Shameless actress Tina Malone had struggled with her weight for many years. At 5 ft 1, she wore a size 26-28 and had reached 19 stone 2 at her heaviest.
She lost weight with The Hospital Group in 2008 with a gastric balloon, but struggled to maintain it, so she opted for a gastric band which was fitted in March 2010 at The Hospital Group, Europe's biggest Gastric Band Hospital, on 11th March 2010.
Nearly a year later, she now weighs under 10 stone and is wearing a size 10-12 clothing.
Thanks to the weight loss, she's also a lot healthier, sleeping better and able to be far more active.
Tina has shared her journey publicly on our website and also in magazine and TV interviews. Watch this space for regular updates!
BACKGROUND
Having lost 4 1/2 stone with a gastric balloon with The Hospital Group in 2008, Tina Malone, Shameless actor and Celebrity Big Brother star, opted for gastric band surgery in March 2010 as the next step in her weight loss journey to help her reach her size 10 ambitions.
13th May 2011 - Loose Women!
Freshly tanned from her honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, actress Tina Malone updated the Loose Women on her dramatic weight loss, revealing that she’s now a size 12 and has lost 7 stone 4 since having her gastric band fitted in March 2010. “You look amazing” said presenter Kate Thornton.
Unlike other celebrities, Tina has been public about her decision to have a gastric band from the outset and this was her 3rd appearance on Loose Women discussing her weight loss. Kate asked Tina “Could you have done it without (the gastric band)?” Tina replied “No, because I’m OCD, bi-polar – everything to excess… I still want to eat, but actually can’t”.
Tina also revealed that the new series of Shameless will feature even more sex scenes, now that she's lost so much weight.
Watch the full interview here:
Read more about Tina's appearance in our news section.
8th March 2011 - Down to 9 Stone!
It's nearly a full year since Tina Malone had a gastric band fitted, so time for a check-up at our Manchester clinic. Tina is weighed again and has reached her target of 9 stone. This is fantastic progress - Tina is wearing a size 10 Barbour jacket as we caught up with her on the set of Shameless!
3 months ago, she weighed 10 stone 10, but now she's got used to the band her weight loss really accelerated over Christmas and into the new year, so she has lost 1 stone 10 lbs in 3 months
A year ago, prior to the gastric band pre-operative diet, her weight was 16 stone 3 and she was wearing a size 26 clothing. So she's lost 7 stone 3 in a year
It's not just about looking better, Tina feels 100% better too:
Her blood pressure is healthier than her husband's (and he's a personal trainer!) where a year ago it was dangerously high
She has more energy and feels better in every way
Tina is now aiming to be a size 8 by May and as she's only 5 foot 1, still wants to lose more weight aiming at 8 stone. She's also considering cosmetic surgery to deal with her loose skin, which is now too big for her slimline body. This in itself will lose a few pounds. However, that's being carefully timed. As she's a healthy weight, she can now try IVF, so we're crossing fingers for a great result.
1st March 2011 - 11 1/2 months Post Gastric Band
Tina appeared in Closer Magazine, sharing her story with sexy new pictures including a "Christine Keeler" style black and white, plus a revealing bunny girl outfit! She'd never have dared or been able a year ago.
But her weight loss has not just transformed her body (taking her from a size 26 to a 10-12) - it's also transformed her health too. She's gone from weighing over 19 stone at her heaviest to under 10 stone. She also shared plans for IVF treatment to have a second child at 48 with her new husband Paul.
Tina has now lost a staggering 6 and a half stone since she had her gastric band approximately 10 months ago. She is already down to a size 12 but her goal is to reach a size 8!
Her photo shoot for The Hospital Group was a great opportunity to show off her new figure - including a waistline that literally was not there a year ago. She feels so much more confident now and no longer has to wear big baggy tops to disguise her weight! This is the first time is she's worn jeans in years, she's finally found a pair that fit!
10th January 2011 - Loose Women
Tina appeared on Loose Women today, discussing her dramatic 6 stone weight loss. Looking slim has put her into some steamy scenes in the forthcoming Shameless! But she's proud to show off her new body. 2 years ago she weight 19 stone 2... today she is just 10 stone 4lb and still losing weight. Well done Tina!
Tina joined Holly and Phil in the This Morning studio today. Now that she's dropped an incredible 5 and a half stone, she's happy with her body and health improvements, but not sure how to dress any more... After years of hiding under loose clothing, how do you cope with having a waistline and how do you show it off? Style guru Jason Gardener worked his magic with the wardrobe, while her hair and makeup also had a glam-up.
After Makeover…
Before Makeover…
8th December - 8 1/2 Month Update
After another band fill, Tina's weight has really dropped off over the last few weeks. She is now under 11 stone, weighing in at 10 stone 10. Tina says "This is the best thing I've done in my life!". Size 12 clothing is now looking a bit loose... and only a year ago she was wearing anything from a size 22 to a size 26. This is fantastic news - well done Tina! We are lining up a photo shoot for January and can't wait to see those skinny pics! Tina is also starring on This Morning on 14th December, having a wardrobe makeover for her new slim looks.
30th November - 8 Month Update
Weighing in at 11 stone 4, Tina has lost nearly 5 stone since the start of her journey. Fanastic news! Tina is aiming to be a size 8 by March - a year after the band was fitted. We think she's on course to achieve that and can't wait to share some new photos.
15th September - Appearance on Live from Studio 5
Tina Malone shared her gastric band story with Kate and Jayne on Live from Studio 5.
14th September - OK! Magazine Celebrity Wedding Coverage!
OK! Magazine exclusively covered Tina Malone's wedding to Paul Chase.
Tina shocked her 500 guests when she walked down the aisle in a stunning gown. She dropped from a size 26 to a modest size 14 in the last 6 months and admits that her wedding day at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate hotel was the first time she had felt bequtiful in over 25 years.
Tina said “It was funny because everyone gasped when I walked in the room. A lot of friends and family hadn’t seen my weight loss so they were quite shocked. I had a gastric band fitted earlier this year – I’ve lost 5.5 stone. I said I wanted to be a size 10 on my wedding day, that’s still the size I’d like to be. I’m aiming for December now”.
6th September - Exclusive on ITV's This Morning!
ITV's This Morning invited Tina to the show to talk about her fantastic weight loss. Tina exclusively revealed to Philip and Holly that 2 years ago, a diabetic screening showed her weight peaking at 19 stone 2... that's when she sought help in the form of a gastric balloon from The Hospital Group and started her weight-loss journey. However, when the balloon was removed she put a couple of stone back on.
The gastric band was fitted in March 2010 has seen her weight drop to below 12 stone already. The gastric band manages her appetite and helps her to control how much she eats, but as she said you need to eat the right foods too... She's still losing weight and a comparison of seeing Tina on the sofa compared to herself in Shameless last year showed just what a great achievement she's made so far.
It's an ongoing journey - This Morning showed a photo of Fern Britton now 3 years after her operation. Tina is aiming at a size 10, as well as improving her health so that she can have a baby with her new husband, Paul.
2nd September - Exclusive in Closer Magazine and Celebrity Wedding!
Tina shared her weight loss story in Closer Magazine this week, with photos showing her in a flattering size 14 dress - pretty good progress, as Tina was a size 26 prior to surgery! The story is also featured in Closer Online and has also featured in the Daily Mail Online. Tina said: "I watched an episode of Shameless the other day from two years ago and I look horrific. I look like an Easter egg. Now everything from sex to walking the dog feels different because not only do I have more energy, I feel so much better about myself and my health." Read more about Tina's Closer Exclusive in our media section.
Tina's weight loss is now going really well and she's well below 12 stone. Her celebrity wedding on 28th August was a great time to celebrate... She left guests in awe when she unveiled her dramatic weight loss as she married fitness instructor Paul Chase in Manchester at the weekend. 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.” Read more about Tina's wedding in the Manchester Evening News in our media section. Look out for exclusive photo coverage in the celeb magazines shortly!
5 MONTH UPDATE - 11th August - 61 Pounds Lost!
Precisely 5 months after her gastric band procedure and after a few band fills, Tina's weight loss is now going really well. She's down to 11 stone 12 lbs, which means she's lost a massive 61 pounds or 4 stone 5lbs since she was originally weighed with The Hospital Group prior to starting on her gastric band journey.
Tina is focusing on her wedding on 28th August - good luck - we wish you all the best and can't wait to see the photos!
4 MONTH UPDATE - 20th July - 3 1/2 Stone Lighter!
Just over 4 months after her band was fitted, Tina's weight is now at 81 kg or 12 stone 10 means she's now lost 49 lbs - 3 stone 7 in total - since before she had the gastric band fitted.
We have tightened Tina's band to accelerate the weight loss. The beauty of a gastric band is that you are able to control the weight loss at a safe and sensible rate.
With a big wedding planned for 28th August we know Tina wants to look good and expect her to be under 12 stone by then. However, our clinicians always put the patient's health first and the gastric band will never be over-tightened.
3 MONTH UPDATE - 9th June
Nearly 3 months after her band was fitted, Tina's weight is at 85.8 kg or 13 stone 7 means she's lost a massive 38 lbs - 2 stone 10 in total - since before she had the gastric band fitted.
Tina is sensibly training 2-4 times a week - this will not only accelerate her weight loss, but also improve her health and ensure better tone/shape as the weight loss progresses for a better end result.
She's having regular consultations with The Hospital Group's specialist dietitians to help on the diet, but also to advise on the training and provide conselling and support using CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) techniques.
LATEST VIDEO!! TINA'S GASTRIC BAND RESULTS AFTER 6 WEEKS!
Compare how much slimmer her face is compared with the first video 6 weeks ago - what a difference already!
WEEK 10 UPDATE - 20th May
Tina had her 2nd band fill this week, increasing the restriction round her stomach. It is normal to have a few band fills at first until the right restriction is achieved, but when you get there, it feels great; enabling the band patient to really manage their appetite and food intake and see further weight loss.
Tina said "Had my 2nd fill yesterday. Luv it - feels perfect".
She weighed in at just under 88kg, which is 13 stone 12 lbs. As well as the band fill, Tina had further advice from our head dietitian on how to manage her weight loss. Gastric band patients are fully supported by our team of specialist dietitians to ensure correct nutrition for the best possible weight loss results.
From here, we will see another dramatic step in her weight loss journey.
She also appeared in the Liverpool Echo, talking about her forthcoming marriage, weight loss, plans for Shameless and presentation of the famous Clapperboard Awards.
WEEK 8 UPDATE - 5th May
A slim and elegant Tina Malone appeared on Loose Women, showing off her new figure and perfect smile. You can see the difference - well done Tina - keep up the good work!
WEEK 6 UPDATE - 28th April
Nearly 2 weeks after her first band fill and 6 weeks after the surgery, Tina is radiant. She's wearing size 16-18 clothes, where before Christmas she was a size 22+.
Tina says "Everything is better - walking the dog, sleeping, diabetes - it's amazing. My only regret was not doing this years ago!".
You can see just how great Tina looks in this photo. We've recorded some video of Tina's thoughts post-surgery - watch this space, it will be posted soon.
WEEK 5 UPDATE - 15th April - first Band Fill
On 15th April, Tina had her first band fill. This is performed with X-ray to show the position of the band before any fills are made and determine how tight it should be made. Saline fluid is added to the band via an injection into the port. After following the liquid and soft diet for a few days, Tina can then go onto a "Nomal" diet, but with the band in place will be eating less of it.
WEEK 4 UPDATE - 7th April 2010 1 1/2 Stone Lighter Already!
Just under 4 weeks after surgery, Tina has lost a total 23lbs! She's gone from 16 stone 2 to 14 stone 7.
Tina said "I have just binned my wardrobe - about 30 outfits to Oxfam! I can't tell you how good I feel, the scars are amazing. I WILL BE A SIZE 10 BY SEPTEMBER.!"
WEEK 1 UPDATE - 18th March 2010
Just one week after surgery, how's it gone? Tina has already lost an amazing 9lbs just 7 days after her procedure. With the pre-op diet, she lost a further 7lb, making a total weight loss of 16lbs.
Tina said "I feel fantastic! Physically and mentally better than I have in 20 years!"
Tina is following a strict post-operative liquid-only diet. This is recommended to ensure that the band stays in place while the stomach heals after the procedure. After 2 weeks, she can go onto soft food and after 4 weeks, she'll be eating a normal gastric band diet; but her gastric band will mean that she never wants large portions. She'll feel less hungry and fuller for longer. Lower calorie intake means that the weight will keep coming off!
VIDEO!! TINA'S GASTRIC BAND SURGERY DAY!
SURGERY DAY - 11th March 2010
Tina's gastric band was fitted on 11th March 2010. Before starting her pre-op diet, Tina weighed in at 103kg (16 stone 2). She followed a fat-free diet for a week to prepare for the surgery and had lost 7 lbs on this diet before even arriving at the hospital for surgery. We recommend a calorie-restricted diet prior to weight loss surgery in order to reduce the liver to make the procedure easier and safer for the surgeon.
The procedure took around an hour and after a bit of sleep, Tina felt incredible and was genuinely surprised at how little pain there was.
WHY CHOOSE THE GASTRIC BAND?
Tina Malone lost a lot of weight with the gastric balloon as you can read below. However, she found this weight loss difficult to maintain and wanted further support to achieve her "size 10" ambitions. Although she initally had a fear of surgery and general anaesthetic in particular; conquering her fear of dentists with The Hospital Group has given her more confidence in medical procedures which meant that she could consider surgical options. She spoke to our surgeons and professional staff plus contacts of her own before making the decision to go with the gastric band. It was a hard decision, as Tina was nervous about general anaesthetic. However, speaking to our team of bariatric surgeons, anaesthetists, dietitians and nurses; she was reasssured about making this decision.
The gastric bandappealed to Tina as it is adjustable for managed weight loss and ultimately a reversible procedure. 99% of patients lose weight and the average is 40-50% of excess body weight. Many people lose over 10 stone! By constricting the top of the stomach, the band essentially works to reduce patients' appetite, helping them to control their food and lose weight
Tina Malone has already had a dental makeover courtesy of The Hospital Group, with stunning teeth veneers, plus facial fillers to erase deep lines on her facial skin.
2008 - TINA MALONE LOST 4 1/2 STONE - GASTRIC BALLOON
It was spring 2008 when Tina Malone (Mimi in Shameless) first decided to tackle her weight issues. She chose a gastric balloon with The Hospital Group. This really helped to kick-start her weight loss and Tina lost an amazing 4 1/2 stone with the gastric balloon in place.
Tina shared this with the media iin 2008, saying: "I was desperate, I didn't want to be fat and ugly for the rest of my life. I've spent 15 years feeling fat and ugly. I want to be slim for my health and for me. So I can look in a mirror in a dress and instead of going, you're great Tina, but you're fat, to look at myself and say you look great."
Tina says: "I have to accept like an awful lot of people should, I can't moderate. And the problem with eating is, you can't just abstain like with smoking or drinking - everyone has got to eat but the problem is how much."
Tina tried every kind of diet going over the past 20 years - from Slimming World, WeightWatchers and the cabbage soup diet.
She says; "I've done them all - I'd lose a stone but put two back on. I want my partner to say to me you look beautiful, and mean it. And I'm sorry, face facts: being fat is ugly. I'm not saying you have to be a size eight and I'm not dissing size 16 and 18 girls.What I'm saying is if you are obese, and more than two stone overweight, then you're ugly. That's my opinion and as a fat bird I can say that."
THE GASTRIC BALLOON
The gastric balloon is a 7 month programme which enables patients to relearn the habits of a healthy lifestyle and reeducate their dietary habits with expert support so that they can continue the weight loss when the balloon is removed. This is a non-surgical procedure and Tina chose it due to her personal fears and concerns about surgery. Tina, who is diabetic, opted for a gastric balloon initially as she could remain awake during the surgery. The balloon, which is filled with saline, sits inside the stomach for six months, meaning she can only eat small portions. Then it is removed.
WHY THE HOSPITAL GROUP?
We are the UK's leading weight loss surgery provider, performing more gastric procedures even than the NHS. Our surgeons are leading figures within the field and have many years experience on which to base their recommendations on what's right for you. We include 24 months aftercare (including unlimited band adjustments within that period) and provide specialist dietitians and specialist nurses to support you along the way.
OTHER PROCEDURES
The procedure itself is just the beginning of Tina's weight loss journey. Once the weight has gone, Tina expects to undergo cosmetic surgery to remove any excess skin and give a sleek body contour. The Hospital Group specialises in cosmetic surgery after weight loss.
Tina has already had the dental makeover with new teeth veneers to give her a beautiful smile, plus facial fillers to erase deep nose-to-mouth lines and forehead lines. As an actor, she wanted to keep her expression and not look too artificial, but the fillers and teeth have made a massive difference and a great result.
In the spring of 2008, actress Tina Malone (Mimi in Shameless) decided to tackle her weight issues. She chose a gastric balloon with The Hospital Group. This really helped to kick-start her weight loss and Tina lost an amazing 4 1/2 stone with the gastric balloon in place.
Tina Shared This With the Media in 2008:
She says: "I was desperate, I didn't want to be fat and ugly for the rest of my life. I've spent 15 years feeling fat and ugly.
"I want to be slim for my health and for me. So I can look in a mirror in a dress and instead of going, you're great Tina, but you're fat, to look at myself and say you look great."
Tina, who is diabetic, opted for a gastric balloon rather than a gastric band as she could remain awake during the surgery. The balloon, which is filled with saline and sits inside the stomach for six months, means she can only eat small portions - otherwise she is sick.
OK! Magazine exclusively covered Tina Malone's wedding to Paul Chase. 
e in Closer Magazine and Celebrity Wedding!
- 28th April
Tina Malone lost a lot of weight with the gastric balloon as you can read below. However, she found this weight loss difficult to maintain and wanted further support to achieve her "size 10" ambitions. Although she initally had a fear of surgery and general anaesthetic in particular; conquering her fear of dentists with The Hospital Group has given her more confidence in medical procedures which meant that she could consider surgical options. She spoke to our surgeons and professional staff plus contacts of her own before making the decision to go with the gastric band. It was a hard decision, as Tina was nervous about general anaesthetic. However, speaking to our team of bariatric surgeons, anaesthetists, dietitians and nurses; she was reasssured about making this decision. 
It was spring 2008 when Tina Malone (Mimi in Shameless) first decided to tackle her weight issues. She chose a gastric balloon with The Hospital Group. This really helped to kick-start her weight loss and Tina lost an amazing 4 1/2 stone with the gastric balloon in place.