Guest guest Posted March 12, 2006 Report Share Posted March 12, 2006 Thanks very much Mel. Leanne. -- Sun Herald 12/03/05 Summary of story in todays Sydney's Sun Herald... Page 35 "The NSW Government is planning to provide more obesity surgery in public hospitals to curb spiralling costs for weight related conditions. A new medical committee is exploring ways to make the lapband implant - a device that helps patients lose weight - more readily available at major public hospitals across NSW. The lap band procedure, which until now has mostly been performed in private hospitals, restricts the amount of food the stomach can hold. Dr. Cregan, the head of the new committee, said the logistics of providing the lap band through the public system were complicated. He said that as well as the operation, patients also require ongoing support from dietitians, counsellors and physicians. ""The pressure to provide the bands and the demands on the health system will be enourmous"" he said ""We're trying to figure out how to do this, but it's something that should be available at most large hospitals"" Research has shown that gastric banding can reverse conditions associated with obesity, including type 2 diabetes and cardiac diseases, which cost hospitals billions of dollars. NSW health minister Hatzistergos said "the surgical services taskforce is preparing advice for me about gastric banding surgery, including looking at feasibility and safety issues". In , Premier Steve Bracks has pledged $800,000 in funding for the next six months to enable more gastric banding in public hospitals. Dr Harry Frydenberge, president of the Obesity Surgery Society of Australia & NZ said the waiting list for the lap-band operation in was two to three years. "there is a big demand for obesity surgery" he said. About 2 million Australians are severely obese. The lap band is the most common weight loss operation; about 4,000 Australians a year have the device implated by key hole surgery. In 2003 Sam Perras of Glenfield undersent th esurgery and his weight so far has fallen from 200 to 112 kilograms. Mr Perras said he had tried everything before the surgery, from Craig to Weight Watchers. Last week he said "I can sit in a movie theatre chair, I'm not afraid to go outdoors". By Miranda Wood - Health Reporter (Photos of Sam before and after were also included) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2006 Report Share Posted March 13, 2006 Maree, Yes I read it and although I'm happy that Premier Bracks has increased the funding here in , I'm damn angry that no one here in Vic has heard about it! If I hadn't read this artical on this site I would never have known. I have befriended a number of people down here who are on the public waiting lists and are very depressed and disenchanted with the whole system, now I have at least a glimmer of hope for them. Thank You Sydband!! Pyretta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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