The "Live With Regis and Kelly" audience cheered as Philbin walked onto the set with co-host Kelly Ripa.

"What an occasion this has been," Philbin said. "Finally back after six weeks. ... And one day."

Philbin, 75, said he'd lost 8 pounds.

"It is a tough procedure" but the rewards are great, he said of the surgery.

Last month, Philbin said he was having the operation because "there's some plaque in some arteries and I've got to get it cleaned out."

CBS "Late Show" host David Letterman was a guest on the show. Philbin has been one of Letterman's favorite foils for many years.