Thanks for sharing your take on it all. Don't want to stay off-topic for too long but hasn't she been in poor health over the past couple years?

[Edited 2/26/11 16:49pm]

Not to add on to the off topic banter but I found some interesting info on beriartic surgery:

Bariatric Surgery Risks

Older patients and those who undergo a certain type of procedure known as duodenal switch have an increased number of complications following bariatric surgery, according to a study in the March issue of the Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

In response to the increasing prevalence of obesity, the number of bariatric surgeries performed to induce weight loss has risen dramatically, according to background information in the first article. These procedures are technically demanding and performed on patients whose obesity and related conditions may put them at risk for complications after surgery. Therefore, it is important to understand risk factors that may influence risk, including body mass index (BMI), age, other illnesses and choice of procedure, the authors write.

Robert W. O'Rourke, M.D., and colleagues at the Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, reviewed data from 452 patients (372 women and 80 men, average age 44 years) undergoing inpatient bariatric procedures at the university between 2000 and 2003. The patients received either gastric bypass surgery, which involves sectioning off a small portion of the stomach into a pouch that connects directly to the small intestine, or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a less commonly used procedure in which surgeons remove part of stomach but leave a slightly larger pouch and then also perform an intestinal bypass-like procedure by attaching the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) to the lower part of the small intestine. Researchers examined several variables, including patients' age, BMI (calculated by dividing their weights by the square of their heights), gender, surgeon experience, other illnesses, type of procedure and whether they underwent open or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.

Participants lost an average of 54 percent of their excess weight in the year following surgery. During the study, which followed patients for an average of 419 days, four (.9 percent) died, 10 percent had major complications and 13 percent had minor complications. Patients who were age 60 years or older were more likely to develop complications than younger patients, a risk that appeared to increase with each additional year. The duodenal switch procedure was also associated with more complications than gastric bypass surgery. BMI, sex, diabetes, surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic) and surgeon experience did not appear to be associated with increased risk for complications.

The findings suggest that surgeons should warn older adults and those considering duodenal switch procedures of the risks involved, the authors write. "While some investigators have suggested a specific age limit as an absolute contraindication to bariatric surgery, we do not employ such limits for our patients," they write. "We nevertheless approach older patients with caution, especially in light of recent data that suggest that the benefits of bariatric surgery with respect to longevity may wane in older patients." (Arch Surg. 2006;141:262-268)

By the way, not saying it's for sure Aretha had this. But it's telling that with any surgery, you risk your own well being.

Anyways, back to the topic, I just WONDER what the showdown will be if Aretha confronts Fantasia about her actions. I like to be a fly on THAT wall...

When Ms. Barrino attempted suicide, Ms. Franklin was credited with being one of her best advice-givers after the North Carolina singer got out of the hospital.

It boggles the mind fantastic as to how one so guarded and lacking in being forthcoming could be so quick with tongue to offer wisdom to ohers - but hey...

Timmy84 said:

By the way, not saying it's for sure Aretha had this. But it's telling that with any surgery, you risk your own well being.

Anyways, back to the topic, I just WONDER what the showdown will be if Aretha confronts Fantasia about her actions. I like to be a fly on THAT wall...

Timmy84 said:

By the way, not saying it's for sure Aretha had this. But it's telling that with any surgery, you risk your own well being.

Anyways, back to the topic, I just WONDER what the showdown will be if Aretha confronts Fantasia about her actions. I like to be a fly on THAT wall...

I can't remember entirely, but after Fannie tried to commit suicide, on her reality show they showed her in the hospital and it was either her Aunty Bunny or her manager that got a text from Queen Re that said in no uncertain terms that Fantasia better get her behind out of that bed and get back to work right nah. While it was clear that the Queen was contacting them out of concern, she definitely wasn't coddling that girl. She is very no-nonsense and old skool. The entertainers from her generation had to go through so much crap, I imagine they look at these younger folks like they are crazy with all their pouting and complaining. I just barely hit 40 and I'm already looking at people one generation behind me like their crazy as hell

Ottensen said:

Timmy84 said:

By the way, not saying it's for sure Aretha had this. But it's telling that with any surgery, you risk your own well being.

Anyways, back to the topic, I just WONDER what the showdown will be if Aretha confronts Fantasia about her actions. I like to be a fly on THAT wall...

I can't remember entirely, but after Fannie tried to commit suicide, on her reality show they showed her in the hospital and it was either her Aunty Bunny or her manager that got a text from Queen Re that said in no uncertain terms that Fantasia better get her behind out of that bed and get back to work right nah. While it was clear that the Queen was contacting them out of concern, she definitely wasn't coddling that girl. She is very no-nonsense and old skool. The entertainers from her generation had to go through so much crap, I imagine they look at these younger folks like they are crazy with all their pouting and complaining. I just barely hit 40 and I'm already looking at people one generation behind me like their crazy as hell

I agree. Aretha went through a lot of shit (and turmoil) to get to where she's at now and here's this young girl attempts suicide over a stupid man... yeah I know she was like "what the fuck is wrong with this hussy?!"

Timmy84 said:

prodigalfan said:

Timmy84 said:

Not to add on to the off topic banter but I found some interesting info on beriartic surgery:

Submitted by Armen Hareyan on 2006-03-20 - 23:53

Bariatric Surgery Risks

Older patients and those who undergo a certain type of procedure known as duodenal switch have an increased number of complications following bariatric surgery, according to a study in the March issue of the Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

In response to the increasing prevalence of obesity, the number of bariatric surgeries performed to induce weight loss has risen dramatically, according to background information in the first article. These procedures are technically demanding and performed on patients whose obesity and related conditions may put them at risk for complications after surgery. Therefore, it is important to understand risk factors that may influence risk, including body mass index (BMI), age, other illnesses and choice of procedure, the authors write.

Robert W. O'Rourke, M.D., and colleagues at the Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, reviewed data from 452 patients (372 women and 80 men, average age 44 years) undergoing inpatient bariatric procedures at the university between 2000 and 2003. The patients received either gastric bypass surgery, which involves sectioning off a small portion of the stomach into a pouch that connects directly to the small intestine, or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a less commonly used procedure in which surgeons remove part of stomach but leave a slightly larger pouch and then also perform an intestinal bypass-like procedure by attaching the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) to the lower part of the small intestine. Researchers examined several variables, including patients' age, BMI (calculated by dividing their weights by the square of their heights), gender, surgeon experience, other illnesses, type of procedure and whether they underwent open or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.

Participants lost an average of 54 percent of their excess weight in the year following surgery. During the study, which followed patients for an average of 419 days, four (.9 percent) died, 10 percent had major complications and 13 percent had minor complications. Patients who were age 60 years or older were more likely to develop complications than younger patients, a risk that appeared to increase with each additional year. The duodenal switch procedure was also associated with more complications than gastric bypass surgery. BMI, sex, diabetes, surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic) and surgeon experience did not appear to be associated with increased risk for complications.

The findings suggest that surgeons should warn older adults and those considering duodenal switch procedures of the risks involved, the authors write. "While some investigators have suggested a specific age limit as an absolute contraindication to bariatric surgery, we do not employ such limits for our patients," they write. "We nevertheless approach older patients with caution, especially in light of recent data that suggest that the benefits of bariatric surgery with respect to longevity may wane in older patients." (Arch Surg. 2006;141:262-268)

Source:

JAMA

Actually *I* had that procedure duodenal switch. Hmmm let's see. It had 20 years to my life. I started a new chapter in life. I lost 5 c dress sizes. Sounds familiar? Aretha gave interview saying almost the same thing.

Well do tell more (if you're not too uncomfortable lol).

prodigalfan said:

Timmy84 said:

Not to add on to the off topic banter but I found some interesting info on beriartic surgery:

Submitted by Armen Hareyan on 2006-03-20 - 23:53

Bariatric Surgery Risks

Older patients and those who undergo a certain type of procedure known as duodenal switch have an increased number of complications following bariatric surgery, according to a study in the March issue of the Archives of Surgery, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

In response to the increasing prevalence of obesity, the number of bariatric surgeries performed to induce weight loss has risen dramatically, according to background information in the first article. These procedures are technically demanding and performed on patients whose obesity and related conditions may put them at risk for complications after surgery. Therefore, it is important to understand risk factors that may influence risk, including body mass index (BMI), age, other illnesses and choice of procedure, the authors write.

Robert W. O'Rourke, M.D., and colleagues at the Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, reviewed data from 452 patients (372 women and 80 men, average age 44 years) undergoing inpatient bariatric procedures at the university between 2000 and 2003. The patients received either gastric bypass surgery, which involves sectioning off a small portion of the stomach into a pouch that connects directly to the small intestine, or biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, a less commonly used procedure in which surgeons remove part of stomach but leave a slightly larger pouch and then also perform an intestinal bypass-like procedure by attaching the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) to the lower part of the small intestine. Researchers examined several variables, including patients' age, BMI (calculated by dividing their weights by the square of their heights), gender, surgeon experience, other illnesses, type of procedure and whether they underwent open or laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery.

Participants lost an average of 54 percent of their excess weight in the year following surgery. During the study, which followed patients for an average of 419 days, four (.9 percent) died, 10 percent had major complications and 13 percent had minor complications. Patients who were age 60 years or older were more likely to develop complications than younger patients, a risk that appeared to increase with each additional year. The duodenal switch procedure was also associated with more complications than gastric bypass surgery. BMI, sex, diabetes, surgical approach (open vs. laparoscopic) and surgeon experience did not appear to be associated with increased risk for complications.

The findings suggest that surgeons should warn older adults and those considering duodenal switch procedures of the risks involved, the authors write. "While some investigators have suggested a specific age limit as an absolute contraindication to bariatric surgery, we do not employ such limits for our patients," they write. "We nevertheless approach older patients with caution, especially in light of recent data that suggest that the benefits of bariatric surgery with respect to longevity may wane in older patients." (Arch Surg. 2006;141:262-268)

Source:

JAMA

Actually *I* had that procedure duodenal switch. Hmmm let's see. It had 20 years to my life. I started a new chapter in life. I lost 5 c dress sizes. Sounds familiar? Aretha gave interview saying almost the same thing I had my procedure in 2002 so I was most likely in the study since I had the lesser used DS surgery. No complications. Not saying it is a piece if cake but age and obesity are the 2 most common demographics of the patients seeking this surgery b [Edited 2/27/11 2:07am]

And you don't have CBS refusing to retract a statement about you.

Has anybody seen the recent issue of Jet magazine with Aretha on the cover? I don't know if she had bariatric surgery, but she had something done.

November said:

Has anybody seen the recent issue of Jet magazine with Aretha on the cover? I don't know if she had bariatric surgery, but she had something done.

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

Timmy84 said:

November said:

Has anybody seen the recent issue of Jet magazine with Aretha on the cover? I don't know if she had bariatric surgery, but she had something done.

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

When you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about. I don't know if it's her face, smile or what.

November said:

Timmy84 said:

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

When you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about. I don't know if it's her face, smile or what.

I was on a website and I did see two new pictures... they finally took a shot of her face and... wow. But like I said, I'll see what happens when the new JET comes through the mail this week.

Aretha with her sons:

[img:$uid]http://www.myjet247.com/Content/41/ARETHA_and-SONS.jpg[/img:$uid]

I may be guessing on the son on the right but I think it's Teddy Richards (Aretha's and Ted's only child). But it could be Kecalf. I'm not too sure though. I know Teddy has been wearing braids for a while.

^ Eddie seems to be recovering well from the beating he had late last year too considering he also had a drug problem.

Here's an unseen photo of Ree Ree at the Pistons game:

[img:$uid]http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhb4vn3WBJ1qh2fmco1_500.jpg[/img:$uid]

Timmy84 said:

November said:

Has anybody seen the recent issue of Jet magazine with Aretha on the cover? I don't know if she had bariatric surgery, but she had something done.

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

This is the issue I am talking about. Read the article. You may have questions in your mind if you have not even given it a second thought.

Oh and before anyone call me on Aretha and the possibility of her having had surgery for weight loss.... I am not at all criticizing it. Nor am I judging the desire to keep her medical business private... not everyone is comfortable talking about these things.

But if she did have surgery and somehow it was leaked incorrectly that she had pancreatic cancer... and the resulting worry and prayer chains and etc from everyone (even the White House)... well dang it just seems to me that there could have been some way to stop the spread of those rumors without divulging any truth.

A simple "I do not have cancer, and I wish to keep my medical business private" would have accomplished that.

If I am wrong, and the news reports were correct... I wish Ms. Franklin the best and she is in my prayers.

prodigalfan said:

Timmy84 said:

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

This is the issue I am talking about. Read the article. You may have questions in your mind if you have not even given it a second thought.

Oh and before anyone call me on Aretha and the possibility of her having had surgery for weight loss.... I am not at all criticizing it. Nor am I judging the desire to keep her medical business private... not everyone is comfortable talking about these things.

But if she did have surgery and somehow it was leaked incorrectly that she had pancreatic cancer... and the resulting worry and prayer chains and etc from everyone (even the White House)... well dang it just seems to me that there could have been some way to stop the spread of those rumors without divulging any truth.

A simple "I do not have cancer, and I wish to keep my medical business private" would have accomplished that.

If I am wrong, and the news reports were correct... I wish Ms. Franklin the best and she is in my prayers.

That's what's still so troubling about this. If it was weight loss surgery, all Aretha had to do was confirm it in December then people wouldn't be going "pray for Aretha, it's not looking good". Hell people are still thinking she's covering it up.

^ I know and when I heard the news that CBS refuses to retract story... well that is really troubling. I hope it is just a case of mismanaging the an embarassing truth and not concealing a really awful truth.

prodigalfan said:

^ I know and when I heard the news that CBS refuses to retract story... well that is really troubling. I hope it is just a case of mismanaging the an embarassing truth and not concealing a really awful truth.

I agree but you never know with Aretha. I mean if I was in her shoes, I guess I can understand why.

She's private but at the same time she didn't want fans to worry. I'm sure she knows they were.

Someone with the issues she's reportedly have, you try your best to protect it even if it's a carefully conceived lie. I won't damn Aretha for it if the pc rumors are true because sometimes you have your agenda on how you wanna approach things.

So if this is weight loss surgery so be it but CBS' statement is a real concern. I just hope she performs well into her 80s at least.

Losing Aretha right now (she'll be 69 on March 25) would be costly especially since we're losing so many legends at very young ages. 69 may not be the age of someone who's a spring chicken but it's too YOUNG to go.

While there is a GOOD portion of people who believe Ree's words because they're all saying "oh wow she looks great (and she does)", other folks are like "no something's wrong." So it's really 50/50 on the matter concerning Ms. Franklin.

That said I wish her a LONG and continually PRODUCTIVE life.

Timmy84 said:

November said:

Has anybody seen the recent issue of Jet magazine with Aretha on the cover? I don't know if she had bariatric surgery, but she had something done.

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

I have the new Jet. Aretha in the artlcle says she lost 25 pounds since the surgery. That woman has lost way more than 25 pounds. More like a hundred pounds...

KCOOLMUZIQ said:

Timmy84 said:

You mean they just released it today? Hmm I may have it in the mail by Monday. I'll be looking forward to it thanks.

I have the new Jet. Aretha in the artlcle says she lost 25 pounds since the surgery. That woman has lost way more than 25 pounds. More like a hundred pounds...

I read that bit online. It was more than just 25.

L-R: Edward Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Theodore R. White, Jr. (a/k/a Teddy Richards)

Timmy84 said:

Aretha with her sons:

[img:$uid]http://www.myjet247.com/Content/41/ARETHA_and-SONS.jpg[/img:$uid]

I may be guessing on the son on the right but I think it's Teddy Richards (Aretha's and Ted's only child). But it could be Kecalf. I'm not too sure though. I know Teddy has been wearing braids for a while.

L-R: Edward Franklin, Aretha Franklin, Theodore R. White, Jr. (a/k/a Teddy Richards)

Timmy84 said:

Aretha with her sons:

[img:$uid]http://www.myjet247.com/Content/41/ARETHA_and-SONS.jpg[/img:$uid]

I may be guessing on the son on the right but I think it's Teddy Richards (Aretha's and Ted's only child). But it could be Kecalf. I'm not too sure though. I know Teddy has been wearing braids for a while.

^ Figured that was Teddy, just had to make sure.

Nothing against you Timmy84, but who the eff is CBS? Where is their actual statement/ A reporter in Carolina did a story on the Grammys and said Aretha Franklin had pancreatic cance as was reported by CBS, he later retracted that statement after hearing from Miss Franklin's handlers about liability.

Many media outletshave stated "Miss Franklin is reported to have pancreatic cancer", but if you notice now, they are all using words such as "unconfirmed", "mysery ailment", "undisclosed illness".

I will say this for the last time - Aretha Franklin, nor her one cousin Brenda Corbett that spoke on behalf of the family has ever said that Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer.

The only person that allegedly said it was Patrica Louise Holt (p/k/a Patti LaBelle), and she is known to run her mouth in the industry.

The media outlet that reported that, is not exactly CNN or MSNBC, or even CBS.

Anyone with an ounce of goose sense would know that bariatric surgical procedures are very dangerous. Barry Bonds' best friend died on the operating table from one, as did Kanye West's mother.

The 25lb lost after surgery may be accurate. Notice how she is dodgey with info - she didn't say how much she had lost from the surgery, only after the surgery.

So based on accurate sources and common sense - it would seem her total weight loss form October 15, 2010 till February 26th or so would be arond 145lbs.

Pancreatic cancer patients do not look like Aretha Franklin does now, She looks dead on what Patti Austin, Twinkie Clark, Karen Clark and Vanessa Bell-Armstrong looked like after their surgeries for weight loss.

People that are expected to kick the bucket any day between now and late March based on stories in the rag mags like THE STAR and THE NATIOPNAL ENQUIRER, do not book concert perfomances in May, schedule casting meetings for biopic, schedule a meeting with Clive Davis in NY to do another album with him.

Common sense dictates here.

Timmy84 said:

prodigalfan said:

^ I know and when I heard the news that CBS refuses to retract story... well that is really troubling. I hope it is just a case of mismanaging the an embarassing truth and not concealing a really awful truth.

I agree but you never know with Aretha. I mean if I was in her shoes, I guess I can understand why.

She's private but at the same time she didn't want fans to worry. I'm sure she knows they were.

Someone with the issues she's reportedly have, you try your best to protect it even if it's a carefully conceived lie. I won't damn Aretha for it if the pc rumors are true because sometimes you have your agenda on how you wanna approach things.

So if this is weight loss surgery so be it but CBS' statement is a real concern. I just hope she performs well into her 80s at least.

Losing Aretha right now (she'll be 69 on March 25) would be costly especially since we're losing so many legends at very young ages. 69 may not be the age of someone who's a spring chicken but it's too YOUNG to go.

While there is a GOOD portion of people who believe Ree's words because they're all saying "oh wow she looks great (and she does)", other folks are like "no something's wrong." So it's really 50/50 on the matter concerning Ms. Franklin.

That said I wish her a LONG and continually PRODUCTIVE life.

RnBAmbassador said:

Nothing against you Timmy84, but who the eff is CBS? Where is their actual statement/ A reporter in Carolina did a story on the Grammys and said Aretha Franklin had pancreatic cance as was reported by CBS, he later retracted that statement after hearing from Miss Franklin's handlers about liability.

Many media outletshave stated "Miss Franklin is reported to have pancreatic cancer", but if you notice now, they are all using words such as "unconfirmed", "mysery ailment", "undisclosed illness".

I will say this for the last time - Aretha Franklin, nor her one cousin Brenda Corbett that spoke on behalf of the family has ever said that Aretha Franklin has pancreatic cancer.

The only person that allegedly said it was Patrica Louise Holt (p/k/a Patti LaBelle), and she is known to run her mouth in the industry.

The media outlet that reported that, is not exactly CNN or MSNBC, or even CBS.

Anyone with an ounce of goose sense would know that bariatric surgical procedures are very dangerous. Barry Bonds' best friend died on the operating table from one, as did Kanye West's mother.

The 25lb lost after surgery may be accurate. Notice how she is dodgey with info - she didn't say how much she had lost from the surgery, only after the surgery.

So based on accurate sources and common sense - it would seem her total weight loss form October 15, 2010 till February 26th or so would be arond 145lbs.

Pancreatic cancer patients do not look like Aretha Franklin does now, She looks dead on what Patti Austin, Twinkie Clark, Karen Clark and Vanessa Bell-Armstrong looked like after their surgeries for weight loss.

People that are expected to kick the bucket any day between now and late March based on stories in the rag mags like THE STAR and THE NATIOPNAL ENQUIRER, do not book concert perfomances in May, schedule casting meetings for biopic, schedule a meeting with Clive Davis in NY to do another album with him.

Common sense dictates here.

Timmy84 said:

I agree but you never know with Aretha. I mean if I was in her shoes, I guess I can understand why.

She's private but at the same time she didn't want fans to worry. I'm sure she knows they were.

Someone with the issues she's reportedly have, you try your best to protect it even if it's a carefully conceived lie. I won't damn Aretha for it if the pc rumors are true because sometimes you have your agenda on how you wanna approach things.

So if this is weight loss surgery so be it but CBS' statement is a real concern. I just hope she performs well into her 80s at least.

Losing Aretha right now (she'll be 69 on March 25) would be costly especially since we're losing so many legends at very young ages. 69 may not be the age of someone who's a spring chicken but it's too YOUNG to go.

While there is a GOOD portion of people who believe Ree's words because they're all saying "oh wow she looks great (and she does)", other folks are like "no something's wrong." So it's really 50/50 on the matter concerning Ms. Franklin.

That said I wish her a LONG and continually PRODUCTIVE life.

Somebody posted what I thought was a CBS press release on the Aretha tribute. There was then an updated press statement clarifying Aretha's denial but not refutting it. It was posted during the Grammy hubbub.

Looking at the pictures on JET, it's clear it's weight reduction surgery (or beriartic surgery).

Timmy84 said:

Looking at the pictures on JET, it's clear it's weight reduction surgery (or beriartic surgery).

Or she's losing weight cause pancratic cancer causes one to lose their appeitite.

Aight, i'm over this topic now.

sosgemini said:

Timmy84 said:

Looking at the pictures on JET, it's clear it's weight reduction surgery (or beriartic surgery).

Or she's losing weight cause pancratic cancer causes one to lose their appeitite.

Aight, i'm over this topic now.

Jesus, sos.

Timmy84 said:

Looking at the pictures on JET, it's clear it's weight reduction surgery (or beriartic surgery).

when I got my issue last week, that is exactly what I thought.