Chris Christie reveals he had weight loss surgery

New Jersey's Gov. Chris Christie (R) revealed Monday that he underwent gastric band surgery in February of this year in order to lose weight. According to the New York Post, the outspoken Christie was thinking less of a bid for higher office than he was his ability to be around for his family.

“I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years,” Christie told the Post. “For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them.”

Gastric banding is a procedure that reduces the capacity of the stomach by way of the placement of a silicone band around the organ. Recipients are able to eat less because they feel full faster.

The governor batted away speculation that he undertook the move in order to improve his chances at making a presidential run in 2016.

“It’s so much more important than that,” he insisted.

Christie described a recent experience of going out to eat and being unable to finish his meal.

“A week or two ago, I went to a steak house and ordered a steak and ate about a third of it and I was full,” he said.

While the governor himself was reluctant to name a figure, representatives said that he has shed nearly 40 pounds already.

Some recipients of gastric banding, stomach stapling and other weight loss surgeries have reported issues of incontinence. Today show weatherman Al Roker even admitted to losing control of his bowels during a visit to the White House.

Whether Christie will be faced with similar issues remains to be seen.