Al Roker, the beloved weatherman and *Today* show co-host, has always been open with his audience about his health struggles. 

However, it was a powerful moment with his late father that served as the catalyst for his decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery

a life-altering procedure that helped him reclaim his health.

Roker has faced challenges with his weight for much of his life. 

Over the years, he has been candid about his struggles with obesity, which led to numerous health issues, including hypertension and sleep apnea. 

However, it was a deeply emotional conversation with his father, Albert Roker Sr., just before his passing, that ultimately influenced Roker’s decision to take drastic steps toward changing his lifestyle.

In a recent interview, Roker opened up about the heart-to-heart he had with his father, which left a lasting impact on his perspective regarding his health. It was during this conversation that his father, who had been dealing with his own health complications, delivered a warning that would stay with Roker for the rest of his life: “I’m not going to be here.”

Roker recounted how his father, who had suffered from heart disease and diabetes, expressed his concern over Roker’s health. It was a moment of clarity that left Roker with no choice but to take action. “He said, ‘I’m not going to be here,’ and those words hit me hard. It was his way of telling me that I was on a path that might lead me down the same road. That really got to me,” Roker shared, visibly moved by the memory.

His father’s warning served as a wake-up call. Roker realized that if he didn’t make significant changes to his life, he could face similar health problems that had plagued his father. Motivated by a deep sense of responsibility to himself and his family, Roker decided to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2002. The decision was not made lightly, but it was one that ultimately led to profound changes in both his physical health and his outlook on life.

The gastric bypass procedure, which involves reducing the size of the stomach and rerouting the small intestine, helped Roker lose a significant amount of weight. His transformation was visible not only in his appearance but also in his newfound energy and vitality. However, Roker emphasizes that it was not just the physical changes that mattered—it was the emotional and mental shift that made the real difference.

“The surgery helped me, but it was also about making a decision to take control of my life,” Roker explained. “I knew I had to be healthier for my family, for my children. I wanted to be there for them. It was about living, not just surviving.”

Roker’s weight loss journey didn’t stop after the surgery. Over the years, he has continued to prioritize his health, adopting healthier eating habits and staying active. His commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is evident in his ongoing efforts to inspire others to take charge of their health as well. 

His candidness about his weight loss journey has made him a relatable figure for many who struggle with similar health challenges. Roker’s openness about his struggles and triumphs has been both inspiring and motivating for viewers, many of whom have faced similar life-altering decisions about their own health.

Looking back on that moment with his father, Roker now sees it as a turning point in his life—a moment that changed everything for him. His father’s final words served as a powerful reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to take care of one’s health. Roker has since made it his mission to not only prioritize his own well-being but also to encourage others to take the steps necessary to live a longer, healthier life.

Today, Al Roker is a living testament to the power of making bold decisions for the sake of one’s health. While his journey has not been easy, it has undoubtedly been rewarding. And as he continues to share his story with the world, Roker serves as a source of hope and motivation for those looking to make a positive change in their own lives. His father’s warning may have been difficult to hear, but it ultimately gave Roker the push he needed to reclaim his health and his future.

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