The Jets will show up for training camp in better shape than in years.
Or at least their coach will.
Rex Ryan told a group of reporters Thursday he’s lost 106 pounds — down to a svelte 242 — thanks to lap band surgery.
Ryan said he topped out at 348 pounds, which shocked him when he saw it on a scare in January 2010, before the Jets went to Indianapolis for the AFC Championship Game.
“I couldn’t believe it. I turned around and looked to see if someone was behind me,” Ryan said. “To me, the answer was without question having the lap-band, and it has been great.”
The jokes were apparently flowing, with Ryan being asked if he weighed less than Tim Tebow. His waist size is down from 48 inches to 38, and he’s had to throw most of his old clothes out because he couldn’t get them tailored enough.
Ryan had the surgery in March 2010, and is trying to sell his brother Rob on it as well. He didn’t want to talk about it until he had lost 100 pounds, which he’s now done.
The surgery forced portion control onto Ryan. Instead of 12 tacos, one stands in its place now. His son joked about having a six-pack, and Ryan cracked: “Yeah, I’l drink one.” He also walks 45 minutes a day, and monitors his weight daily.
“I don’t know what I am, but certainly I don’t think I’m in the morbidly obese category anymore,” Ryan said, adding: “I make a lot of money doing something I love, I know how fortunate I am, but without your health, what do you really have? I want to see my kids grow, I want to see their kids grow up, and all that that was important to me.”
While the surgery might not be for everyone, that Ryan’s embraced the lifestyle change that goes with it indicates he may be able to keep the weight off, and live a healthier life.