What Chris Christie Says in Response to Report He Shed 85 Pounds

STAMFORD, Conn.-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has clearly lost weight since his lap band surgery last May, but he won't talk numbers, only to say the 85-pound figure the New York Times reported Monday is "wrong."

"First off, I don't talk about numbers and so the report in the New York Times was I can tell you this much it wasn't accurate, but I'm not going to tell you why it wasn't accurate. I don't talk about that stuff and the reason I don't is because that's my business and not anybody else's," Christie said, noting he did see the report.

He said his weight-loss efforts are not to motivate others or for political reasons. He's just doing it to extend his life both for himself and his family.

"As far as being an inspiration for other people, that's not why I am doing it. I decided to do what I've done because I needed to do it for my own health," Christie said, mentioning his four children and how he wants to be able to walk his youngest girl down the aisle someday.

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"I turned 50 and I decided I need to do something and so the fact that it's going well is really gratifying for my family first and foremost and all the rest of the stuff that people write about is fine, it's ok it's not why I am doing it," Christie said. "I got elected to office at my previous size and it didn't seem to bother the voters of New Jersey twice so the people who say it's about politics are just wrong, it's about living a healthier life and being healthier and being able to stay around longer."

Yesterday, the New York Times reported Christie told a group of conservative donors Friday night that he lost 85 pounds since his surgery. The report said he told the group at conservative donor David Koch's 18-room duplex in Manhattan and that Christie was "pressed by donors about his health."

Christie, the chairman of the Republican Governors' Association, was in Connecticut to campaign with businessman Tom Foley for the second time. Foley is locked in a tight race with incumbent Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy. Foley ran previously in 2010 losing to current Malloy by just over 6,000 votes.

Christie joked that his weight loss does not just mean he will be around longer for his wife and family, but added to cheers "quite frankly Foley needs me the next 42 days."

After shaking hands at Curley's Diner here, Christie and Foley went across the street to raise money at famed baseball manager Bobby Valentine's restaurant. As when he last stumped here in July, a group of gun control protesters greeted Christie holding signs that read "Protect Our Children, Not Guns" and "Keep Our Kids Safe."