I completely understand your desire to have a gastric band and to have an "easy solution" (even though it isn't really as it comes with a hospital procedure and lots of deprivation) to losing weight.

But a really hope that at a size 16 (which is the average dress size in the UK) that you don't decide to go that route. I am not an expert at all (I am a very happy dress size 12-14) but had a client that had a gastric band and it was pretty hellish for him, he was miserable and actually ended up losing too much weight because he couldn't keep any food down, and had to be hospitalised. I went out for lunch with him and he ate two chips, and a very small spoonful (think a teaspoon) of ice cream afterwards. Then he had to run to the loo to throw up. This was apparently a problem with this band being done up too tight (sorry don't know the medical terminology!!) but it was not easily resolved and he ended up with ongoing health problems.

Obviously that is a bit of a horror story  but really why put yourself at risk?

I understand (and like you for) enjoying a happy life which includes the enjoyment that comes from lovely food! I personally think a life without good food is a life half lived too.

I hear what you're saying about gym / diets. But what about eating the same way (although trying to be conscious of not eating more) but taking up running as well?

Before you recoil in horror (and I hate running as well) there's no denying it is BRILLIANT for losing weight - more so because you don't have to do much of it. It's free and you can do it after dark if you want. Run round the block every night (Starting off with running to the first lamppost, walking to the next, running to the next one etc - then build up when you can do more) and you will quickly see a big change in your figure, and endurance - within a couple of weeks you'll be able to run the whole thing.) Plus the quicker you go round, the quicker you get home which is an incentive; and its done normally within 10 mins. Do that every night, without changing what you eat normally and you will see a big difference very quickly!

It really does work and makes you feel better without the guilt.

xx

Thank you a lot Hadley.. I was really moved when I heard your story about your client. I know that things might be complicated after this surgery. . .  I need to say that you are right. However, I tried running, I tried gym, I tried almost everything but nothing seem to work. I think I have a problem: I do not have enough motivation. I am weak when it comes about this.

The problem with gastric surgery is that you still need motivation for it to work. It isn't an easy fix.  If anything it requires *more* willpower and motivation to stick with the nutritional plan.

I have a friend who had it done and she had to prove she could stick to a super low calorie low volume diet for a month or two before the operation, because once the op had been done she wouldn't be able to eat any kind of amount of food again for a long long time, and it could have done her serious damage if she had overeaten.

So y'know.  After watching her go through that, and then the months and months of low energy and pain and recurring illness and battling to keep her nutrition levels up, it certainly doesn't look like an easy fix.

Good luck with whatever you choose xx

Hi Kassandra.... good luck with everything and hope the docs appointment goes well (in that you get the information that you need to make an informed decision) xx

A gastric operation is a massive procedure and something you will have to learn to live with the effects for years. Daily vitamins and nutrients by pill, some people suffer nausea and hair loss for ever after.

If you cannot control your appetite and want to lose weight I recommend joining Slimming World. You can eat unlimited amounts of good foods with no counting (the good foods) and get loads of support and advice and lose lots of weight.

However. If you truly are happy with how you look and feel, then don't do anything, weight-wise. Make sure your pics are up to date and you market yourself honestly and you WILL get clients and repeat clients. Confidence and a happy attitude and some lovely non-airbrushed pics will serve you much better than pretending to be something you aren't

Indeed, I think she just needs to concentrate on exercising more, positive thinking and she will lose the weight just as easy as he gained it.  The gastric band is never the answer and can produce even lots of negative health issues.