Patti Austin:
My Last Shot at Getting Healthy

Web Exclusive Extended Interview
Show 508

She didn't want to step on the scale because she knew what she would see. Grammy award-winning singer Patti Austin's self-described "lifetime of bad habits" helped lead to asthma, type 2 diabetes and being significantly overweight. She was even considered at risk for stroke, which took the lives of her mother and good friend singer Luther Vandross. In what she considered a "last shot" to change, Patti chose gastric bypass surgery. The surgery put her on the path to weight loss, but it took more than that. Patti changed her lifestyle and habits, and discovered a common thread among all those she knew who seemed healthy and happy. They all walked. She has lost almost 150 lbs. and dramatically improved her health. In February 2008, she won the Grammy Award for a collection of jazz standards titled "Avant Gershwin." Today, Patti excitedly talks about the energy she has, how much better she looks and feels. It shows!