Gastric bands have been around for about 18 years as a method used to help overweight people achieve significant weight loss.

The band forces patients to eat slower and chew more frequently too, which as well as making them feel full twice as quickly, reduces the appetite as the brain receives the signal the stomach has had enough food.

The operation is completely irreversible and if it doesn’t seem to be working effectively, the band tightness can be adjusted in the outpatient clinic.  The whole process takes about 2 minutes and does not require any anaesthetic.

As the months go by, the degree of the band inflation is gradually increased until it is tight enought to offer the maximum control of portion size, while still allowing you to eat most normal foods.

Self-confessed foodie Noelle Hambleton, 39, from County Galway, knew she had to do something drastic about her weight.  After a family bereavement, she spiralled to 21 stone.  She lost 3 stone with Slimming World, but piled it back on again after a holiday.  

She read about Gastric Band treatment with The Hospital Group and knew she had to do something.  She had the treatment in the UK and followed the aftercare to the letter.  She lost weight immediately and by her 3rd band adjustment, was getting used to the new eating regime.

After 18 months, Noelle has dropped 12 stone and now weighs a skinny 9.5 stone – perfect for her 5ft 6″ frame.

Gum disease has often been blamed for causing heart problems, but scientists have been puzzled as to how this happens.

Now researchers have discovered that bacteria enters the blood stream through bleeding gums and then platelets bind together, shielding the harmful bacteria in clots. 

Study leader Professor Howard Jenkinson, said: “When the platelets clump together they completely encase the bacteria.  This provides a protective cover not only from the immune system, but also from antibiotics that might be used to treat infection.  Unfortunately, as well as helping out the bacteria, platelet clumping can cause small blood clots, growths on the heart valves, or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart and brain.”

For those who have let dental hygiene take a back seat, the Hospital Group can help get things back on track. Even the most nervous patients will find themselves at ease in the comfortable surroundings at The Hospital Group’s clinics. 

Their specialist Cosmetic Dentistry centres offer individual treatment plans to help people achieve a smile to be proud of. Consultations are normally priced at £125, but are currently on offer at just £25 and include a full dental examination, a smile consultation with a cosmetic dentist and X-rays and/or impressions if required.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “Many people often fail to think about dental care when it comes to their health, but looking after your teeth really is as important as eating well and keeping fit, if you want to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“It is never too late for people to change the way their teeth look and get a much brighter, whiter and healthier smile.  There are now a huge choice of affordable treatments for those who are looking to achieve the perfect Hollywood smile.

“At The Hospital Group we offer several cosmetic dentistry treatments including invisible braces, teeth whitening, Nusmile veneers, crowns and dental implants all of which are carried out by our dedicated and professional expert cosmetic dentists who want to help you get the look you are after.”

Before Gastric Band

Tina Malone, actress of Channel 4’s series Shameless, appeared on This Morning to talk about her gastric band success and her hopes of having a baby.

The bubbly blonde showcased her new slimline figure, whilst revealing her plans to start a family with toy boy husband, Paul Chase.

The actress talked openly about her problems with food, admitting at one point she thought she might die, because she couldn’t control her eating habits.

Talking about her problems she said: “I’ve always battled with my weight and remember feeling very fat.”

“I increasingly got worse over the years and only two years ago I was 19 stone two pounds. I felt desperate and thought they are going to have to roll me on to set or I’m going to keel over and die.”

Tina, who recently married fiancé Paul Chase, has dropped four dress sizes after having a gastric band fitted with The Hospital Group. She hopes to lose a further three stone so that she can achieve the size 10 figure she has always dreamed of.

When talking about her body before the bariatric surgery Tina added: “I had no neck or differentiation between my bust and my waist… I’m now the happiest I’ve been in 20 years. I’m in a really good place physically and mentally.”

Those worried about their weight can come to The Hospital Group for a consultation with an expert bariatric surgeon.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “When people look good on the outside it naturally follows that people feel much better and more confident within themselves.

“The positive affect that weight loss surgery can have on a person goes far beyond purely aesthetic means. As Tina herself can testify, weight loss surgery can help people to lead a much healthier and fuller lifestyle.

“Obesity surgery is by no means an easy option, but it can provide lasting, dramatic results that can change a person’s life.

“At The Hospital Group we offer a number of solutions for those who are struggling to control their weight. Our surgeons and staff are committed to providing the very highest standards and all procedures are performed by an expert medical team in state-of-the-art facilities that are second to none.”

Former Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon has admitted to having BOTOX^TM injections to smooth-out wrinkles on her forehead and prevent sweating in her armpits.

The revelations came about during an interview on ITV show This Morning. Describing the reasons behind the procedure Liz said: “I actually got some in my armpits to stop me sweating for filming my new series and I went ‘oh just pop a bit in my forehead as well’ and it’s absolutely brilliant. And it’s for me. I’ve told everybody!”

Liz joins a long list of celebrities and models including Katie Price, Anthea Turner and Teri Hatcher who have all openly discussed and indulged in BOTOX^TM to improve their appearance and prevent excessive sweating, a condition known as hyperhidrosis.

Those interested in undergoing procedures from cosmetic surgery to non-surgical treatments should look no further than The Hospital Group, one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery providers. The Hospital Group provides expert advice and a large range of treatments to ensure that patients achieve the result they desire.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “Liz’s revelations are a sure sign of the change in public perception towards cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments. Whereas previously seen as something to be done quietly, now celebs, models and the public are proud to share their experiences of cosmetic improvements.

“The Hospital Group provides expert advice and treatments to ensure that patients get the look they are after.”

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received encouraging results of UK testing on the silicone gel breast implants manufactured by the French company Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP).  The tests found no evidence of genotoxicity (potential for cancer) or chemical toxicity of the filler material in the implants.  The tests are not as extensive as those being carried out in France, but they have provided initial information as to whether there is a safety issue with the filler material.

MHRA Director of Devices Clinical, Dr Susanne Ludgate said, “It’s reassuring that our test results have shown no evidence of any associated risks with the filler material.  We are however waiting for the results of the French tests which are more extensive and include mechanical testing of the implant shell because there maybe a suggestion of an increased rupture rate compared with other breast implants. We will update clinicians and women once these test results are available and provide further advice on patient management as necessary.  If women have any concerns, they should speak to their implanting surgeon.  Implanting surgeons should report any clinical and radiological problems associated with these implants to the MHRA Adverse Incident Centre.”

Policy for Patients of The Hospital Group

If you think you were a PIP implant patient with The Hospital Group and have any concerns about them, we are offering a free consultation with a clinic nurse for initial discussion/assessment (this can be via telephone or in clinic). Please contact your local clinic, or call our central appointment line on 0121 445 0213. Where necessary or appropriate, the nurse will then refer you to see a surgeon for assessment – again, this is provided free of charge.  Each case would be assessed individually, but our priority is to ensure the patients’ welfare at all times.  If a clear case of rupture was diagnosed and implant removal were advised, our intention would be to replace the implants at no cost to the patient. 

Further Information

For further information or the background on this story, you can view previous PIP Updates in our news section or the MHRA press release dated 3rd September on their website.

The blonde had been unhappy with her weight and appearance and so decided to take action to improve her looks.

She said before the op: “I felt huge. I didn’t know where my neck started and my body began – in fact I had no neck!”

Tina has now dropped four dress sizes and lost nearly 7st following the procedure. She admitted she now feels much more confident and is ready to enjoy her future with new husband Paul Chase.

She added: “I’ve had so many people say: ‘Wow you look fantastic’. The gastric band is the best thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.”

Those who are keen to become more body beautiful should come for a consultation with The Hospital Group.

With 19 clinics across the UK, The Hospital Group is one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery providers, offering a range of dental, weight loss and cosmetic procedures.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group, said: “Cosmetic surgery is not just about how your body appears on the outside, but it is how it makes you feel on the inside.

“There are a whole range of procedures available for those who are not happy with their body. The Hospital Group offers the most up-to-date information from trusted professionals.

“With The Hospital Group’s expert advice and procedures, people can be assured of a safe, dependable solution to their body woes.”

The survey questioned 3000 18 to 35-year-old men about their health, fitness and beauty regimes. The study found increasing evidence supporting the rise of the ‘metrosexual man’, with a fifth of men using a daily moisturiser and one in 20 using hair straighteners on a regular basis.

Men may be spending more money on their appearance but women are still spending more time on perfecting their looks. According to the study women take 52 minutes to prepare for a night out, while men only take 29 minutes.

Those looking to find that perfect beauty solution should look no further than The Hospital Group, one of the UK’s leading cosmetic surgery providers. The Hospital Group provides expert advice and a range of treatments including BOTOX™, fillers and cosmetic dentistry.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group said: “This research shows that today’s men are taking just as much pride in their appearance as women and are prepared to enhance their looks with new beauty products and follow new beauty trends.

“For many people maintaining a good appearance can help to boost their self esteem. If someone feels and looks good then their confidence will be high and they will have a much more positive outlook on things.

“At The Hospital Group we can offer expert advice and treatments to ensure that both men and women can maintain and improve their looks.”

This week’s Closer magazine follows her story.

Tina had struggled with her weight for years before opting for a gastric balloon with The Hospital Group in 2008.  However, when it was removed, she gained 2 stone back.

With a new husband-to-be, she decided to address her weight and health issues with a gastric band in March 2010.  She has lost a staggering 4 stone already since the op. 

Closer magazine charts her progress and shows her in a size 14 dress.  You can also read more on the closer online website.

Her goal is to be a size 10 next year.

The couple would like to start a family – if Tina falls pregnant, she’ll keep the band but it will be loosened so that she can eat more while pregnant.

Tina says “Now everything from sex to walking the dog feels different because i have more energy and feel so much better about myself.  I’ve had so many people say ‘Wow you look fantastic’.  The gastric band is teh best thing I’ve done in my entire life”>

Tina looked stunning as she said “I do” to toyboy Paul, a personal trainer she met at a weight loss boot camp. 

One guest gushed “In her regal cream dress she literally looked half her age and looked tiny after losing all that weight, she really was the most beautiful bride. ”

Tina has been charting her incredible weight loss after having a gastric band operation with The Hospital Group in March.  She’s dropped from 15 stone 9 to just over 11 stone in 5 months.