7 Shocking Struggles Kelly Osbourne Faced Immediately Before Her Gastric Sleeve Surgery In 2018

Kelly Osbourne’s dramatic transformation is one of the most talked-about celebrity weight loss stories of the past decade, yet the intense struggles she faced right before her life-changing decision often get overlooked. In 2018, Osbourne underwent a gastric sleeve procedure, a pivotal moment that she insists was the culmination of a deeper, total mental and physical health shift.

The journey to losing 85 pounds was not a quick fix; it was a desperate move to reclaim her life after years of public scrutiny, fluctuating weight, and a private battle with addiction. As of late 2025, Osbourne continues to be an open book about her sobriety and the reality of life before the surgery, offering a fresh, honest perspective on the mental state that preceded her physical change.

Kelly Osbourne: Full Biography and Career Milestones

Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne was born on October 27, 1984, in London, England. As the daughter of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne and music manager/television personality Sharon Osbourne, she was born into rock royalty.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

• Full Name: Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne
• Born: October 27, 1984 (Age 41 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: London, England
• Parents: Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne
• Siblings: Jack Osbourne (brother) and Aimee Osbourne (sister)
• Career Debut: Starring in the reality television show The Osbournes (2002–2005)
• Key Career Roles:
  • Television Host on Fashion Police (2010–2015)
  • Contestant on Dancing with the Stars (Season 9, 2009)
  • Judge on Project Runway Junior
  • Voice acting in The 7D
• Major Health Decision: Gastric Sleeve Surgery (2018)

The Mental and Physical Turmoil Before the Surgery

The decision to undergo bariatric surgery in 2018 was not simply about vanity; it was a desperate measure taken after a decade of intense, public, and private turmoil. Osbourne has been very transparent about the root causes of her weight struggles, which were deeply intertwined with her mental health and addiction issues.

1. Years of Addiction and Relapse Cycles

Kelly Osbourne has been vocal about her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which began in her teenage years. Before 2018, her life was marked by cycles of sobriety and relapse. She admitted that she "never went to work sober" before her recovery efforts intensified. This addiction was a major factor in her overall physical health and emotional state, often leading to poor lifestyle choices.

2. Feeling More Scrutiny for Weight Than Addiction

Perhaps the most heartbreaking struggle was the public's focus. Osbourne once stated that she "took more hell for being fat than [she] did for being an addict." This constant, brutal scrutiny from the media and the public created an immense psychological burden. The judgment about her body often overshadowed the seriousness of her addiction, adding to her emotional distress.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

3. The Vicious Cycle of Emotional Eating

For many years, food became a coping mechanism for the stress and emotional pain of her public life and addiction. Osbourne has described herself as an emotional eater. The constant pressure of fame, combined with her struggles with substance abuse, fueled a vicious cycle where she would turn to food for comfort, leading to weight gain and subsequent public shaming.

4. Diet and Exercise Efforts Failed to Stick

Before the gastric sleeve, Osbourne had tried numerous conventional weight loss methods. She notably lost a significant amount of weight while competing on Dancing with the Stars in 2009, learning valuable diet and workout tips. However, she found it nearly impossible to maintain the results long-term, noting that her weight would fluctuate dramatically. This inability to keep the weight off led to feelings of failure and frustration.

The Gastric Sleeve Decision: A Tool for a New Mindset

The year 2018 marked a definitive turning point. At 34 years old, Kelly Osbourne made the decision to undergo gastric sleeve surgery. She emphasized that the procedure was not a "cheat" but a necessary tool to help her maintain the physical changes that her mental health work had initiated.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

5. Prioritizing Mental Health as the First Step

Osbourne has stressed that the physical surgery was only effective because she first committed to a "total mental and physical health shift." She openly shared that the number one thing she had to do was "get happy." For her, addressing the underlying psychological issues, including her addiction, was the prerequisite for any lasting physical change.

6. The Physical Reality of the Gastric Sleeve Procedure

The procedure she had was a gastric sleeve, a form of bariatric surgery where a large portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach. She has been careful to distinguish it from a gastric bypass, noting that the sleeve procedure simply changes the shape of the stomach and can still result in weight gain if a patient does not follow a strict, healthy diet and exercise regimen. The surgery is a tool, not a cure.

7. The Immediate Aftermath and Public Revelation

The surgery, which she had in 2018, was not immediately public knowledge. She revealed the details in 2020 on the Hollywood Raw podcast, proudly stating she lost 85 pounds. She addressed the rumors head-on, saying, "I had surgery; I don't give a f*ck what anyone has to say." Her openness became a source of accountability and inspiration for others considering bariatric options.

In recent years, as of late 2025, Kelly Osbourne has had to address new rumors, specifically those involving the use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. She has firmly denied these claims, attributing her continued success to the foundation laid by her gastric sleeve surgery, sobriety, and ongoing commitment to diet and exercise. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that significant body transformations are almost always rooted in profound shifts in mental health and lifestyle.