It has been over two decades since Today show host Al Roker underwent gastric bypass surgery, a decision that would change the course of his life and health. At 70, Roker looks back on his weight loss journey with gratitude and a deep sense of purpose, revealing the life-altering moment when his father made him a promise he couldn’t ignore.

A Father’s Warning: The Turning Point

Roker, who struggled with his weight for much of his adult life, recalls a pivotal conversation with his father shortly before his passing. “My dad had gotten very ill, and at one point toward the end, he made me promise that I was going to get in shape,” Roker told People in an interview. His father’s words were simple but powerful: “We both know I’m not going to be here to help you raise your kids. You’ve got to be here for your children.”

Al Roker Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

This warning stuck with Roker and served as the turning point in his health journey. The emotional weight of his father’s request helped push him to take action. It wasn’t just about losing weight—it was about being present for his children and ensuring a long, healthy life ahead.

Gastric Bypass Surgery and Early Success

In March 2002, Roker made the decision to undergo gastric bypass surgery, a step that would lead to significant changes in his lifestyle. At the time, he weighed 340 pounds. By the end of that year, Roker had lost an impressive 100 pounds, marking the beginning of his transformation. His openness about the surgery and the challenges of weight loss has inspired many others who are on their own wellness journeys.

In his 2013 memoir Never Goin’ Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle for Good, Roker shared his struggles, including gaining 40 pounds back after the death of his mother in 2011. However, he was able to slim down again, achieving a weight of 205 pounds by 2012. “I used to use travel as an excuse to eat poorly. Now I don’t go anywhere without my scale; I literally pack it with me,” he told Parade in 2012. “It gives me permission to have a bad day, or even just a bad moment.”

Battling Health Scares: From Prostate Cancer to Blood Clots

Al Roker JP Yim/Getty Images for NYCWFF

Roker’s wellness journey has been far from straightforward, as health complications have periodically interrupted his progress. In 2020, Roker was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which required surgery to remove his prostate and lymph nodes. He was fortunate that the surgery was successful and his cancer was considered to be undetectable afterward, with his Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels dropping below 1.

However, Roker faced yet another health scare in November 2022 when he was hospitalized for a blood clot in his leg that had traveled to his lungs. After undergoing surgery to treat the clots, he was readmitted to the hospital for complications. Doctors discovered two bleeding ulcers and had to remove his gallbladder. His recovery kept him off the Today show for several weeks, but Roker returned in January 2023, expressing deep gratitude for his health and his family’s support during the crisis.

Refocusing on Wellness and New Ventures

Despite the setbacks, Roker has remained determined to stay on top of his health. In 2025, he became the Chief Motivation Officer for the Start Today fitness app, an initiative created by the Today show. The app provides users with meal plans, fitness challenges, daily motivation, and more to support their wellness goals. This new role reflects Roker’s ongoing commitment to improving his own health while helping others do the same.

Reflecting on his own journey, Roker says, “I’ve had setbacks and struggles every day, but I never forget how far I’ve come.” His approach to wellness is one of balance, learning from mistakes, and appreciating the progress he’s made, no matter how small.

A Legacy of Health, Family, and Perseverance

Throughout all of his challenges, Al Roker has remained a source of inspiration for fans and viewers who have watched him overcome obstacles in both his personal and professional life. His dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, despite the difficulties, shows that resilience and perseverance can triumph even in the face of adversity.

Roker’s message is clear: no matter how hard the journey, it’s worth it. His battles with cancer, weight loss, and the ongoing health issues have made him even more determined to live a fulfilling life and be there for his family. “I’m still standing,” he says. “Better than standing.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Health and Wellness for Al Roker

As Roker continues to navigate life with the support of his family, he remains committed to living each day to the fullest. Whether through his personal health initiatives or his role as a motivating figure for others, Roker’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the importance of taking control of one’s own future.

For viewers who have followed his journey for years, Roker’s message of strength and recovery is an enduring source of inspiration. As he celebrates the milestones in his life—whether they’re health-related or personal—he continues to prove that it’s never too late to take control, no matter the obstacles.