The first computer adjustable gastric band operation will be undertaken by The Healthier Weight Centre on November 11th 2006 at BMI The Alexandra Hospital, Manchester.

Maria Lodovica Corvi (30) will be the first patient to have the new Easyband, a hi-tech innovation which could transform obesity surgery.  This new gastric band is tightened electronically which means more comfortable band adjustments for patients and the replacement of the large bulky access port with a thin lightweight antenna thus eliminating the need to use needles for adjustments.

Maria currently weighs 19.5 stones and has struggled with her weight since she was 6 years old.  She has tried many diets and during her twenties her weight yo-yoed.  Maria will turn 30 three days before the operation and it was this milestone that compelled her to do something about her weight 

The surgeons performing the first operation in the UK are Drs Franco Favretti and Gianni Segato, specialists in gastric band operations with a vast experience in laparoscopic gastric surgery.  Between them they have performed over a 2,000 operations and have published hundreds of articles in medical journals around the world.

The Easyband operation is exclusive in the UK to The Healthier Weight Centres, leaders in obesity surgery, whose medical director is Dr David Ashton, a leading authority on weight management. The Easyband is made by Endoart

Press Information:  contact Marie Louise Pumfrey at MLPR 0n 07768913377 or ml@mlpr.co.uk