When Chris Christie briefly considered a bid for the White House in 2011, many suggested the popular New Jersey Governor was too fat to be President.
However, if he decides to run in 2016 his weight may be less of a burden. Christie told the New York Post he underwent gastric-band surgery earlier this year, and observers say it is paying off.
The Republican said he decided to have the operation after turning 50 last year. He checked into the hospital under a pseudonym on February 16, telling only his family and his chief of staff.
The procedure involves placing a silicone band around the stomach to reduce its size and so limit the amount of food it can hold. Christie said: "A week or two ago, I went to a steakhouse and ordered a steak and ate about a third of it and I was full."
"I've struggled with this issue for 20 years," he told the Post. "I know it sounds crazy to say running for President is minor, but in the grand scheme of things, it was looking at Mary Pat and the kids and going, 'I have to do this for them, even if I don't give a crap about myself'."
