Gastric Band is it the Answer?

It seems to me that there is an increase in the use of gastric bands in the UK, following a trend of the operation in the US.

My question is - is it the answer?

There is no question that there are overweight people in the UK who are significantly unhappy with their weight, or suffer from medical conditions which make weight loss a necessity. In these cases it is of course important to address the issue and try to slim. In my opinion this is usually due to an unhealthy diet, lack of execise and an unhealthy relationship with food - will a drastic operation solve these problems? In some cases maybe, but I feel that it is now becoming common place and seen as a quick fix by the medical profession where other measures should be taken first.

Will this put further pressure on the public to conform and feel they have to reach the "accepted" size?

Curvy women shouldn't feel pressured to conform and lose weight if they are healthy, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet and are confident with their curves. One size certainly doesn't fit all!

There is also a growing trend in the US for the operation to be performed on young teens, bodies which aren't yet fully developed & minds which are young enough to be re trained towards a healthier relationship with food. I think it would be a terrible shame for the UK to follow suit.

Fern Britton Weight Loss Surgery

It has recently come to light that Fern Britton underwent a gastric band operation 2 years ago which has enabled her to lose 5 stone. Until now Fern has attributed her weight loss to exercise and healthy eating, but now it seems she had a little help along the way.

Husband chef Phil Vickery, 46, has been reported as saying: 'Fern has lost a lot of weight through cycling, walking the dog and not eating too much - simple as that.'

Now as you know I am a firm believer in maintaining a healthy (to you) weight through good diet and exercise, and in all honesty am not adverse to operations such as this in extreme cases where health is affected and all other options have been explored. However, I think that celebrities who are just not happy with their weight and want an easier route to their 'ideal' figure are aiding the terrible public image of being overweight. I still think Fern is a great presenter and TV personality, who has a lovely curvy figure - for now. I am sorry that I can no longer class Fern as a fuller figured role model promoting self acceptance as it seems she has been the most recent victim of cowing to the media's portrayal of what is publically acceptable.

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