Stomach band surgery helps 19st woman to slim

An overweight woman yesterday underwent the UK's first computer-aided stomach surgery.

Maria Corvi, 29, had the operation in the Healthier Weight Centre at Manchester's Alexandra Hospital, in a bid to halve her 19st 7lb.

The successful 45-minute procedure involved wrapping a revolutionary telemetric gastric band - known as the Easyband - around Ms Corvi's stomach.

The apparatus consists of a silicon tube containing a metal loop, microchip and miniature engine. It allows the stomach to be tightened electronically from an external control unit. Ultimately, the band could be tightened even via telephone or over the internet.

The operation, costing £9,500, means patients fitted with a band no longer require invasive follow-up procedures, face drastically reduced risks, and enjoy more pronounced results.

Ms Corvi, originally from Italy but now living in Derbyshire, said: "It should take about one and a half to two years for me to get down to about 12st. By the time I'm 30 I want to be living a normal life. It's time for me to see myself in nice clothes. I also want to exercise and go to dance classes."