When Gabourey Sidibe, the star of Precious, decided to take control of her health, she had no idea that her journey would become an inspiration to millions. From the moment she appeared on the silver screen as the unforgettable Precious, Gabourey’s presence was magnetic. But behind that fierce exterior was a woman struggling with her own battles with weight, body image, and mental health.
By the time Gabourey turned 33, she found herself standing at a crossroads. After years of attempting to lose weight through traditional methods—endless dieting and exercising—she realized that something needed to change. In 2016, Gabourey made the life-altering decision to undergo laparoscopic bariatric surgery. At the time, she weighed 330 pounds. By the time she reached 180 pounds, Gabourey had lost a staggering 150 pounds and had completely transformed both her body and her mind.
“I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t easy. I had to really dig deep and confront some serious emotional barriers,” Gabourey says in a candid interview. “But, at the end of the day, it wasn’t just about the weight. It was about reclaiming control over my life and my health.”
Her weight loss wasn’t just about shedding pounds—it was a complete transformation that included physical, emotional, and mental changes that were profound.
The Road to Surgery: Struggling with Weight and Mental Health
Gabourey’s weight had been a source of insecurity for many years. The pressures of being in the public eye while struggling with body image were not easy to handle. She opened up about the emotional turmoil she felt in her early years in the spotlight, explaining how much she had been bullied and criticized for her weight.
“It wasn’t just people online or in the media; it was even the way I felt about myself. I thought that my worth was tied to my weight,” Gabourey recalls. “But I also had to confront the reality that my weight was impacting my health, and that’s something I couldn’t ignore anymore.”
Over time, Gabourey’s weight also became a medical concern. She was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a wake-up call that pushed her to reevaluate her health choices. “I knew that if I didn’t make a change, I was risking more than just my appearance. My health was at risk, and I had to take it seriously,” she admits.
After struggling for years with various diets and exercise regimens, Gabourey turned to surgery for a solution. She underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery, a procedure that significantly reduced the size of her stomach. This surgery would limit her ability to eat large amounts of food, thus helping her manage her weight long-term.
The Surgery: A New Beginning
Gabourey admits that the decision to undergo surgery wasn’t easy, especially given the stigma around weight loss surgery. She faced a lot of judgment, both from people in her life and from the public. “I knew people would have opinions, but I also knew I had to do what was best for me. This was about saving my life.”
The surgery wasn’t the quick fix many assume it to be. It was a tool—one that Gabourey used in conjunction with healthier eating habits and regular exercise. After her surgery, she found that she had to completely rethink her relationship with food. “For so many years, food was my comfort, my way of dealing with emotions. Now, I had to learn to eat mindfully and not let food control me,” she says, reflecting on the profound changes she had to make in her everyday habits.
The Struggles Along the Way: Mental Health and Dieting
While the physical changes Gabourey underwent were remarkable, it was the mental and emotional shifts that proved to be the most challenging.
“For the longest time, I used food to fill an emotional void. I didn’t know how to deal with my emotions without turning to food,” she admits. “Surgery helped me physically, but it was the emotional work I did after that really set me free. I had to rewire my brain to understand that I am worthy, regardless of my size.”
This mental transformation wasn’t easy. Gabourey faced depression, anxiety, and a deep sense of insecurity. She admits that she had to seek therapy and take time to learn how to love herself for who she was, not just how she looked.
As part of her journey, Gabourey adopted a healthy eating plan that focused on balance, not deprivation. “I didn’t want to go on some crazy diet that would make me feel like I was constantly starving. I wanted to make sustainable changes, something I could maintain for the long term,” she says. “I focus on eating real, whole foods—lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbs. And I drink a lot of water, which I’ve found makes a huge difference in how I feel.”
She also found that breaking up her meals into smaller portions throughout the day helped her manage hunger and energy levels. “I eat 6 to 7 mini meals a day, and I make sure I start my day with a big, healthy breakfast. That keeps me feeling full and energized,” Gabourey explains.
Exercise, though, was just as important. “After the surgery, I started working out regularly—strength training, cardio, and stretching. It wasn’t about working out for hours. It was about creating a habit I could stick with, something I actually enjoyed,” she says.
The Rewards: More than Just Weight Loss
Gabourey’s transformation was more than just a number on a scale. The weight loss allowed her to rediscover a sense of freedom she had never experienced before. “I can walk up stairs without feeling out of breath. I can run around with my nieces and nephews without having to take a break,” she laughs. “But more importantly, I feel better about who I am. I’ve learned to appreciate my body, scars and all.”
Her 150-pound weight loss had a huge impact on her physical appearance, but the most profound change was in her mindset. Gabourey no longer defined her self-worth by the number on the scale. “I didn’t lose weight to fit a specific standard of beauty. I did it because I wanted to feel good in my own skin,” she says.
Her story resonates deeply with those who have struggled with body image issues. She became an advocate for self-love, emphasizing that it’s not about perfection but about progress and embracing one’s own journey. “You can’t compare yourself to anyone else. The only person you should be in competition with is the person you were yesterday.”
Gabourey’s Advice: Empowering Others to Take Control
As Gabourey continues to inspire her followers, she offers words of encouragement for anyone looking to make a positive change in their life. “Don’t wait for a wake-up call to take action,” she advises. “If you’re thinking about making a change, whether it’s your health, your mindset, or anything else, just start. You don’t have to be perfect, but you have to be committed to yourself.”
Gabourey’s message is clear: “It’s not about the size of your body, it’s about the size of your heart and how you treat yourself. Embrace the process, and don’t let anyone else dictate your worth.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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How much weight did Gabourey Sidibe lose? Gabourey Sidibe lost an incredible 150 pounds, going from 330 pounds to 180 pounds over the course of several years.
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Did Gabourey Sidibe have weight loss surgery? Yes, Gabourey underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery in 2016, which played a key role in her weight loss journey.
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What was Gabourey Sidibe’s diet like after surgery? After surgery, Gabourey focused on a balanced diet, eating 6-7 smaller meals a day, with a focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. She also drank plenty of water.
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What type of exercise did Gabourey Sidibe do? Gabourey incorporated strength training, cardio, and stretching into her routine, making sure to enjoy her workouts and create sustainable habits.
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How did Gabourey Sidibe’s mental health impact her weight loss? Gabourey struggled with mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. She sought therapy and worked on building her self-esteem and relationship with food to make long-lasting changes.
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What advice does Gabourey Sidibe have for others on their weight loss journey? Gabourey emphasizes the importance of starting your journey with commitment to yourself, not focusing on perfection but embracing progress and self-love.
