Gabourey Sidibe

Last year, the star underwent bariatric surgery, and she publicized the experience for the first time in her new memoir “It’s Just My Face: Try Not to Stare”-and her struggle with depression, anxiety and bulimia, exclusive Excerpted in the latest issue of PEOPLE. “I just don’t want to worry,” 33-year-old Sidibe told people that after she and her 34-year-old brother Ahmed were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, she decided to undergo laparoscopic weight-loss surgery. “I really don’t want to worry about all the effects related to diabetes. I really have been worried about losing my toe.”

The star gained fame for playing a nominal role in “Precious”-trying to lose weight naturally for more than a decade before opting for surgery. In May 2016, she secretly took the knife. “Surgery is not easy,” she said. “I didn’t cheat by completing it. Without it, I wouldn’t lose so much.” Since the surgery, Sidibe has changed her eating habits-working with a nutritionist-and improved her fitness program, working out with a coach, swimming and riding a tricycle.