I know Drew Carey got a Lap-Band a few years ago and he doesn't care who knows. He looks fabulous. Anyone out there know of any other celebrity who admits to gastric surgery of any kind? Google Aretha and compare photos.

But Cococat, now I have a turkey neck. My face looks fine, but the neck? Not so much. I hope this remedies itself at some point in the near future. I still have over 40 pounds to go and I'm so worried about looking ancient! Sad face....

If my neck sags, I'm definitely getting that fixed with plastics. And I didn't know that about Sharon Osbourne either. Kinda scary.

But Cococat, now I have a turkey neck. My face looks fine, but the neck? Not so much. I hope this remedies itself at some point in the near future. I still have over 40 pounds to go and I'm so worried about looking ancient! Sad face....

Yes, Finediva, I anticipate a turkey neck, too. I have made peace with the fact that I might need plastics. I am an old coot (67) and probably will wrinkile up more than most will (!) but my husband is on board with my getting plastic surgery at some point in the future. I have heard that one must wait a year and a half to think about having plastics. More time to save money! Considring that Medicare and my supplemental paid 100% of all tests and costs so far, it still is a good deal for me. PLUS, the main thing is that my sleeve addressed my co-morbidities and will improve my health.

@Cococat. Lord knows there will be no money for plastics with one more in the hole to see through college. BTW, I suspect you are 67 and fabulous, and with a hubby who is supportive, go ahead and get plastics. Until the neck issue, I always wanted nice arms and perky boobs. I thought if I had the money, that's what I'll spend it on.

Randy Jackson! He had bariatric surgery in 2003. He has diabetes and lost 100 pounds because of surgery.

I started out not telling anyone. I never believed I would lose weight for some unknown reason. and I have lost weight so slowly no one has really noticed. now I feel embarrassed. I m not telling now, it will be 2 year on thanksgiving.

@katieboo. But why do you feel embarrassed?

I started out not telling anyone. I never believed I would lose weight for some unknown reason. and I have lost weight so slowly no one has really noticed. now I feel embarrassed. I m not telling now, it will be 2 year on thanksgiving.

I'm on my tablet and, since the 'new app,' I can't see info as before. Sorry. So I ask...

What surgery did you have, and how much have you lost? Are you being too hard on yourself? Have they noticed and aren't sure how you'll react if they comment? Are you dressing differently (in smaller clothes?) Do YOU notice your weight loss?

You're probably better off than you think. Be encouraged.

Yes she was the spokesperson for weight watchers that and the fact that her family were wiped out by her ex brother in-law. The girl has been through so much so it's great that she looks so healthy and appears to be getting on with her life.

Recently there was a report that Jennifer Hudson had WLS and did not lose weight from the Weight Watchers program. Apparently weight watchers has file suit against JH.

Rex Ryan, he is the Jet's head coach.

Graham elliot from master chef is very open about his VSG. I love that because he is a foodie and a chef and is doing fine after surgery. Let's me know that I won't be too terribly restricted after I heal up.

Graham elliot from master chef is very open about his VSG. I love that because he is a foodie and a chef and is doing fine after surgery. Let's me know that I won't be too terribly restricted after I heal up.

"Restricted" is an odd term to use. It implies that an outside authority imposes what we may eat. Although your nutritionist will give you guidelines, her/his advice can't be enforced. But it is foolish not to follow them.

I can guarantee (almost) that your tastes will change. Sugar will probably not have its hypnotic attraction. I find it difficult to eat Pasta in any form. The sweet Protein shakes might seem too sugary after surgery; at least they did for me. But you MUST eat slowly. Learn to differiate between "head" hunger and actual hunger. Do not be surprised if you get constipated. Your body is adjusting. The only real restrictions will be to get in ALL the Water (liquids) that your doctor requires and the amount of protein and vitamin/ mineral supplements you will need. If there are any absolute restrictions, carbonated liquids must be high on the list. No soda. Carbonated drinks make the stomach swell. Ditto bread products. I thought I would miss bread, but I do not crave it. If I want to be daring - unsweetened applesauce is my favorite go-to temptation. (I never thought I'd say that.) I buy the individual, small cups of unsweetened applesauce that kids use for lunches. I can eat a few teaspoons at a time.

The sleeve is a restrictive surgery. I just had a revision from band to sleeve, I see the limitations as restriction. With the band, I could not eat anything thick, or it would get stuck and would come back up, my body would not allow me to consume it, restriction. I am not new to wls, as I lived with the band before my sleeve. My point is that I should be able to physically eat more items than I could with the band, less restrictions. But thank you for your insights as well.

@Cococat." Restricted" as in limited capacity to eat as much? At least I think that's what she maybe referring to. Just my two cents. I could be wrong.

No, I mean restricted as in I will have the open ability to still enjoy a variety of foods. While I do not crave bread, and have not for quite some time, I like the idea that I may be able to use it as a binder in meatballs, a food item that I was not able to eat with the band. Please do not make this topic into a debate or address me like a newbie, both are condescending. I can express that I am excited about the still open variety of food items, and still identify that there are items that will now be available to me to eat which were not possible with the band. If you haven't had both, you probably can't understand...