Raúl de Molina is back! After a forced hiatus spanning several weeks, the beloved host returned to El Gordo y La Flaca this Monday, sporting a slimmer figure, renewed energy, and his trademark humor. His comeback was met with applause, hugs, and plenty of jokes—especially from his co-host, the ever-faithful Lili Estefan—on a set that greatly missed his presence.
The Cuban-American presenter, aged 66, underwent a paniculectomy, a procedure to eliminate excess skin and abdominal fat following a significant weight loss of over 110 pounds in recent years. Although initially expected to be a straightforward surgery, it turned into a more complicated ordeal involving a hospital stay and even a blood transfusion.
In the days leading up to his return, Raúl updated his followers with a video on Instagram from his home, still accompanied by a portable drain. "I'm not completely well yet, but I'm improving day by day," he shared, expressing gratitude to the doctors, Mercy Hospital in Miami, and most importantly, his wife Mily, whom he called "the best nurse in the world."
On Monday, July 14, he was reunited with his other family: the Univision team. Lili couldn't stop joking with her colleague, who laughed along as he demonstrated how oversized his pants had become. "Look at all this extra space!" he exclaimed, tugging on his clothes while celebrating the loss of over 15 pounds from his belly.
The affection from colleagues and fans was palpable. Clarissa Molina, producer Carlitos, and even Rodolfo Hernández joined in the warm welcome, alongside thousands of fans who closely followed his recovery journey on social media. "It felt like twenty weeks," Lili remarked. "I couldn't stand being at home any longer!" Raúl responded.
Returning to work with enthusiasm, a lighter frame, and his usual laid-back style, Raúl de Molina comes back to the cameras with one promise: to keep taking care of himself while retaining the charm that has made him a household favorite for over two decades.