ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Rex Ryan told the New York Post this week that he had his lap band surgically removed in solidarity with his twin brother, Rob, who required his lap band to be removed after complications with the device.

Editor's Picks Ryan: Watkins (foot) could possibly play vs. Jets Rex Ryan said Monday that Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins could play Thursday night against the Jets despite soreness in his left foot.

Rex Ryan confirmed the procedure Tuesday but gave an alternative, joking explanation for why he did it.

"I did it a long time ago, so I'm not going to get into those things," Ryan said. "But as somebody pointed out, several times, we won more games when I was heavier, so I'll do anything for the squad."

Rex Ryan, right, says he had his lap band removed in solidarity with his twin brother Rob, left, who had to have the device removed due to complications. Nils ERicson for ESPN

Rex Ryan told ESPN last month that he has gained 30 pounds since he hired Rob to his coaching staff as assistant head coach/defense in January.

Ryan told the Post in 2012 that he had lost more than 100 pounds after undergoing surgery to have a lap band inserted in 2010. Ryan weighed 348 pounds in January 2010 before deciding to have the weight loss surgery.