Comment in response to the Mirror article dated 28 May 2009

Source: Gastric band weightloss couple

I think it is fantastic that this couple have got their life back by having the gastric band operation. However I was surprised to see that their diet seems to be far healthier than before the operation. For example it says in the article that in a day Roy would have a full English breakfast, Mars bar, fish and chips, crisps, cakes, biscuits, a large fried dinner and coke to drink. Now, since the gastric bands have been fitted they eat cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and chicken and vegetables for dinner.

It follows that after having the gastric band fitted they would have to eat less which would help weight loss but what has motivated them to eat more healthily? Is it because they have had advice and support with their diet or is it because they have lost weight fairly steadily and this has been the motivation for better food choices? I wonder whether they could have lost the weight without the gastric band if they had changed their diet in the same way and stuck to it for the same length of time. Although the operation has been a success for this couple I think it is a shame that they could not have lost weight without resorting to such drastic measures. I hope they keep up the healthy eating regime and take nutritional supplements to ensure they are taking in enough nutrients to sustain good health.

Expert: Cathy Castle (BSc, Dip ION, MBANT) www.nutritionimpact.co.uk