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Published on January 2, 2008

From being a model with a model figure to this... I need help. It has been almost seven years since I had my daughter, and I look like a blimp - a sexy blimp - but still a blimp.

I have tried a colon cleanse, a kidney cleanse, and have even begun looking for psychological reasons behind the extra weight. I work out pretty hard with my trainer. I am even starting to train with a team for a marathon.

My BMI is 34 and I have considered Lap-Band (adjustable gastric banding) surgery. The information from doctors and nutritionalists in my area says I am a borderline candidate for that procedure.

Since I tend to have my weight in the usual female problem areas, I am considering liposuction. Do you think this is a good solution?

I'm coming to Thailand on vacation in December and would like to take care of this then.

Nikki

Dear Nikki,

Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. A good candidate should be at, or close to, ideal body weight and looking to get rid of local areas of stubborn fat such as around arms, knees, love handles, outer thighs, etc. There are surgeons doing so-called megaliposuction, removing up to 10 litres of combined fat and fluid, but this is high-risk surgery and not generally accepted.  My own feeling is that the risks are just too high and the benefits marginal.

A BMI (Body Mass Index) of 34 is usually classified as obese. You need to lose considerable weight, for health as well as cosmetic reasons. If you just cannot do it through diet and exercise, you should consider adjustable gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery.

Have a medical question? Ask dr_mike_bkk@yahoo.com.

By Dr mike miller

The Nation