So James Packer – 44-year-old billionaire and executive chairman of Crown – has spoken candidly about the lap band surgery he had done last November and the 35kgs he’s lost since.
What he said to news.com.au slightly fascinating – probably because it’s so honest.
The father of two, who is married to Erica Baxter, says he feels “fitter, happier and more active”. He now does 90-minutes of exercise per day and eats smaller meals.
“I used to eat a big portion, and the message used to go from my stomach to my brain: ‘I’m hungry’ … Now, my stomach sends messages to my brain saying the whole time: ‘I’m full’. How good’s that?
“I know a couple of people who’ve had this and it’s worked for them, and it’s been a godsend for me,” he said. “I wouldn’t give a tip to other people. I think that health is a personal choice, and I’m not an expert. All I can say is that it’s been terrific for me.”Mr Packer confessed that keeping slim had been a constant battle.
“I’ve been really fit a couple of times before in my life, and then I’ve battled with my weight for the past five years.”
The new slimline Mr Packer’s current exercise regime includes “cross-training and weights”.
He denied his late father Kerry’s famous battles with health had influenced his lifestyle change.
“No, no, no, no, no, no. I’m an idiot. I (still) smoke and do all those things I shouldn’t do,” he said, laughing.
He confesses to wanting to kick his cigarette habit, without great confidence.
“I’ve been off them for 10 days but, you know, I don’t want to say I’m off them, mate, because you know I’ll probably have another one in a week,” he said.
Top Comments
Wow, good on him. I really feel for anyone struggling with their weight, it is hard!
I had a lap band a few years ago and lost (and kept off) 50 kilos. It is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done, certainly not the easy way out.
For those asking the cost, mine was $3500 out of pocket (with health insurance).
it was really good until he called everyone else "punters". then he suddenly sounded as if he thought he was superior. which i'm sure he doesn't really feel. other than that slip up, onya James