Carnie Wilson hospitalized after complications from lap-band removal

Carnie Wilson, the 57-year-old singer known for Wilson Phillips, was hospitalized recently after experiencing complications from lap-band removal surgery, her social-media updates show. The singer said she was released from the hospital and described the episode as a scary turn during recovery. In an Instagram video posted Thursday, Wilson told fans, “OK, the official update. My daughter’s getting a prescription for me right now, but I am out of the hospital,” adding that the lap-band removal had been a “great success.” She disclosed that she developed swelling in her legs and high blood pressure that required another hospital visit. The doctors adjusted her medications, and Wilson said the swelling has since subsided and she is “on the mend.”

Wilson explained that the hospital visit followed her lap-band removal, noting the episode was intense and that doctors found an ulcer inside the device. She said there was also an obstruction with food trapped in the outlet between the stomach pouch and the lower stomach, a blockage that can occur when food becomes stuck as the device works to regulate appetite. “Hearing what the doctors found makes me want to barf,” she wrote, then expressed gratitude for the care she received and the support from followers. The Cleveland Clinic’s description of laparoscopic adjustment and failure to move food through the band underscores why such blockages can be concerning, though the exact medical pathway can vary from patient to patient. Wilson added that the ordeal gave her a new perspective on her health and a renewed commitment to recovery, saying she was thankful for prayers and well-wishes as she works back to full health.

The lap-band, formally known as an adjustable gastric band, is placed around the upper stomach to reduce capacity and slow food’s passage. The procedure has been part of Wilson’s personal health journey, which includes prior weight-loss surgeries. She underwent gastric bypass in 1999 and later had lap-band surgery, according to public statements she has made in interviews and posts over the years. In April 2024, Wilson told People magazine that she had given up sugar and gluten, losing about 45 pounds, and spoke of a healthier relationship with food. She described feeling better and having greater respect for her body, a sentiment she has repeated during interviews and on social media as she discussed her health trajectory.

Her public timeline has also intersected with family loss and public moments. In June, Wilson and her sister Wendy shared the news that their father, Brian Wilson, of the Beach Boys, had died. The family posted a message expressing heartbreak and sorrow, and Wilson paid tribute on her own channels, saying she would miss him deeply and that he would be remembered by millions. The public nature of Wilson’s health and family moments has been a recurring theme in her career, which began with the 1989 formation of Wilson Phillips with her sister and Chynna Phillips. In recent months, the singer has continued to convey both vulnerability and resilience in her public-facing updates as she recovers from surgery and navigates ongoing health decisions.

Wilson’s Instagram posts announced her readiness to move forward with removing the lap band, describing the surgery as a turning point in her long-standing health journey. The posts also showed a sustained appreciation for her fans’ support as she works through the recovery process and waits for medical clearance to resume normal activities. On the mend, Wilson has emphasized gratitude for the care she received and the continued prayers and good thoughts from friends, family, and fans as she progresses through rehabilitation. The coming weeks are expected to clarify how her body responds after the removal of the lap band and whether she will pursue alternative approaches to weight management and overall wellness.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Wilson has often discussed body image and health challenges with candor. Her public updates reflect a broader conversation about weight-management strategies, surgical interventions, and the medical considerations that accompany such decisions. While the details of her medical care are private, her statements provide a window into the patient experience of lap-band removal and the potential complications that can follow major gastric procedures. As she continues to recover, fans and observers will be watching for further updates about her health status and any new steps in her wellness plan.