Y&R’s Lily Brooks O’Briant announces she has urgent surgery for a rare disease

The Young and the Restless alum Lily Brooks O’Briant is opening up about her second surgery for endometriosis.

Key Takeaways

• Lily Brooks O’Briant was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2023 at age 16.
• O’Briant’s first surgery was in 2023.
• The actress has since become an advocate for endometriosis awareness.
• O’Briant opened up about undergoing her second endometriosis surgery this year.

O’Briant Tells All

O’Briant, who hasn’t appeared on Y&R as Lucy since 2024, has always been open about her battle with endometriosis. The actress revealed her diagnosis in 2023, produced a documentary about the illness called Silent Suffering: How Endometriosis Affects Teens, and delved into her experience during an interview with General Hospital’s Maurice Benard earlier this year.

After already undergoing a surgery in 2023, O’Briant recently went through a second major surgery, and revealed all in a vulnerable Instagram post.

“Endometriosis is a disease that affects 1 in 10 women. I am 1 in 10. This past week I had my second endometriosis surgery. My first was two years ago at age 17 where @seckinmd removed 21 lesions. I am incredibly grateful to have been treated by 3 of the very best Endometriois excision surgeons in the world (seriously ask Google) @camrannezhatmd @seckinmd and @drchu_endodoc.

The trip to nyc was pretty tough on me last surgery so I had my surgery in CA with Dr. Nezhat who removed 24 lesions from my ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, nerves in my back, bladder & more. I was doing everything I could to manage my endo symptom – anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, acupuncture, lymphatic drainage massages, managing stress & more but needed this second surgery. I am so grateful to be healing now #endowarrior #endometriosis @endofound 💜💛 my mom got some very silly videos of me after being under anesthesia.”

While the videos may induce a chuckle, the 19-year-old received hundreds of well wishes from fans and soap stars, including several Y&R co-stars.

“You’re amazing always, and even more amazing for sharing this!! So proud and impressed by you sweet girl!!” commented Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea), while Courtney Hope (Sally) wrote, “So inspired by you! Thank you for speaking up for us all.”

O’Briant’s on-screen grandmother Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) shared, “Girl…I understand. Trust me. Gorgeous beauty,” and Brytni Sarpy (Elena) commented, “Sometimes life demands our courage, you are handling it with so much grace and fortitude. Heal up, courageous one.”

O’Briant also received love from Beyond The Gates’ Karla Mosley (Dani), who shared a slew of heart emojis, as well as Y&R and Days of our Lives alum Eileen Davidson (Ashley, Y&R, Kristen, DAYS), who wrote, “Lily. I’m in awe of you and your courage. Thank you for sharing your journey. You’re helping so many people.”