Cowboys DC Rob Ryan drops weight

IRVING, Texas -- New York Jets coach Rex Ryan revealed in February that his twin brother, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, would be having Lap-Band surgery during the offseason.

The procedure, which places a gastric band around the top of the stomach, is designed to reduce the amount of food an obese person consumes, which then improves weight loss.

Rob Ryan talked about the procedure Friday at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch practice facility.

"Obviously, I have [had the procedure]," he said. "I'm down 35 pounds already, so that's a good thing. It's only been a couple months, so Dr. Smith's been real happy with me.

"Hell, I'll keep working."

Rob Ryan was then asked why he went through with the operation.

"Well, breathing at night, my wife and I are looking for the long haul here," he explained. "I did it for health, not for beauty."

As usual, the Cowboys defensive coordinator was cracking jokes.

When one reporter responded that Cowboys running backs coach Skip Peete, who has also lost a significant amount of weight since last season, appears to have lost more weight, Rob Ryan responded, "Yeah, but he had further to go than I did."

Peete did not have the Lap-Band surgery.


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