After 10 years of diets I was still overweight, so whats the secret of my great new body?

Increasing numbers of Northern Ireland women are taking a radical step to get a new look. Helen Carson and Kerry McKittrick report

Belfast Telegraph Wednesday, 3 February 2010

With 1,000 people going under the knife every year in Northern Ireland, cosmetic surgery can be a controversial issue. While some women see a nip and tuck as routine maintenance, for others its a life-changing experience. Sixty-something sex siren Helen Mirren said recently, although she has not succumbed to surgery to enhance her face or that fabulous figure, she understood why some would, especially if it gives them confidence. Women in Northern Ireland are at the sharp end of cosmetic surgery with breast augmentations the top operation.

A spokesperson for Medi Cosmetic, said: For many, cosmetic surgery is a step towards a happier life, and while this is the case for most, people must be realistic in their experiences. Cosmetic surgery will change how you look to an extent, but it will not change who you are inside. For those who choose to go through a cosmetic procedure the main benefit is that self-esteem can be restored and confidence increased. This is huge, as self-esteem and confidence can help people lead fuller, happier and more successful lives.

Gillian Lyttle, (31) is a transport manager. She has a daughter, Robyn (8) and lives in Lisburn.

Gillian decided to have a tummy tuck and a breast uplift with Medi Cosmetic Surgery Two years ago I weighed 16 stones and four pounds. I had been overweight for 10 years and had had enough of it. I was fed up losing weight a pound at a time so I joined LighterLife diet club in March 2008. By that July I had lost five stones and four pounds, but then I had excess skin which was sagging and covered with stretch marks.

I felt cheated. I looked okay standing up, but when I sat down there was a clump at my stomach and I felt like I did when I was overweight. I had to fold my boobs in half to get them into my bra. I had never considered plastic surgery before but all of sudden the idea came into my head so I did some research. My parents had to lent me the money for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) and breast lift (mastopexy).

At no stage did it enter my head that there might be complications with an anaesthetic, nor did I worry about the pain. I spoke to the surgeons at Medi Cosmetic in Jordanstown and felt confident to proceed. I had my op in October 2008. The first thing I thought when I woke up was ouch, as it was sore. My friend Nikki Marks came up to see me afterwards. I could not see anything because of the bandages, but when I did it was unbelievable.

It has made me a happier person, a more confident person. I can wear what I like now so how lovely it is to go out and buy clothes off the peg. Before I could only get clothes from one shop and had an expensive collection of wide-fitting shoes. I also met my current boyfriend, who I have been seeing for a year, after the surgery. We met at work but before the surgery if he had asked me out I would have said no. I would have thought he was winding me up.

My daughter knows I had surgery and now she can get her arms round me to give me a hug, before that was impossible. Last year I wore a bikini on holiday for the first time in my life, it was unreal. I would have more surgery if I could afford it. It is very addictive. I would go for liposuction.

Now I have learned to look after my health with a healthy diet and exercise rather than eating junk food every day.

Medi Cosmetic, Jordanstown, tel 9086 1186