| HEALTH
A real
TRANSFORMATION Dani Tofts loses an incredible nine stone following weight loss surgery at Duchy Hospital, leading to a wide range of health benefits.
T
he story of Dani Tofts’ life just a year ago, is all too common. Aged 24, and over 19 stone, she was deemed morbidly obese and, as she tells us candidly, “I was unhealthy, unha y and my confidence was non existent.” Unfortunately, the prevalence of obesity is on the rise, with around one in four of the o u ation now c assified as obese. Obesity can cause a range of health problems including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, stroke and sleep disorders. Indeed Dani, to her understandable dismay, received a diagnosis of weight re ated inferti ity. Dani’s many attempts at dieting and weight loss proved fruitless. The good news is that there is a genuine solution for people in Dani’s situation, once other avenues have been explored. Dani, who works at Duchy Hospital, carefully considered her options before deciding u on weight oss surgery with Mr Ian Finlay. Duchy Hospital offers a range of procedures, all of which come with a comprehensive aftercare package, as we as re o erative su ort. ong term success requires commitment and support; it’s not a case of simply having the operation and carrying on as before. There are three commonly performed weight loss surgery operations: gastric band, gastric bypass and the intragastric balloon. The gastric band operation involves inserting a restrictive band around the top of the stomach, resulting in a prolonged feeling of fullness after
small meals. Following gastric band surgery, patients typically lose 50% to 80% of their excess weight. The gastric bypass operation alters the level of hunger hormones, resulting in a decreased and healthier appetite. A gastric sleeve turns the stomach into a narrow tube combining elements of both the other operations. he gastric ba oon is non surgica and suitable for less overweight patients. The ba oon is in ated inside the stomach via a telescope and works by restricting the volume of food which can be eaten. The balloon is a temporary measure and must be removed after six months but can be a usefu kick start for weight oss. While success depends on various factors, for Dani, having surgery was the best decision of her life, having now lost nine stone to date. It’s not just about feeling great there are major hea th benefits too. Following weight loss surgery, a patient’s chance of developing type 2 diabetes is reduced by up to 80%. Dani tells us of the genuine transformation the surgery has made to her life. “I cannot believe how different my life is now. I remember being such an anxious person, unhealthy, miserable and generally unhappy. Surgery has given me a new view of life; I now have such respect for my body and health.”
DUCHY HOSPITAL
Penventinnie Lane, Truro TR1 3UP 0800 9170022 www.duchy hospital.co.uk
ABOVE Mr Ian Finlay, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at Duchy Hosptial
DATE FOR THE DIARY Free open event Weight loss surgery 11th October, 6pm to 8pm Duchy Hospital offers free weight loss surgery open events where you can find out more about the various options available, meet the surgeon who would perform your operation and also talk to people who have actually had surgery themselves. To book your place call 0800 917 0022.
Find more like this: www.cornwall-living.co.uk
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