New weight-loss balloon pill brings hope for Yeovil man

Mr Pulford said he'd be "extremely happy" if he looses a couple of stone

One of the first people to receive a new type of weight-loss pill through the NHS said "things can only get better now".

Dave Pulford from Yeovil was given a new capsule that contains a gastric balloon at Musgrove Park Hospital.

The treatment makes people feel fuller for longer, and Musgrove is the first NHS hospital to offer it.

"Everybody is of the opinion: 'You're overweight, you need to put the fork down," Mr Pulford said.

"There are a mixture of things that led me here, and I'm here now.

"I'm at the top of my weight now, because from now on there will be less of me. That's how I view it."

Mr Pulford added that he did not know what to expect from the procedure.

"The weirdest bit was when they started putting the water in. It feels like a cold liquid going down your throat," he said.

"But to be perfectly honest, I found it okay," he added.

He said he'd be "extremely happy" if he loses a couple of stone after the procedure.

"There are a lot of different reasons why people are overweight, it could be medical, a lot of things," he said.

"When I first looked at any type of gastric surgery, I looked at it as a failing and I think a lot of people do.

"But the balloon itself is just a tool. After that, with the education and support, things can only get better."

Mr Welbourn said gastric surgery was an "extremely rewarding" area to be in

Consultant surgeon Richard Welbourn carried out the procedure and said the balloon can help patients lose between 10-15% of their weight.

"The whole point of the surgery is not to make people skinny, it's to improve their quality of life and functioning capacity," he said.

"We have a huge problem with obesity in this country, we have the highest BMI in Europe.

"As surgeons we can't stop problems with obesity but we can at least attempt to help people with these problems.

"It's an extremely rewarding area to be in because patients are so happy when we help them lose weight."

Mr Pulford added: "My sisters have always been concerned about me, so I know they will be proud."