MASSDEVICE ON CALL — New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (R) underwent secret Lap-Band surgery to help him lose weight, he revealed to the New York Post this week.
Some analysts suggested that the move signals that Christie is looking at a run for the White House, but the Christie, how has come under fire for his physique on more than 1 occasion, insisted that the surgery was prompted by concern for his health and the urging of his family.
"I’ve struggled with this issue for 20 years," Christie said in an exclusive interview with the Post. "For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them."
Christie underwent the operation about 3 months ago, he told reporters.
The Lap-Band gastric band is on the auction block by aesthetic medical devices maker Allergan (NYSE:AGN), the company told investors earlier this year.
Sales in the division haven’t grown since 2009 for Irvine, Calif.-based Allergan, despite a major regulatory win in 2011 when the FDA approved the Lap-Band device for patients with a body mass index of at least 35, or a BMI greater than or equal to 30 along with at least one co-morbid condition, such as diabetes or hypertension.
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