Obesity surgery is becoming increasingly common in the UK, with a growing number of people desperate to lose weight but unable to do so through the traditional methods of diet and exercise.
Thirty-year-old Helen Redhead opted to undergo a gastric lap band procedure at the Healthier Weight Centre after reaching 17st, and subsequently dropped from a size 18 to a size 12.
The decision, she told Red Magazine, has changed her life.
"Having the lap band inserted was anything but an easy option," she admits. "I had to undergo an intensive diet beforehand for 10 days to prepare my body for surgery.
"And for three months afterwards, I was restricted to liquids only - soups, protein shakes - as my body adjusted to the band.
"But it was worth it. I've lost 5st over 15 months and finally look 'normal'."
Ms Redhead insists that the biggest change has been her attitude to other people and theirs to her.
Whereas she was never invited out by work colleagues before the weight loss, she is now invited to everything "because my look 'fits'".
She also rarely feels the need to overindulge any more, despite her life having previously been centred around food.
And she can now look forward to her forthcoming marriage to boyfriend Dan without being terrified at the prospect of everyone looking at her on the big day.
© Adfero Ltd
Thirty-year-old Helen Redhead opted to undergo a gastric lap band procedure at the Healthier Weight Centre after reaching 17st, and subsequently dropped from a size 18 to a size 12.
The decision, she told Red Magazine, has changed her life.
"Having the lap band inserted was anything but an easy option," she admits. "I had to undergo an intensive diet beforehand for 10 days to prepare my body for surgery.
"And for three months afterwards, I was restricted to liquids only - soups, protein shakes - as my body adjusted to the band.
"But it was worth it. I've lost 5st over 15 months and finally look 'normal'."
Ms Redhead insists that the biggest change has been her attitude to other people and theirs to her.
Whereas she was never invited out by work colleagues before the weight loss, she is now invited to everything "because my look 'fits'".
She also rarely feels the need to overindulge any more, despite her life having previously been centred around food.
And she can now look forward to her forthcoming marriage to boyfriend Dan without being terrified at the prospect of everyone looking at her on the big day.
© Adfero Ltd
Obesity treatment news : 15/01/2007
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