Aretha Franklin Denies Gastric Bypass Rumors

By Sarah Crow Posted Mar 11th 2011 10:40AM

Aretha Franklin has shed a shocking amount of weight in recent months, but the singer isn't about to share her slenderizing secrets just yet.

At age 68, Franklin has lost a whopping 85 pounds, but tells Access Hollywood that her newly slim figure was not the result of weight-loss surgery.

When asked point-blank whether or not she had undergone a gastric bypass, Franklin responded, "Definitely not, and would not."

The singer, who, according to multiple sources, was suffering from pancreatic cancer last year, said of those rumors, "I don't have to talk about my health with anybody other than my doctors," adding only, "The problem has been resolved."

What Franklin has revealed is her desire to continue making progress by adopting a healthier lifestyle. "It's just really hard. [But] you can't continue eating things that will hurt you eventually," she told Wendy Williams.

Without revealing the exact nature of her past or present health issues, Franklin says, "I couldn't be feeling any better than I'm feeling right now."

Check out a clip from Aretha's interview at PEOPLE, or watch the full interview on Access Hollywood this Monday and Tuesday.

Tags: Aretha Franklin

Comments

(35)

Friday 11 March

By saannie25

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Good for her on her weight loss, I'm glad she says she is feeling better. As far as the cancer goes maybe she just thought she had pancreatic cancer and that was her wake up call to get healthy and fit. Regardless of what her reason was, it is after all no ones business but her's and her Dr's. Proud for you Aretha hope you keep it up and be an inspriation to others to get fit and healthy, myself included.

By lucky

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Did you actually think that someone like aretha franklin could have something like pancreatic cancer and not be sure.Your really off the wall.

I am glad that Aretha says she's feeling better since her weight loss. If she thought she had pancretic cancer that might have been her wake up call to get fit and healthy. I really don't think she would lie about something that serious. whatever her reasons are it is after all her business and no one else except her Dr's. You go Aretha I hope you continue on your journey to get healthy and be an inspiration for others to get fit and healthy also. You are and always will be the Queen of soul.

By lindsay cooper

I don't pretend to know what her illness is or was, but if she had Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer -- that would make her lose a lot of weight really fast.

By Bob

Several months ago we were all concerned about her. Now with the weight loss, she looks great and is feeling good. Who cares for the reason ? Congratulations and Best Wishes. It ain't nobodys business but hers. Quit snooping and get a life .

By David

Hey stop the hating, this is the "Queen of Soul"
R E S P E C T.....great job Ms. Franklin.

By ed baggett

If she is dieting & working out in a gymn, she more than likely does not have cancer, especially pancreatic cancer.....

By RAY

I believe she lost her weight from eating the best beef jerky out there FIREHOUSE JERKY. Three flavors mild, pepper and hot not to mention their beef sticks are to die for!

By MJO

I doubt that a person who has pancreatic cancer needs surgery in order to lose weight!!

By Franco

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Aretha has pancreatic cancer........the surgical procedure that these patience go through is call the "Whipple Procedure" it is a modified gastric operation. Weight loss happens quickly. Chemo is also used after the surgery heals and that also contributes to weight loss. I pray for her continued health.

By MAW

She's right.her health is between her and her doctor. More power to her, hpoe she suceeds.

By Joan

Not that it is any of our business but you people aren't very bright. She had or even possibly still has pancreatic cancer. Cancer and its treatments can cause major weight loss. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that out people.

By owls

I love her no matter what.

She could wear a hairpiece and I don't care...It's ARETHA. The Queen of SOUL!!!!!I LOVE HER...!!!

Sunday 13 March

By cherie

My dear Mothere had Pancreatic cancer and had the whipple surgery which removed the pancreas and bought her 6 years. If Aretha had this horrible surgery, she would not be saying she never felt better. This leaves the body unable to digest normal food without the enzymes from the pancreas....I think if Aretha feels this great, she did not have Pancreas cancer with this Whipple surgery...Only 5% live post surgery. Oral enzymes work for a short time and then eventually quit. God help you if you are lying to cover up something else.

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