TV presenter triggers dieting fad after admitting to gastric surgery

A LEADING stomach surgeon has experienced a “400%” increase in inquiries about gastric bands since TV’s Fern Britton revealed she lost five stone after the procedure, it has emerged.

David Hewin, consultant surgeon at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, said the Fern Factor sparked 20 calls to his office from patients eager to have the slimming surgery.

The This Morning presenter confessed last week her new figure was not entirely down to dieting. Mr Hewin said the announcement had “raised awareness” of the medical solution to obesity.