Soul legend Aretha Franklin, 70, gave her fans a scare when she was hospitalized in 2010. Rumors swirled that Franklin was battling cancer, but sources close to Ms. Franklin said she actually underwent a simple lap band procedure in addition to breast reduction surgery. Franklin’s PR denied the reports that Franklin had gastric surgery. But her rapid weight loss in the months following her hospitalization was evident of weight reduction surgery.

Beverly Hills-based surgeon, Dr. Lawrence Koplin (who did not treat Franklin) told FOX News weight loss that drastic could only mean one thing.

“Losing this amount of weight with exercise and diet would require a strict, strict team, and is said to be impossible especially those above 40 with a slowed metabolism,” Koplin told us. “Surgical correction is the fastest way to see an 85 pound weight decrease in just a few months.”

Whether she wants to admit it or not, Ms. Franklin looks great! And she seems very happy when she was spotted leaving her midtown hotel in New York City today. I’m sure the extra attention she’s getting from younger men these days made the surgeries all worth while.
Photo: Patricia Schlein/ WENN.com