Television personality Star Jones underwent cardiac surgery Wednesday in a follow-up to a surgery she had three decades ago after developing a thoracic tumor, People Magazine reports. In a statement, Star’s rep confirmed the procedure: “On Wednesday, March 17th, a pre-planned cardiac surgery was performed on Star Jones. This recent surgery is a follow-up to the thoracic surgery she had 30 years ago. The procedure was successful and she is recovering well with her family. Star is grateful for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.”
In August 2003, Jones, 47, underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003 and lost 160 pounds as a result. She kept quiet about her drastic weight loss for years, but finally unveiled the truth in 2007. Her recent cardiac surgery comes just days before her 48th birthday on March 24. Star wrote a message to her fans on Twitter: “Thank you for all the good wishes and prayers…I feel them all. By the way…who knew ice chips could taste like steak! hahahahahaha.”
Star is a lawyer and former co-host from The View, but hasn’t been in the press much since leaving the show in 2006. She most recently appeared on an episode of The Mo’Nique Show last year.
According to WebMD, gastric bypass surgery combines the creation of a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake and construction of bypasses of the duodenum and other segments of the small intestine to cause malabsorption (decreased ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food).
