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Gov. Christie spells out weight loss

He shared details at a meeting with donors in New York City.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has lost 85 pounds since undergoing lapband surgery early last year.

That's what he told potential campaign donors Friday, according to the New York Times.

The private powwow took place at the Upper East Side apartment of David Koch, who has spent millions, along with brother Charles, on behalf of conservative causes.

Christie got some belly laughs with a joke, said the Times:

"A doctor once told me you have to have the right relationship with the food you eat. And believe me, for many years, I had a great relationship with the foods I ate."

Christie said he realized that getting healthier was important if he wanted to run for higher office.

In February 2013 – the same month he had the procedure done – former White House physician Connie Mariano expressed concerns that Christie might die in office if he didn't lose weight.

It's likely Christie had already been exploring surgery, since medical procedures take to time to research, set up and perform.

For years, Christie's weight has been the subject of jokes by late-night comedians and callous headlines in New York tabloids.

A recent trip to Mexico was yet another indication to observers that Christie is preparing to seek the Republican nomination for president.

According to Real Clear Politics, Christie is doing well among potential GOP presidential candidates in polls.

The public first learned of Christie's surgery in May 2013, when he told the New York Post he'd lost 40 pounds in three months.

Then, however, he denied a presidential run was on his main motivation.

"For me, this is about turning 50 and looking at my children and wanting to be there for them," Christie told the Post.

 Contact Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com. Follow @petemucha on Twitter.