Do Gastric Bands really work?

So do Gastric bands really work?

Well of course they work for some people, particulary for those who are committed to changing their lifestyle both before and after the operation. And yes, unsurprisingly, for those who choose not to adjust their life style and continue with the Mcdonalds after the operation, gastric bands are a waste of time and a waste of the tax payer's money!

But even for those people for whom the surgery works, its glaringly obvious that the modern life style is to blame for the obesity epidemic, and not a finger of doom in the sky which singles out ever increasing numbers of people to be obese!

The obesity epidemic is so very recent and 60 years ago it wasn't the problem it is today. But 60 years ago, we ate more natural food, had smaller portions, played outside, and didn't spend endless hours watching the TV and playing on the Xbox!

I have every sympathy for people who are morbidly obese, particularly when they've tried every diet on the market and in so doing, have unknowingly lowered their metabolic rate, as well as had their hopes dashed by the broken promises of the diet products they've been using.

I also recognise that for obese people, the road back to being slim is frustratingly slow if crash diets and weight loss surgery are off the agenda.

However, there has to be a better way than stapling our stomachs and data is still vague as to the long term results of the gastric band.... I guess that will only become clear in the next few years as the ever increasing numbers of people opt for the band and we can see how they've all fared.

I do believe that the problems have been caused by modern lifestyle and working closely with people over a long period of time, to help them live more healthily and address all aspects of their emotional and physical lifestyle is a more holistic, moral and cheaper option for the nation in the long run.