LePage Says He Had Bariatric Surgery, Lost 50 Pounds

Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he had weight loss surgery and jokes that now "there's 50 less pounds of me to hate."

The Republican revealed the bariatric surgery for the first time Wednesday on radio show interview. He says he underwent the procedure on Sept. 29 and returned to work a day later.

The Sun Journal reports that LePage says he was spurred to action after his doctor told him he needed to lose weight to avoid diabetes.

He says he now weighs about 200 pounds, and he hopes to stay there.

LePage is not the only governor to undergo weight loss surgery.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had lap-band surgery in February 2013. The Republican told NBC News in 2015 that it was "the best thing" he's ever done for himself.  —PORTLAND, Maine (AP)