Category Archives: Weight loss

An Increasing Number Of Men Are Now Undergoing Breast Reduction Surgery In A Bid To Improve Their Physical Appearance

New figures reveal a vast amount of men are opting for procedures such as surgery for gynaecomastia (commonly known as ‘man boobs’). More than 320 of these operations were performed last year, compared with just 22 five years ago.

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), the number of men having cosmetic surgery has now risen to almost one in 10 patients. And with an increase of 44% since last year, male breast reduction surgery has surpassed other rises in overall breast enlargement and tummy tucks.

Nigel Mercer, President of the BAAPS, said: “Wide media coverage has helped to educate the public about the latest advances and choices available, and we are encouraged by the fact that more people are doing their research carefully and choosing reputable providers. The Hospital Group, the UK’s leading provider of cosmetic surgery, perform a wide range of aesthetic procedures in specialist clinics across the country. It carried out 46 male breast reduction procedures last year, compared with just five in 2004.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group, said: “Many men have body image problems and low self-esteem from gynaecomastia. They may have been teased at school or in the gym about the fat on their chests. Some men even refuse to show their chests in front of their partners because they’re so embarrassed. The surgery is fantastic because men see results so quickly, which gives them the get up and go to live happier lifestyles.”

Excessive chest tissue can be the result of hormonal changes, disease, certain drugs or hereditary conditions. It can also be exaggerated with weight gain or loss and may affect one or both breasts. The condition can often cause embarrassment and can affect males of any age.

As well as male breast reduction, The Hospital Group performs other cosmetic procedures such as liposculpture fat removal, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and arm lift surgery.

Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has grown from a small pharmaceutical company to one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic surgery providers. The Group is 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.

Contact Details: For further information on The Hospital Group’s procedures please visit www.thehospitalgroup.org or call 0845 762 6727.

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Surgicare Introduces New Vaser Lipo Procedure In Response To A Huge Rise In Smartlipo Enquiries

Following a first quarter year on year increase of 375% in the number of enquiries for SmartLipo through Surgicare, the cosmetic surgery network has announced the introduction of their new Vaser Lipo procedure.

SurgiCare’s current SmartLipo procedure is a revolutionary concept in fat removal, using laser technology to melt fat cells and provide immediately visible results. The introduction of Vaser Lipo technology leads to more selective and gentle procedure that reduces possible swelling and bruising, producing a shorter recovery period.

Liposuction has been around as a favourite body contouring surgical procedure since the 1980s, however a few years ago the technique of SmartLipo, was introduced as a form of Liposuction without the suction to help reduce recovery times. SmartLipo uses a fine fibre optic laser to break up fat deposits which are then gradually reabsorbed by the body over the next 6 to 12 weeks.

Vaser, which stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, is an ultrasound assisted form of Liposuction developed by Sound Surgical Technologies in Utah. Vaser utilizes fine probes which include engineered grooves to help control and restrict the effects of the ultrasound to targeting just the fat and not the surrounding cells, as well as reducing any potential bleeding.

Mark Bury, CEO at Surgicare, said, “Surgicare is always looking for ways to improve patient care and reduce recovery times. The introduction of the new Vaser Lipo procedure will mean even better results for patient and represents a major step forward. With the increase in the number of enquiries which we have already received for SmartLipo procedures this year, we expect to be very busy in the run up to the summer holidays.”

About SurgiCare
SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare was established more than 16 years ago by a leading professor of surgery, now its medical director, who also chairs its in-house Medical Advisory Committee.

As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic treatments, SurgiCare has the experience, latest therapies and the caring, professional staff to enhance a patients self-confidence by improving appearances. SurgiCare prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service with all surgeons registered on the General Medical Council Specialist Register, to ensure every patient receives the best possible standard in care and results.

SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfil their dreams of looking and feeling their best. SurgiCare also specialise in Weight Loss Surgery with a unique 24 month support programme and lifetime aftercare.

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Recent Research Published By The American Journal For Medicine Showed 87% Of Diabetics Either Saw A Complete Cure Or Improvement After Weight Loss Surgery

As the focus on the nation’s expanding waistlines grows, medical experts now believe that weight loss surgery can completely eliminate all types of Diabetes.

The UK’s number one weight loss surgery provider, The Hospital Group, has seen outstanding long-term results for its gastric band patients over the last three years. Of the 106 gastric band operations performed in January 2007, the total weight loss was a massive 300 stone. Obesity is the main risk factor for Diabetes, so sustained weight loss on this level goes a long way towards fighting the condition, which affects 2.5 million people in the UK, according to Diabetes UK.

The research published by the American Journal for Medicine showed that following obesity surgery, 87% of diabetics either saw a complete cure or improvement.

David Ross, Chief Executive of The Hospital Group, said: “More and more people are choosing to have obesity surgery with The Hospital Group and it’s fantastic because people see results so quickly, which gives them the get up and go to live healthier lifestyles – some free from Diabetes. You wouldn’t think it, but Australia is the gastric band capital of the world. Their government recognises the long-term savings it can make by funding obesity surgery on their national healthcare system – and in the same way, obesity surgery in the UK is saving the NHS money by curing Diabetes patients, which is currently costing the NHS £1m an hour.”

The huge surge in demand for obesity fighting treatments such as Gastric Bands, Balloons and Bypasses from The Hospital Group has more than doubled in the last year, rising from 111 operations in February 2008 to 225 in the same month in 2009. Continuing the trend, enquiries into gastric band surgery have risen by almost 25% from 727 in February 2007 to 963 in February 2009. Health-conscious surgery-seekers in February 2008 made 815 enquiries into The Hospital Group’s obesity surgery.

The Hospital Group is 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. Since The Hospital Group was established in 1992, it has grown from a small pharmaceutical company to one of the UK’s foremost cosmetic surgery providers, and the same high standards remain to this day. For further information of The Hospital Group’s range of gastric procedures, surgery-seekers should visit the website www.thehospitalgroup.org or call our patient care coordinators on 0845 762 6727.

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Tummy Tuck And Liposuction, Before And After Photos

Tummy tuck and liposuction, before and after photos demonstrate why this combined surgery is becoming ever more popular. At £2846, it has become more affordable for many men and women to have the combined procedure to their tummy region.

Tummy tuck surgery at an affordable price, provided by Beautiful Beings.

Abdominal cosmetic surgery, commonly known as a tummy tuck offers a solution by flattening the slack skin and tightening the muscles of the relaxed abdominal wall, which frequently occurs after pregnancy or a distinct weight loss.

If needed, excess subcutaneous fatty tissue can be removed as well. The appearance and functional results of the tummy tuck are substantial, although scars are inevitable in order to remove excessive skin from the tummy during a tummy tuck. It leaves a permanent scar after. However, it will fade after time and its quality differs per individual. A tummy tuck is not only an aesthetic cosmetic surgery procedure but it provides a solution to functional deficiencies of the abdominal wall, i.e. inferior rectus muscle diastases. A tummy tuck not only brings about a better appearance and function, but it also stops the slackening process of the abdominal wall.

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Gastric Band – £3980, inlcuding 3 x-ray assited refills

The Gastric Band surgery will be carried out in a specialist state hospital in Prague. www.beautifulbeings.co.uk

Gastric Band surgery is not an instant solution to weight loss. Having a gastric band fitted will assist in decreasing overall daily food intake and can help you achieve a sustainable weight.

The Gastric band works by causing a feeling of fullness when eating and will enable you to reduce your daily intake of food and calories. The gastric band will make you eat less, it will reduce the sensation of hunger and will progressively aide weight loss.

This is achieved by placing the band around the uppermost part of the stomach, dividing it into two sections, with a small opening between sections which allows food to pass through. The section above the band forms a small pouch that fills with food quickly.

Having the gastric band fitted will lead to a healthier lifestyle and lower the risks of obesity related illnesses However changing your eating habits is an important part of the gastric band surgery process. The gastric band will help you to achieve substantial weight loss and reduce the risk of obesity related illnesses. To achieve the maximum benefits from having the gastric banding, post-operative discipline is an important part of the process.

You will need to go on a diet immediately after the gastric band surgery. You will obtain a detailed dietary plan with essential and important advice from your specialists. After the gastric band surgery you can consult the plan with a dietologist recommended by your doctor.

Generally it means that following the gastric banding you will only be able to consume liquid food within the first four weeks such as soup, tea, coffee, unsweetened drinks, fruit and vegetable fruits, yoghurts etc. You will need to reduce the amount of fluids consumed and not eat or drink large amounts at once.

The following two weeks you will be able to eat small portions of mushy, mixed food.

Next the diet will be replaced with common food. Please consult your doctor for more detailed information.

These slow changes of eating habits are important for your recovery. During this process the gastric band will be, thanks to body tissue, firmly placed on the appropriate part of your stomach. Consuming large portions or frequent consumption of solid food increases the risk of dislocating (moving) the gastric band out of its position or the possibility of gradual upper stomach pocket stretching. The consequence might be reduced weight loss and in some cases necessity for re-operation.

Following the gastric banding you might find some food hard to eat. You will need to chew your food more carefully than before the gastric band surgery. Keep in mind that even after the gastric banding there is no quick solution to reduce your weight. The results depend upon your ability to respect recommendations concerning your diet and exercise routine.

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Prices Of Liposuction Abroad Comparison

Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery operations. Cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info; an online information portal for cosmetic plastic surgery abroad offers comprehensive information on doctors, locations and the all-important cost of having liposuction.

Price is usually the most important factor for plastic surgery clients and clinics and doctors abroad can offer quality plastic surgery services at low prices. Online comparison of liposuction prices abroad provides a tool to find out where to have liposuction abroad at the most suitable conditions.

“Liposuction costs can vary dramatically,” says Pavel Hilbert, managing partner of Cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info. “One important consideration is if you want total or local anesthesia; doctors vary on which they prefer and the client’s wishes must be taken into consideration as well.”

Cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info lists prices from nearly 50 surgeons operating in more than 20 clinics in a couple of countries. The average price for liposuction in the Czech Republic is around 600 EUR while the average prices in Poland or Croatia are more than twice as higher than that and prices in Germany even higher.

And while price is an important consideration in making your decision to have liposuction, it of course won’t be the only one. Cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info puts you in connection with other patients as well as surgeons via their forums to get your questions answered; plus informative articles; patient stories and before/after photos to help make your choice the best one for you.

“Liposuction’s costs are directly affected by the number of areas the patient would like to be operated on,” explains Dr. Karel Urban from Esthé plastická chirurgie, a.s. “There are a limited number of areas that can be liposuctioned at one time; and these are issues that need to be openly discussed with a potential surgeon.”

Cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info offers up to date liposuction price and procedure information at http://www.cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info/prices/liposuction.

www.Cosmetic-plastic-surgery.info provides information about cosmetic plastic surgery abroad and presents it to the general public in Czech, English, German, Russian and more languages.

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LighterLife, the weight loss and weight management programme, has introduced a brand new forum to its website called ‘Talking LighterLife’, to encourage clients to share and discuss their experiences of the LighterLife programme

Talking LighterLife will offer LighterLife clients a facility to express their views and talk about their LighterLife experiences and talk to others about how LighterLife has changed their lives. LighterLife clients will have the opportunity to post comments and gain extra support from others on the programme between their weekly group meetings.

The LighterLife forum allows clients the opportunity to speak to others on the programme and indentify with them and share similar experiences, whether they are commenting on celebs in the news, new diet products or how they have got on at their weekly group meeting. For some clients it provides an instant response or support when they are having a weak moment and for others, it is useful for updating and monitoring their progress on a daily or weekly basis as they progress through the weight loss programme. Many people on diets find it especially useful to talk with others and this is the opportunity for which Talking LighterLife is designed.

As well as allowing clients to talk about LighterLife, the weight loss forum will also offer potential clients the chance to learn more about the programme from people who have actually succeeded on it. Visitors will be able to see real questions posted by, and answered by, LighterLife clients. By offering this service, visitors will be able to read honest unbiased information to give them the tools to decide whether they are ready to join the programme. Users can also find a Counsellor, sign up and start the LighterLife journey themselves. There is also an opportunity for existing or potential clients to askLighterLife a question directly if they don’t want to post their question publicly.

Sara Jamison, the Sales and Marketing Director at LighterLife, commented: “The introduction of Talking LighterLife is a fantastic addition to the LighterLife website. There are a number of LighterLife blogs online and we thought that the new forum would be the perfect place for both clients and potential clients to log on and either talk about their experiences or find out more about the programme in one central place.”

About LighterLife:
LighterLife is a
weight loss and weight-management programme for people who are one stone or more overweight and with a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or above. LighterLife has helped over 100,000 people lose weight fast since 1996.

The unique LighterLife approach offers programmes specific to the obese and the overweight in the form of nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars combined with specialised counselling using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and transactional analysis (TA) techniques. Clients benefit not only from safe, fast weight loss but they also learn the behavioural changes needed to sustain it.

Founded in 1996, the LighterLife Programme was developed by three of its directors – Jackie Cox, Bar Hewlett and Rebecca Hunter.

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LighterLife is offering people the opportunity to become their own boss by training to become a LighterLife Weight Management Counsellor

LighterLife, the weight management and weight loss programme, is expanding its network of weight management counsellors and, as a result, the company is offering people the chance to train as a weight management counsellor.

Throughout the UK, LighterLife is looking to recruit motivated, self starters to run their own business. Trainee Weight Loss Counsellors will receive the support of LighterLife’s nationally recognised brand to help show some of the estimated 14 million obese people in the UK how to lose weight and live more active lives.

Zoe Taylor, Franchise Development Manager at LighterLife, commented: “Starting your own business is a great way of reorganising your life and embarking on a career in an area that you are passionate about. Becoming a LighterLife Counsellor could be a great way someone to start their own business and the support of LighterLife’s nationally recognised brand can make those first steps that much easier. LighterLife offers a fast track business launch along with extensive central office and field based business support to help grow the business.

“LighterLife Counsellors have the potential for high earnings and, as they operate as self employed businesses, can take advantage of flexible working hours and the opportunity to decide the working hours that fit their lives.”

Debbie Blackburn recently qualified as a LighterLife Counsellor after being made redundant from her job as an Account Manager. Debbie comments: “When I was told I was being made redundant I was very upset. After seeking legal advice I demanded a fair redundancy package and decided to go self-employed. Having successfully lost four stone on the LighterLife Programme I decided to use my experience of the programme to retrain and become a Counsellor. It just goes to show that redundancy is not the end and can sometimes be the beginning.”

About LighterLife:
LighterLife is a
weight-loss and weight-management programme for people who are one stone or more overweight and with a BMI (body mass index) of 25 or above. LighterLife has helped over 100,000 people lose weight fast since 1996.

The unique LighterLife approach offers programmes specific to the obese and the overweight in the form of nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars combined with specialised counselling using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and transactional analysis (TA) techniques. Clients benefit not only from safe, fast weight loss but they also learn the behavioural changes needed to sustain it.

Founded in 1996, the LighterLife Programme was developed by three of its directors – Jackie Cox, Bar Hewlett and Rebecca Hunter.

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Weight loss specialist and controversial author slams the diet industry for creating an “addiction” to buy into their products

The author of Rebel Diet, the controversial diet book which was recently released has today said that the diet industry must be capped in some way.

Emma James said “there is so much hype and mystery created by the diet industry in order to keep people buying into their products. Even Paul McKenna has jumped on the band wagon with no idea about diet and weight management. There must be some kind of regulation put on misleading and marketing pitches to hook people into the diet vortex”.

Speak out about the situation she also stated that entire ploy was to ensure people never got all the information to allow them to learn what works for their own body and therefore free themselves from the dependence on diet meals and systems. She said “even people with comfort eating problems and real disorders are getting dragged into this “creating a need” philosophy of selling instead of outlining how to solve the problems themselves”.

The author flies to Las Vegas next week to speak at the Building Bridges seminar on the 8th February at the Tuscany Suites Conference Centre and to speak out about the role of the therapist in the diet industry and about her book which claims to give “missing link” to the reader and free themselves from the Diet Hell.

She also plans to launch webinars for people wishing to opt out of the diet chains later in the year and provide practical information for the user to take over their own weight management and address eating related problems.

 

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Following the disastrous weight loss surgery experience of TV personality Anne Diamond in Europe, SurgiCare has urged anyone seeking a similar procedure to stay in the UK

SurgiCare, the cosmetic surgery specialist, has warned people seeking weight loss surgery to stay in the UK to undergo the procedure, instead of going overseas, following the terrible experience of TV’s Anne Diamond.

Ms. Diamond travelled to Belgium for the weight loss surgery that would fit her with a gastric band after unsuccessfully trying to lose weight by traditional methods, such as dieting. Unable to question the nurses regarding the operation due to the language barrier, Ms. Diamond blindly underwent the procedure.

The operation, which limits the stomach’s capacity for food by tightening a silicone loop three quarters of the way up the stomach, brought very little change to Ms. Diamond’s weight however and upon researching the procedure, Ms. Diamond returned to Belgium to have a ‘fill’, where the surgeon injects some saline into the port of the band to inflate it and increase the restiction. This also made no difference to Ms. Diamond’s weight.

It was only after consultation with a private medical company in the UK that Ms. Diamond was told that the gastric band was in the wrong place, a problem that could have been avoided if the procedure had been done under X-ray as it is at many clinics in the UK. After undergoing the operation once again, this time in the UK with nurses and surgeons she could communicate with, she managed to lose three stone before her weight reached a plateau.

Ms. Diamond’s experience isn’t a rare occurance with many surgeons in the UK admitting to having to repair gastric bypass operations that have been done in other European locations.

Caroline Deakin, weight loss manager at SurgiCare, said: “Surgery in the UK offers you peace of mind that you will be cared for in UK regulated hospitals, be able to communicate with all practitioners you have contact with and should you run into complications help is at hand 24 hours a day in a location not to too far from home.

“We would urge people not to go abroad; we have had several enquiries from distraught people who have opted for a cheaper option and who have been left high and dry; with very little or no aftercare at all and because of this they have not been able to utlise their procedure to its full potential resulting in little or no weight loss as well as suffering avoidable complications.”

Aftercare following gastric band surgery can last indefinitely, following an initial two year period with annual appointments.

Anne Diamond also commented on her successful UK operation, telling the BBC: “I was confident that it would work, because now I knew several people for whom it had been successful.

“And this time, I wasn’t so frightened about the operation itself. I understood the procedure, was able to talk it through, ask lots of questions.

“Weight loss surgery is certainly not the first step – and for many people it would never be an option. But it can help many people reverse their slide into ill health and possibly very serious conditions.”

About SurgiCare
SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare was established more than 16 years ago by a leading professor of surgery, now its medical director, who also chairs its in-house Medical Advisory Committee.

As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic treatments, SurgiCare has the experience, latest therapies and the caring, professional staff to enhance a patients self-confidence by improving appearances. SurgiCare prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service with all surgeons registered on the General Medical Council Specialist Register, to ensure every patient receives the best possible standard in care and results.

SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfil their dreams of looking and feeling their best. SurgiCare also specialise in weight loss surgery with a unique 24 month support programme and lifetime aftercare.

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There’s a new diet game in town and it’s not a diet

There’s a new diet game in town and it’s not a diet. It’s called Diet Tuffy, an online system to help a woman succeed on any diet she chooses. Developed by a psychologist, Dr. Kenneth Schwarz, Diet Tuffy is based on the psychological principles of problem finding, breakthrough thinking, specific planning, and goal achievement.

Dieting remains at the forefront of most women’s minds. At any given time, 45% of women in the U.S. are on a diet, but here’s the raw fact: 62% of women ages 20 to74 are still overweight. The problem is, most women can’t stick to a diet. Through a series of fun-filled and confidence-building steps, Diet Tuffy helps a woman succeed where she has failed before. She can now successfully square off against lack of willpower, emotional eating, negative thinking, temptations, stress, and all the other dieting foes.

Dr. Schwarz who, with his wife Julie North Schwarz, founded MariasLastDiet.com, announced the release of Diet Tuffy today. Dr. Schwarz says, “Women who get stopped by the same old problems when they diet are going to like the totally fresh approach that Diet Tuffy gives them.”

To learn more, go to www.diettuffy.com.

More info can also be found over here: http://www.mariaslastdiet.com

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Surgicare Reveals That Following Weight Loss Surgery, Most Patients Report A Big Improvement In Their Sex Lives

SurgiCare, one of the leading cosmetic and wieght loss surgery providers in the UK, recently conducted a survey of all their weight loss surgery patients about their lives following their procedure, with 71% reporting a big improvement in their sex life after dropping the pounds.

With nearly two thirds of men and more than half of women in the UK being overweight or obese and increasing pressure mounting to be slim and look good, more and more men and women are choosing weight loss surgery to achieve their ideal figure.

Mark Bury, chief executive at SurgiCare said: “Just a year on since surgery, our patients are reporting big improvements in their quality of life. 90% said that their mobility had increased, with 73% reporting increased levels of exercise. Our surgery also revealed that 71% of patients enjoyed a new found pleasure from their sex life, which is probably down to 86% reporting massively improved self esteem. We advise an increase in activity after surgery to maintain the weight loss, so our patients are definitely enjoying new and enjoyable ways to exercise.”

Mark was however keen to point out that weight loss surgery should not be taken lightly or be considered a quick fix. He commented, “Our weight loss surgery program is designed for patients who are obese and serious about losing the weight for health reasons as well as looking good. SurgiCare’s weight loss surgery includes a unique two year after care program designed to support patients and maintain the best wieght loss results in a healthy and safe way. We also offer lifetime aftercare through annual reviews at the end of the aftercare program itself. Whatever procedure patients undertake, it will not have the desired effect if the aftercare program is not followed. It is essential.”

With TV personalities like Fern Britton being open about having received surgery and providing a great example of the possible benefits following the fitting of a Gastic Band, more people are looking at how weight loss surgery can help them transform their life too.

SurgiCare offers Gastric Banding and Gastric Bypass surgery performed by some of the UK’s leading obesity consultant surgeons and ensures potential patients meet strict criteria before agreeing to go ahead

About SurgiCare
With over 15 years experience and 8 clinics, SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare specialises in weight loss surgery with a unique 24 month aftercare programme and prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service.

As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic treatments, SurgiCare has the experience, latest therapies and the caring, professional staff to enhance their patients’ self-confidence by improving appearances.

SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfil their dreams of looking and feeling their best.

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Making your New Year’s resolution stick: A Dear John letter

Dear Food,

I’m breaking up with you.

Don’t be surprised. I’ve certainly tried to do it many times before, but I always weakened and went back to you.

I finally woke up and realized this relationship is not good for me. I’m not getting what I need from you. It’s hurting me, not allowing me the space to grow in the ways I need to grow. You’re holding me back.

I know I’ll have separation anxiety, but I’ve stayed with you too long, way past when I should have. This just isn’t working for me. You don’t listen to me. You don’t give me attention. You don’t care about what I’m going through. It’s almost like you don’t have any feelings for me at all, yet I’ve stuck close to you, helpless and dependent.

I know you won’t let go of me so easily. I know you’ll keep calling me, asking me to come back. But please, let me go now.

In the beginning you were always there, ready to calm me and soothe me, but it went too far. I came to rely on you. I looked to you for everything. In all fairness, it was too much to ask of you. No way could you fulfill all my needs. For so long I’ve settled, afraid to go out there and find something better for myself. I need to do that.

I now withdraw my heart from you so I can be free to put it elsewhere, some place where I can be loved back. I’ve tried to break up with you before. This time it’s real. I want to be on the cutting edge of my own life, and I can’t do it while I’m still tied to you. Thinking about being free scares me, but I want it. I must have it. I think I’m brave enough at last.

I know I’ll long for you. I know I’ll think of you a lot, especially during those hard times. I know I’ll be tempted to come back to you. But this time I’ve got a plan, things I’m prepared to do when I get lonely and sad. I’ve been thinking of other ways to celebrate when I’m happy or proud. I have remedies in place for being bored or tired.

At this point you’re a troublemaker in my life and I intend to keep my emotional distance from you. So in a way, this is goodbye. Of course, I’ll still come into contact with you day to day, but let’s just be friends, not lovers.

Don’t cry (although you never do, it’s me who does all the crying).

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As More And More Adults Turn To Various Forms Of Surgery To Deal With Their Obesity, The Question Arises Whether Or Not The Same Medical Procedures Are Suitable For Overweight Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over nine million children in the United States are now considered overweight or obese. But as more and more adults turn to various forms of surgery to deal with their obesity, the question arises whether or not the same medical procedures are suitable for children.

Weight-loss surgery can be an effective option for some severely obese adults who have been unable to lose weight using conventional weight-loss methods. However, as with any type of surgery, there are risks and potential long-term complications.

Perhaps more importantly, the long-term effects of weight-loss surgery on a child’s future growth and development are largely unknown.

Some parents are convinced that weight-loss surgery may be the only solution for their child’s obesity. However, there is no guarantee that your child will get down to a normal healthy weight or keep off the weight in the long run.

Dr. Armen Ketchedjian, author of the book Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery, cautions against this radical approach when it comes to pediatric dieting and weight loss. 

“I don’t believe that this kind of surgery is necessary or practical for children,” says Dr. Ketch, as he is known to his patients. “I think that proper diet and behavioral modification are much more appropriate in this case. Teaching your child to follow a healthy lifestyle makes a lot more sense.”

Here are some tips Dr. Ketch recommends for parents who want to help their children lose weight and become healthier:
• Make sure the child is physically active every day
• Have the child plan and cook healthy meals with the parents
• Avoid trips to fast-food restaurants
• Stock the pantry with healthy snacks
• Avoid buying and keeping junk food in the house 

Dr. Ketch’s book, Will It Hurt?, is intended to educate parents about pediatric surgery. It is an easy-to-read resource that will give parents, their children and their families the help and reassurance they need to make any surgical experience as stress-free as possible.

Listed in The Guide to America’s Top Anesthesiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America, Dr. Ketch trained at Cornell Medical Center with a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and a pain management elective at Boston Children’s Hospital. He has worked to help develop new techniques in ambulatory anesthesia, taught medical students and residents and cared for more than 10,000 patients.

Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children’s book Golden Apples (winner of the 2008 Reviewer’s Choice Award), a beautifully illustrated book that aims to help educate children about the dangers of drug abuse. 

For more information, contact the author directly at support@dr.ketch.com.

WARREN ENTERPRISES, LLC and author Dr. Armen G. Ketchedjian chose Arbor Books, Inc. (www.ArborBooks.com) to design and promote Will It Hurt? A Parent’s Practical Guide to Children’s Surgery. Arbor Books is an internationally renowned, full-service book design, ghostwriting and marketing firm.

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LighterLife launches its LighterLife Lite Programme to help those looking for a Lite Christmas

With the party season fast approaching, thoughts may be turning to fitting into that little black dress or dinner suit. As the office Christmas party beckons and people want to stand out in the crowd then the new LighterLife Programme may have the answer.

Launching on 24th November, the new LighterLife Lite Programme, is a safe, simple, sustainable weight-loss and weight-management programme for men and women, designed for people with one or more stone to lose (minimum body mass index of 25), and could be just what is needed.

By using the online BMI calculator as a guide and then following the LighterLife Lite Programme, which combines a low-calorie meal plus three nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars each day, it is possible to lose up to 14lbs by Christmas Eve – the equivalent weight of a turkey for a family of 10.

The LighterLife Lite Programme also helps participants to explore the reasons why they overeat and then learn effective ways to deal with their problems, feelings and difficult situations, without turning to food, through weekly group meetings led by an accreditedLighterLife Weight-Management Counsellor.

The unique weight-loss programme and weight-management programme was previously only available to those with three stone or more to lose and with a BMI greater than 29, however due to popular demand, the new LighterLife Lite Programme is now being made available to anyone who is one stone or more overweight, with a BMI of 25 or above.

When a healthy weight has been achieved, Lighterlife offers a supportive free for life weight management programme to help keep the weight off for good.

 

About LighterLife

LighterLife is a quick weight loss and weight-management programme for people who are one stone or more overweight and with a body mass index of 25 or above, and who are looking for how to lose weight in a safe, simple, sustainable way. Over 100,000 people have successfully lost weight with LighterLife since 1996.

The unique LighterLife approach offers programmes specific to the obese and the overweight in the form of nutritionally complete soups, shakes and bars combined with specialised counselling using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and transactional analysis (TA) techniques. Clients benefit not only from rapid, safe weight loss but they also learn the behavioural changes needed to sustain it.

Founded in 1996, the LighterLife Programme was developed by three of its directors – Jackie Cox, Bar Hewlett and Rebecca Hunter.

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The Harley Medical Group Reports Rise In Tummy Tuck Ops For Weight Loss Patients

The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, has seen a dramatic five year rise in patients undergoing body corrective surgery to cope with the after effects of extreme post obesity weight loss. Dubbed “Post Obesity Surgery” (POS), various surgical procedures such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), male breast reduction (gynaecomastia) and breast uplift (mastopexy) are booming as patients book in for body corrective surgery to treat their post obesity bodies.

Data taken over the past five years from The Harley Medical Group, which has conducted more than 10,000 POS procedures over this period, shows that tummy tucksare up 31%, male breast reductions are up 24% and female breast uplifts are up 18%.

Mr Frati, a surgeon at The Harley Medical Group, cites the UK’s obesity epidemic as the cause for this boom. With 21% of men and 22% of women in the UK being classed as clinically obese, which is predicted to rise to a quarter of all adults in 2010*, The Harley Medical Group estimates the abdominoplasty procedure alone will overtake breast augmentation as the clinic’s most popular treatment over the next ten years.

A patient of The Harley Medical Group patient, John Wright from Lincolnshire, who had a tummy tuck operation plus gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) after he lost 22 stone commented: “After the immense effort and hard work of loosing so much weight it was utterly soul destroying to see vast folds of skin hanging from my body. My local GP wouldn’t refer me to have cosmetic surgery on the NHS and so I was forced to go private. I used almost £10,000 of my savings, but I think it was worth every penny.”

Lisa Littlehales, head nurse at The Harley Medical Group, explained: “It’s heartbreaking to see patients who have achieved so much to lose dramatic amounts of weight so embarrassed by their post weight loss bodies. Surgery is able to transform both their bodies which have been so vastly overstretched and in the process restore their confidence.”

She added: “Many patients describe how they wish they had addressed the problem before they became obese, but talk of the creeping nature of obesity – slowly moving from being simply over weight to clinically obese over a ten year period. Many feel let down by healthcare professionals and feel strongly that the government’s focus on educating the public on healthy eating and exercise routines is long overdue and also needs far greater focus and outreach work.”

*Department of Health’s “Forecasting Obesity to 2010” report

About The Harley Medical Group:
The Harley Medical Group is the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for more than 25 years and is one of the most highly regarded cosmetic surgery groups operating in the UK. It has conducted more than 400,000 procedures to date.

The Harley Medical Group has always worked tirelessly to maintain the highest standards in the industry for the benefits of all cosmetic surgery and non surgical patients. We are currently at the forefront of the campaign to ensure that the government continues to regulate the use of all lasers and Impulsed Light Machines (IPL) used in cosmetic surgery and non surgical treatments so that patients are protected from permanent damage by unregistered beauty salons and practitioners illegally using Lasers and IPL machines.

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Bookings For Surgery Amongst 45-65 Year Olds Booms, Second Marriages As Their Main Motivation

According to The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s biggest cosmetic surgery provider, bookings for surgery amongst 45-65 year olds doubled in 2008. When explaining why they’d opted for ‘silver surgery’, patients from The Harley Medical Group’s 23 UK clinics cited second marriages as their main motivation.

Liz Dale, Director of The Harley Medical Group, commented: “Many patients have thought about surgery for a long time and when they come out of a long-term relationship it can be part of their start afresh strategy. Cosmetic surgery helps give our patients renewed confidence as they embark on new relationships and second marriages. We also see many patients using Botox to help keep their appearance fresh when they have a younger partner.”

With second marriages now accounting for one in three marriages in the UK, a desire to look their best walking up the aisle the second-time round is encouraging patients to book in for procedures to dilute the ravages of time. Popular pre-nuptial procedures with middle-aged women include Blepharoplasty, Brow Lift, Breast Uplift, Botox and Face Lift. Top ops for men include Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty, which are often chosen to alter a feature they’ve long been unhappy with.

Liz Dale continued: “It’s not only the demand for cosmetic surgery that’s changing, it’s also the perceptions associated with it. Twenty years ago the majority of our patients wouldn’t tell anyone about their surgery; it would be a complete secret. Now the majority are happy to share the details of surgery with their families and friends.”

The Harley Medical Group is the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for over 25 years and is one of the most highly-regarded Cosmetic Surgery Groups operating in the UK. It has conducted over 400,000 procedures to date.

The Harley Medical Group is renowned for introducing and pioneering most new surgical and non surgical techniques to the UK and Irish markets, such as Aesthera PPx, Laser Hair Removal, Cool Touch Laser, Silk Touch Laser, Collagen for lines and wrinkles, Laser for snoring, Tumescent Liposuction, LPG cellulite treatment etc. All new treatments and techniques are first thoroughly researched and tested before they are submitted for approval by the Group’s Medical Advisory Committee, as being suitable for application by the Group’s fully trained and specialized Plastic Surgeons, Doctors and Treatment Nurses.

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Surgicare Has Announced That The Gastric Balloon Will Be The Next Procedure To Be Added To Its Weight Loss Treatments

SurgiCare, leading UK cosmetic and weight loss surgery provider, has announced that the gastric balloon is the latest procedure to be added to its weight loss treatment portfolio.

SurgiCare has reported that the introduction of the air filled gastric balloon procedure directly responds to a gap in the current weight loss market and has proven to be less prone to side effects compared with the liquid alternative. The traditional liquid filled gastric balloons have been known to cause extreme nausea and discomfort due to the movement of the liquid content. The introduction of the gold coated, air filled balloon means that patients experience less nausea and discomfort, meaning a faster, safer recovery following the procedure. The gold coating is designed to prevent air loss and reduce the problem of deflation, which can occur in the fluid filled balloon option, ensuring the balloon stays at maximum volume for the full duration of placement, which can be up to six months. During this time, weight loss can be up to five stone.

SurgiCare is one of only two weight loss surgery providers to offer the procedure in the UK. Available exclusively to patients with a BMI of between 25-35, the gastric balloon offers patients who are struggling to find a weight loss solution an opportunity to control their weight. It is an industry concern that patients who do not meet the strict criteria for a gastric band or bypass may resort to more drastic measures such as over eating to reach the required BMI of 35 and above. The lowered BMI recommendation of a gastric balloon provides a weight loss option for those who would not previously be considered, providing a much needed alternative for those who have tried every other weight loss method.

The relatively simple procedure, takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The balloon is inserted into the stomach under sedation or general anaesthesic and then filled with air. The filled balloon decreases the space available in the stomach making the patient feel ‘full’ quicker resulting in weight loss.

Mark Bury, chief executive at Surgicare commented: “The gastric balloon has been a staple weight loss procedure in the United States for many years. The introduction of the air filled balloon is a big step forward for weight loss procedures as it provides patients with the same results as a liquid filled balloon, but without the associated side effects.

He continued, “The addition of the procedure to SurgiCare’s weight loss portfolio will open the door to weight loss surgery for those who would not be considered for other procedures. The gastric balloon provides an excellent short term aid to weight loss and delivers fantastic results when combined with the diet and exercise program offered in our aftercare program.”

As part of the SurgiCare aftercare program it is recommended that patients carry out three hours of sporting activity each week and follow a coordinated diet plan to aid maximum weight loss.

About Surgicare:
With over 16 years experience and 8 clinics, SurgiCare is one of the largest and most respected cosmetic surgery networks in the UK. SurgiCare specialises in weight loss surgery with a unique 24 month aftercare programme and prides itself on providing an unrivalled aftercare service.

As one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic surgery, SurgiCare has the all latest therapies and caring, professional experienced staff to enhance a patient’s self-confidence by improving appearances. SurgiCare has helped more than 20,000 patients fulfil their dreams of looking and feeling their best.

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The Harley Medical Group Announce Postcodes Predict UK Surgery Preferences

Following a data crunch of 400,000 postcodes of cosmetic surgery patients, The Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery company, has revealed the UK’s cosmetic surgical capital. Newcastle has been officially announced the top of the ops of the UK – with more cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments per capita than any other UK city.

Unsurprisingly, London came in second place with looks conscious Essex folk from Chelmsford coming in third place in the UK’s Cosmetic Surgery Postcode Charts, produced by The Harley Medical Group.

Other cosmetic surgery hot spots were Bristol, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester. Top procedures for each cosmetic surgery postcode were also identified with Breast Augmentation popular in Bristol as well as Newcastle, while London claimed the title of Botox Capital of The UK.

Liz Dale, Director at The Harley Medical Group said: “We started the data crunch in order to identify the best locations to open our next five clinics and the data team started to see very strong cosmetic surgery postcode trends appear – with patients happily travelling up to three hours to their nearest clinic. Postcodes can now been seen as a clear indicator as to how likely someone is to have cosmetic surgery, and even where there is an increased likelihood towards certain procedures.”

The results also revealed the further North a patient lives, the bigger the cup size, as patients in Newcastle, Manchester and Leeds, as well as Cardiff and Bristol on average 47% more likely to have a Breast Augmentation than any other region. London is officially The Botox Capital, with Londoners 71% more likely to opt for the wrinkle removing jab and the City clinic using 200% more vials of the Botox toxin than any other clinic. In the south coast town of Brighton, non surgical Laser Hair Removal is the order of the day especially amongst the clinic’s male patients, who account for 43% of the treatments.

In Birmingham and Bristol more tonnes of fat are removed by Liposuction than the rest of the country. Brummies are also 60% more likely to opt for the eyebag removal op – Bletharoplasty. The Irish are losing inches thanks to tummy tucks and breast reduction surgeries with residents in Belfast being 35% and 72% respectively more likely to have these ops than any other region. Those living in Nottingham are 52% more likely to go under the knife for the perfect nose.

Chester residents, home to many WAGs, are most likely to opt for top to toe packages. They’re 38% more likely to have a Face Lift. They also buy two thirds more packages of non surgical treatments including the Y-lift – a combination of Botox and Fillers – an alternative to a Face Lift.

Newcastle Clinic manager, Anne Newby added: “We’ve seen patient numbers increase by 27% since last year as the demand across both surgical and non surgical treatments increases. Whilst

Breast Augmentation is the most popular op, patients, aren’t necessarily increasing cup size dramatically – a C cup is the norm.”

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Harley Medical Group Reveals That People Are Funding Their Cosmetic Surgery By Working A Second Job

Harley Medical Group, the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, has found that a growing number of patients are funding their cosmetic surgery procedures by working a second job or putting in extra hours due to the current poor economic climate.

New findings from Harley Medical Group show that 22% of patients from its 23 UK clinics said that they had done overtime or taken on a second job to pay for surgery. This number is up from the 11% of people who had worked extra hours just 6 months previously. It was discovered that patients usually undertake extra work for 6-12 months to help fund their surgery, with bar and restaurant jobs, direct selling and market research proving to be popular choices for second jobs.

Director of Harley Medical Group, Liz Dale, said, “As well as taking on extra work to raise money, many of our patients are dipping into saving schemes and cutting down on holidays, socialising, shopping and home decoration to fund their plastic surgery. It’s not uncommon for patients to research and plan for their cosmetic surgery two to three years and for this reason, they’re unlikely to want to now put this off and instead they consider their procedure to be an investment. Surgery gives them improved confidence, enhancing their lifestyles financially and socially.”

The new research from Harley Medical Group also found that the most popular surgical procedure among women currently is breast augmentation with liposuction not far behind. Cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction and rhinoplasty have also proved popular with men.

Cosmetic surgery is booming in the UK despite the credit crunch, with enquiries at The Harley Medical Group up 35% year on year.

About Harley Medical Group:
The Harley Medical Group is the UK’s largest cosmetic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for over 25 years and is one of the most highly-regarded Cosmetic Surgery Groups operating in the UK. It has conducted over 400,000 procedures to date includingabdominoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation and Gynaecomastia procedures.

All of The Harley Medical Group’s clinics are registered with the Healthcare Commission. There are now 23 clinics in the UK and Ireland: London (Harley Street, Wimbledon, The City, Chiswick, Finchley & Watford), Marlow, Birmingham, Leeds, Brighton, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, Chester, Nottingham, Southampton, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Dublin, Northampton, Cambridge, Maidstone and Belfast.

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