Gabourey Sidibe has revealed how she secretly underwent weight-loss surgery nearly a year ago after a diabetes scare in the family. She opened up about the stressful time, along with her many years of body image struggles, in her new autobiography 'This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare'.

Gabourey SidibeGabourey Sidibe opens up about weight-loss surgery

The 'Precious' star bit the bullet and went under the knife for laproscopic bariatric surgery in May 2016 following her brother Ahmed's diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. As much as she's always been publicly very positive about her body, she realised that her health was severely at risk.

'I just didn't want to worry', Gabourey told People regarding her decision to make the drastic move. 'I truly didn't want to worry about all the effects that go along with diabetes. I genuinely [would] worry all the time about losing my toes.'

She spoke about the ordeal at length in her forthcoming memoir 'This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare'. 'My surgeon said they'd cut my stomach in half', she explained in the book. 'This would limit my hunger and capacity to eat. My brain chemistry would change and I'd want to eat healthier. I'll take it! My lifelong relationship with food had to change.'

Many people might consider surgery as a bit of a cheat; a fast-track on the way to a better body. But for Gabourey, it was hardly a decision taken lightly, nor was it unnecessary. 'The surgery wasn't the easy way out', she insists. 'I wasn't cheating by getting it done. I wouldn't have been able to lose as much as I've lost without it.'

Now, Gabourey is much more careful about the foods she eats, taking advice from a top nutritionist, while trying to keep as active as possible in her daily life. Her weight has not just been a physical struggle for the actress; growing up she suffered from depression, anxiety and bulimia before finally getting a therapist's help. These days, she loves herself more than ever - and it's made all the more easier by the fact that she's showing her body the same kindness.

'It has taken me years to realize that what I was born with is all beautiful', she wrote. 'I did not get this surgery to be beautiful. I did it so I can walk around comfortably in heels. I want to do a cartwheel. I want not to be in pain every time I walk up a flight of stairs.

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'There's nothing ugly about me. Anyone trying to convince me that I am - and it's usually me - is wasting her time. I was in a war with my body for a long time. If I'd started treating it better sooner, I wouldn't have spent so many years hating myself. But I love my body now.'

While she's uncomfortable about revealing her weight to the world, she definitely doesn't want to become too thin and maintains that curves are beautiful. 'I hope to God I don't get skinny', she says. If I could lose enough to just be a little chubby, I'll be over the moon!'