Fern Britton reveals weight-loss surgery

Fern Britton has told viewers that she had not previously felt the need to go public about having stomach surgery to help her lose weight.

The 50-year-old co-host of This Morning underwent gastric banding two years ago.

In a statement, Ms Britton said she was "very pleased" with the results but added that she would not want to influence others to follow her lead.

Speaking on the ITV1 show, Ms Britton said that only a handful of people previously knew she had the procedure and she had not felt the need to ring around. She said she had not expected such an enormous interest in body perception.

Ms Britton said she spoke very carefully about eating less and exercising more and what she said was "absolutely true".

She also made light of the situation, quipping: "Please tell me we've got cake on the show because I need fattening up."

She added: "Next time, if I have a face-lift or haemorrhoids or something, I will ring the Sunday papers straight away."

Anne Diamond, who lost nearly four stones in weight with a gastric band, backed Ms Britton.

She wrote in the Daily Mirror: "She still looks wonderful, is now much healthier and less likely to suffer from diabetes, heart disease, stroke or even cancer and her life has probably been extended by some 10 years."

Gastric banding reduces the size of the stomach so that only small meals can be eaten, while still giving the impression of being full.

Via ukpress