The morning television show, The View, has been in the news lately. The reason is that one of its co-hosts, Star Jones Reynolds, left the show on what appears to be bad terms.
As a result of the added attention given to the show, the question of how Star Jones Reynolds lost over 150 pounds in little time is being questioned. Star Jones Reynolds says it was diet and exercise. Some are saying gastric bypass. She looks a little gaunt to me, and I wanted to get your thoughts on the difference between surgery and the natural way of losing weight. 
— Betsy J., Ventura
I am fully aware of the drama that has taken place with the popular diva show, The View. I’ve also observed the rapid weight loss of Star Jones Reynolds.
Most recently, on Larry King Live, Star Jones Reynolds finally announced that she had weight-loss surgery for medical reasons. She made it clear that her decision was personal and that in no way did she mislead viewers to thinking she lost weight through eating healthfully and exercising regularly. As a fan of The View and one who has worked intimately with a wide array of people, I disagree with Star Jones Reynolds.
Follow up:
From hope to despair
For numerous reasons, Star Jones Reynolds deceived the public and disempowered many overweight people who looked to her for hope. On many occasions, I personally watched Star Jones Reynolds talk publicly about her weight loss, and each and every time she would refer to exercise and healthful eating. But as we have learned, it wasn’t diet and exercise alone.
Imagine, for instance, that I am your weight-loss coach and your perception of me is that I exercise regularly and eat healthfully. When we are together, I am excited about a healthy lifestyle and you walk away each time inspired to do the same. Then one day while walking through the mall, you witness me indulging in french fries and a large, greasy burger. How are you going to feel?
If this were the case, you would feel let down. In my opinion, this is what happened with many who tuned into The View and observed Star Jones Reynolds transitioning from being obese to overweight to, in her words, “full figured.”
The power of self-esteem
Over the years, I have met with top surgeons and psychologists who conduct the psychological screening for those who desire weight-loss surgery.
One famous psychologist literally said to me, “
If each person seeking medical surgery were to experience a 12-week self-esteem-building course, gastric bypass would no longer be necessary,”
and I totally agree.
As you truly learn to love yourself for the person you are, in no time you will naturally take action and do the things that serve your best interests. This includes exercising, not for weight loss but for the benefit of increased energy and overall well-being.
Source: Robert Ferguson for VC Reporter
