Oprah Winfrey opens up about ‘debilitating’ toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees

Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees

As an avid fan, I can’t help but be in awe of Oprah Winfrey‘s indomitable spirit and resilience. Her life journey, riddled with hardships and triumphs, is a testament to the human will to overcome and thrive.


Oprah Winfrey shared that undergoing knee surgeries on both legs represents the most beneficial decision she’s made, as her previous heavy weight had left her in a state where simply navigating down a couple of stairs became quite challenging.

In a chat with Al Roker from Today, the talk show host shared that her physician advised surgery was necessary for her to ‘keep on walking.’ However, she confessed she found the entire situation rather daunting.

In a recent podcast discussion about her weight loss journey, Oprah, at 70 years old, expressed a strong feeling of needing to prioritize her well-being as she grows older, emphasizing that this is primarily about maintaining her health.

Approximately two years ago, in the year 2021, I underwent surgery on one of my knees. The pain and immobility had been gradually worsening to the extent that I found it difficult to navigate as simple a task as climbing two steps, just to get into a car. When I eventually consulted with a knee specialist, I expressed my uncertainty, asking if the time for surgery had come. He replied, “If you wish to continue walking and enjoy doing so, then it’s time. It’s time,” he told me.

Having gone through my life burdened by excessive weight and the resulting knee problems, I must admit that undergoing surgery was something I had always dreaded. But as I now look back on it, I can confidently say that it has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. For years, I felt trapped in a body that limited my movement and made even simple tasks feel Herculean. However, after the surgery, I finally felt like I had a new lease on life, a chance to live inside my body in a way that I hadn’t been able to for so long. The physical freedom I now enjoy is indescribable, and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to move without pain or discomfort.

Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees

Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees

To celebrate this fantastic achievement, today I, a die-hard admirer, had the privilege of inviting Oprah Winfrey over to my humble abode, seeking her invaluable insights on navigating this remarkable milestone – turning 70!

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 20, 2024

Last year, the legendary broadcaster, who confessed to taking weight-loss medication, expressed her enthusiasm about turning 70 in January, as she had never imagined she would reach this advanced age.

As a young girl, I often believed that I wouldn’t reach my sixties or seventies. A certain age had been ingrained in my mind, thinking to myself, “By then, I’ll likely have left this world.” However, here I am today, still standing.

When Al wondered why Oprah achieved success, she explained, “I believe I saw it as a possibility even as a child. And I think the reason is, looking back now, if I hadn’t gotten out of the difficult circumstances I faced growing up in Milwaukee on welfare with my mom, I might not be here today – healthy, strong, and full of life.”

Later on, Al inquired from the celebrity TV personality if her understanding of gratitude had grown deeper recently. She responded: “I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s grown deeper, Al, since I’ve practiced it for a long time. Instead, I feel there’s an awareness that my time might be limited, and I find comfort in accepting that reality.”

‘What truly makes me happy is my ability to savor the present moment. It’s such a source of joy for me, regardless of what else is happening in life. I find that by focusing on the here and now, I can separate concerns from the present and live fully in this instant. Consequently, I don’t dwell excessively on future worries, choosing instead to address them when they arise.’

On Tuesday, as AL turned 70, he took the opportunity to inquire from Oprah if she believed that she had accomplished her purpose in life.

She acknowledged, “It seems as if it never ends for me. In fact, I believe it persists even till one’s final breath. And I firmly hold the belief that nothing surpasses the value of love in this journey.”

Regardless of whether you shared your love with a broad audience on air or only with one person, people might not remember your actions or words, but they will always recall the feelings you instilled in them.

Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees
Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees
Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees
Oprah Winfrey opens up about 'debilitating' toll being overweight had on her body after she was forced to get surgery on her knees

She said, “The impression you make on everyone you meet, that’s what you pass down as your legacy.” Then, she encouraged Al not to be afraid of stepping into a new decade.

“Don’t worry, Al. Everything’s going to turn out fine, really. You know why? It’s because you’ve already conquered some of the toughest obstacles. After all, you can share with us what it feels like to come close to not making it, and how crucial maintaining your health is – that’s a significant part of your life.”

She exclaimed enthusiastically, “It’s incredible how consistently your heart has been beating for 69 years, bringing you so close to 70! It’s like clockwork!” she said, giving Al a hearty high-five.

In the waning days of 2022, I found myself taking an unexpected hiatus from my usual routine. I had been admitted to the hospital due to a troublesome issue with blood clots affecting both my lungs and legs. It was certainly not a typical end-of-year experience for me, but it served as a stark reminder of the importance of health and wellness in our lives.

And in May 2023, he underwent his third knee replacement surgery.

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2024-08-20 18:23

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