Radical weight loss system was money well spent
For those who have enjoyed so much Christmas stuffing they do not dare step on the scales in case they break, almost any fat-busting plan to atone for the gluttony is likely to be given full attention.
But during stark cold January days, the idea of a harsh and meagre New Year diet is enough to make most women with less than an iron will reach for the soothing comfort of choccy.
Rather than yo-yo through dress sizes for yet another year, one former Doncaster nurse decided to take her diet plans a step further than simply banning naughty food. She chose to have a gastric balloon fitted.
Ex-Haxey resident Michelle Kemp, 41, lost three stones after clambering on the operating table to have a liquid-filled balloon inserted down her throat.
She was heavily sedated but still technically conscious as the balloon was fed down into her stomach and inflated once in place.
"I was very relaxed. You know it's happening but the drugs mean you just don't mind," said Michelle.
Designed to sit in the stomach for six months, the balloon not only prevents over-eating by filling the space, but the size of the balloon causes signals to be sent to the brain saying the stomach is full.
The programme by Gateway Health comes with a year-long support programme designed to help change the dieter's mind-set to food and encourage long-term healthy-eating.
But despite impressive results, a brand new slim you does not come cheap.
Michelle paid 4,000 for her operation but firmly believes it was money well spent.
"It was absolutely worth the money because I was so sick of dieting after trying every diet you can think of," she said.
The mum-of-two originally wanted a gastric band fitting but with only three stones to lose, she was not considered a suitable candidate for the last resort measure.
Said Michelle: "I wanted some medical help to end the dieting cycle."
However, she confesses the balloon is not a miracle cure.
"I still have to work really hard to keep the weight off but I am down now to a healthy Body Mass Index," she added.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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