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EXCLUSIVE: Guiding Light Star: How I Lost 65 Pounds!
Thursday September 11, 2008
 Alan Perlman After a lifelong battle with obesity, Caitlin VanZandt, of Guiding Light and The Sopranos, underwent a 45-minute laparoscopic adjustable gastric-banding procedure. Six months after surgery, VanZandt has shed 65 pounds, and went from a size 20 to a 12. The 5-foot-8 soap star, who is a spokeswoman for the "Moment Is Now. Here Is the Truth" obesity health-education campaign, opened up to the new issue of Us Weekly about her decision to go under the knife. Check out Us' weight winners of the year. Share your weight struggles I grew up in NYC and gained weight -heavily around age 8, and then through high school. As a culture, we use food as a reward and a comfort. While watching TV, you’re not paying attention to what you’re putting in your mouth. I tried to lose weight — I had a trainer and went to the gym every day and did diets like South Beach. I’d lose 10 pounds, then a birthday party would come up or I’d go back to eating emotionally. I’d have a little slipup and say, “Never mind, I screwed this up,” and walk away from the diet. It was a series of -[repetitive behaviors]. I never felt full, I never felt satisfied and I always turned to food for comfort. I also had health problems — high -cholesterol and asthma — which prevented me from running on a treadmill. What made you consider surgery? In high school, I looked into weight-loss procedures on the Internet, but gastric bypass scared me. And there’s such a stigma toward weight-loss surgery. When I landed a great gig on Guiding Light [in 2006], I felt comfortable exploring that option again. Your turning point? I guested on The Sopranos [in 2006] and had to wear a halter wedding gown. All I could look at the whole episode was my arm fat and back jiggle. Who cares that I am on one of the greatest shows in American television history? Look at my back fat! Look at it! What was the surgery and recovery like? To be fit enough for the procedure, I went on a two-week liquid diet beforehand. That was the most extreme thing I did. In terms of the surgery, I walked into the hospital on a Friday at 6:30 a.m. and left at 1:30 p.m. On Tuesday, I was back at Guiding Light shooting a love scene. I felt some abdomen pain and could only sleep on my back, but I felt absolutely normal in about four days. Right now, I have two tiny scars, but by the time I am ready to wear a bikini they won’t be noticeable. For the full interview on the surgery that changed Caitlin's life, plus shocking before and after photos, check out the new issue of Us Weekly on newsstands now. Join Us on Facebook and Twitter for even more up to the minute celebrity news and photos!
 Posted by Alissa R at 5:05 pm ET
Categories: 28 Comments
6:14 PM
Anonymous Says:
Sugery is not the easy way out. It doesn't magically fall off. That's what's wrong with the world is people judging. Is it really gonna effect your life with what she does. She chose the right way for her and now she's gonna live longer because of her decision. Until you live life in someone else's shoes don't judge.
4:40 PM
Anonymous Says:
Caitlin VanZandt makes me SICK. Like most stars who use short cuts like this, I am confident (and hopeful) that she'll gain ever last pound (and then some) back! To quote the ignoramous herself "I saw a girl who used to be me. She looked tired and stressed and was obese, wearing sweaty gym clothes." Someone, anyone-- what's wrong with this post-op moron????? It's not like Caitlin "I am only thin thanks to surgery because I have lots of dollars" VanZandt saw this girl getting seven #1's at a McDonalds- NO! She was returning from the gym after trying to better herself the old fashioned way-- with diet and exercise. Caitlin, take it from someone who lost weight the RIGHT way-- you are PATHETIC.
12:08 PM
FYI Says:
THIS IS NOT A POLICALLY MOTIVATED STORY! WHY MUST SOME PEOPLE THROW POLOTICS INTO EVERY SINGLE THING? GET A LIFE FOR GOODNESS SAKE!
11:20 AM
Anonymous Says:
I would like to pass on some information to you judgemental people. Surgery requires work also-
10:45 AM
Anonymous Says:
It's not just the Republicans' - it's you and me too. We accept their "system" without ever questioning what is really going on. If we have a problem, we don't do the work to fix it, we get gastric surgery or another credit card or whatever - just putting the real problem on hold until it evenually EXPLODES. God help our innocent children and the future after all of our years of instant gratification and pretending that we can all get something for nothing every minute.
8:16 AM
Whatever Says:
ya, even size 6 people are regarded as fat asses by this culture. If you aren't in the 0-2 range, you are a pig. no wonder the majority of people give up. the standard of thin is insane, you have to be high and/or crazy to be able to attain it. it's not worth it. i'll be a normal weight and you twigs can starve yourselves to mental illness and psychosis.
11:51 PM
Anonymous Says:
The negative comments on here are unbelievable. Mind your own business. If I have no right criticize ms. size 4, than she has no right to criticize our size 12. Being a public figure and doing what she has done is remarkable and a good role mode. Congratulations.
4:55 PM
Danielle Says:
I'm 5'10" and used to be a size 10-12. I felt horrible and had no energy, even though I didn't look overly chubby because of my height hiding it. So, I started eating healthy and working out consistently and now I wear between a 4 and a 6. I look and feel so much better so anyone who says a 12 is a normal size must have pretty low standards. Even at 5'10" I felt huge when I was that size...I can only imagine how short people feel if they are a 12. The probably look like weebles!
4:48 PM
Hmmm Says:
I hope everyone on here complaining about her being a size 12 and unhealthly are all size 4 or smaller! What makes you qualified to determine if a size 12 is unhealthy for her? Everyone has their own "healthy" weight, we're not all the same. Who says a size 12 is unhealthy? She's 5'8 for goodness sakes! She looks great and if she feel good about herself, well good for her!
4:42 PM
Abbie Says:
A size 20 is beautiful too - I was a size 24, now I'm a 16. Ummm yeah not so much! Sounds like a ton of fun LOL :)
4:33 PM
Jennifer Says:
A size 12 may be "normal" but it doesn't mean it's healthy. America has an obesity problem so yes, a size 12 may be the average but it's certainly not small. There's no excuse for being fat so these people who whine and complain need to get some willpower and stop being sloths. Diet and exercise is the only way to maintain a healthy lifestyle and thinking a size 12 is normal is not a good mindset...it's just an excuse to stay chubby.
4:05 PM
slinky Says:
Gee Amy it sounds like you're the IDIOT..................
2:51 PM
Anonymous Says:
to the person who responded to 5:55- people not being properly educated by there lenders (it goes to both sides) is to blame for the mess our country is in right now.
2:49 PM
Anonymous Says:
I like her dress in the her new body. If it makes her happy, that congrats to her. Doesn't matter if it took surgery or not, she's healthier and happier now. Like someone else said, what she does doesn't affect your lives! Grow up!
2:28 PM
Janel Says:
Amy, you sure are rude. A size 12 is a normal, healthy size for women. Losing 65 lbs REGARDLESS OF YOUR SIZE is something to brag about. I've lost 60 lbs, not with surgery but with diet & exercize. I agree that surgery is the "easy way out" for most people, but that doesn't mean it's right to start name-calling like we're in grade school. A size 20 is beautiful too - I was a size 24, now I'm a 16. ENCOURAGEMENT is much more effective than RIDICULE.
2:20 PM
Cajun Says:
Wow, there are some really negative bi+chs here! Just be happy for her. Who cares if she worked out or had surgury.....so what! Her having this procedure has not affected any of your lives! Grow up!
2:05 PM
Amy Says:
Good lordy...she's still a size 12, which isn't exactly small. I wouldn't be bragging about that if I were her. Granted, she was a moose before the surgery but it's not like she's thin now. I'm not impressed by people who lose weight through surgery. It's not that hard to lay off the oreos and do some exercise and lose it the right way. People are always looking for the easy way out and then want praise for it. Idiots.
1:49 PM
Anonymous Says:
I don't think people should be praised for weight loss through surgery. I don't think they should be bashed either, but please let's not pretend it required any hard work or sacrifice. I also lost 60 pounds but I did it the hard way, WORKing out. Surgery requires no work.
11:30 AM
Anonymous Says:
She looks amazing! What a transformation! Good for her!
11:30 AM
Jessica Says:
She's still kinda chunky.
9:20 AM
Anonymous Says:
I think its interesting that she used asthma as an excuse to not run on the treadmill. I have asthma and I take 2 different puffers a day but I manage to run and lose weight. Its a struggle but you can do it. I have lost 45 pounds this way and didn't resort to surgery.
5:55 AM
Anonymous Says:
REPUBLICANS ARE DESTROYING OUR ECONOMY !!!
11:48 PM
Anonymous Says:
5:53 - grow up and stop playing the "cry me a river" blame-game. Get over yourself.
6:29 PM
Anonymous Says:
She looks great. They did a story line with her having the procedure done and I was wondering if she'd done it in real life. Fortunately that this option is available. And on another note IDIOTS WHO CAN'T AFFORD THE LIFESTYLE THEY ARE LIVING ARE KILLING THE ECONOMY!!!
6:27 PM
Chelsea Says:
That's good! I'm very happy for her!
5:53 PM
Anonymous Says:
REPUBLICANS ARE DESTROYING OUR ECONOMY !!!
5:05 PM
Anonymous Says:
I am glad for her as well but one thing everyone most keep in mind what might work for one person might not work for all cause everybody body aint the same.
4:40 PM
Anonymous Says:
A very nice & interesting story, and girlfriend looks good. I can understand why gastric bypass surgery scared her, but I'm glad she found a way to loose the weight! Post new comment |
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