Dr Phil Hammond thinks that there is no excuse for letting so many people suffer the disease and disability that is often a consequence of obesity. He says it is a lazy answer that the NHS just doesn’t have the money to fund the number of gastric band operations necessary.
A recent audit of over 8,000 British patients found that after 12 months, 57.8% of the excess weight had gone and 85.5% of those with diabetes before their gastric band had no indication of the disease. Scandinavian research suggests that the improvements are maintained over 15 years.
Dr Hammond says: “Obesity related illnesses cost the NHS £5billion a year and this is set to double by 2050. Anyone with a BMI over 40 has a disease, not a lifestyle choice. One in ten UK patients can not fit into a standard NHS bed or ambulance stretcher. There is a convincing case for weight loss surgery for all who need it. It is estimated that the money can be recouped within 3 years.”
The Times
NOSC View
We see the positive aspects of gastric banding all the time. After shedding some weight our patients are happier and more confident. They are generally more active with much greater mobility and they look and feel much better than before their surgery. In addition, any health problems are reduced resulting in fewer visits to their GP.
