LIB DEMS REVEAL SHOCK INCREASE IN RADICAL FAT-BUSTING SURGERY

Written by Ross Finnie on Tue 9th Jun 2009

LIB DEMS REVEAL SHOCK INCREASE IN RADICAL FAT-BUSTING SURGERY

The Liberal Democrats have revealed an astonishing rise in the number of Scots turning to radical fat-busting surgery.

Answers to Parliamentary Questions lodged by Ross Finnie MSP show that although the number of gastric band operations is very slightly down, the number of gastric bypass operations has rocketed by over 700 per cent in the last four years from 22 to 178.

A gastric bypass operation is much more intrusive than a gastric band operation and the operation and recovery time takes twice as long.

Commenting, Mr Finnie said:

"Our figures show a shocking increase in the number of Scots turning to radical fat-busting surgery. A gastric bypass operation is much more intrusive and takes far longer to recover from than a gastric band operation. But the number of Scots heading to the operating table has rocketed by over 700 per cent.

"Scotland's battle with the bulge is well known, but these figures make for alarming reading. If patients are assessed as needing this radical surgery then it should be available. But we need to be sure that these operations are a last resort and that patients have tried to lose weight by changing their eating and exercise patterns.

"These figures are a warning shot across the SNP's bows. Unless Ministers want to see the number of Scots seeking surgery get even higher, the Scottish Government must tackle the ticking timebomb of childhood obesity.

"This means sorting out the mess they've made of the P.E targets in schools and getting to grips with Scots' traditionally poor diet at an early stage."

Ends.

Notes to Editors:

The text of Mr Finnie's Parliamentary Question and the answer he received is below and attached.

1 June 2009

Ross Finnie (West of Scotland) (LD): To ask the Scottish Executive how many gastric (a) band and (b) bypass operations were performed in each of the last five years, broken down by NHS board.

(S3W-24110)

Ms Nicola Sturgeon :

The latest available information for the numbers of gastric banding and gastric bypass procedures, with a main diagnosis of obesity, is shown in the following tables.

Table 1: Gastric banding procedures by NHS board of residence 2004-2008.

Health Board 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Ayrshire and Arran 5 6 7 * *

Borders * * * * *

Dumfries and Galloway * * * * *

Fife * * * * *

Forth Valley * 8 7 7 6

Grampian 7 6 8 23 16

Greater Glasgow and Clyde 30 39 35 50 32

Highland 6 * * 6 *

Lanarkshire 6 14 12 12 28

Lothian 10 * * 10 17

Orkney * * * * *

Shetland Isles * * * * *

Tayside * * * * *

Western Isles * * * * *

All Scotland 73 83 74 118 111

Table 2: Gastric bypass procedures by NHS Board of Residence 2004-2008.

Health Board 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Ayrshire and Arran * * 6 * 8

Dumfries and Galloway * * * * *

Fife * * * * *

Forth Valley * * 9 14 26

Grampian * * * * 5

Greater Glasgow and Clyde * 16 44 69 107

Highland * * * * 6

Lanarkshire * * 8 12 17

Lothian * * * * *

Shetland Isles * * * * *

Western Isles * * * * *

All Scotland * 22 76 100 178

Source: Information Services Division (ISD) Scotland. Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR01). *Numbers under 5 have not been shown as these are potentially disclosive.

Gastric Band Information:

A gastric band operation involves placing an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach to create a pouch. This pouch fills up quickly and the food you eat then passes slowly through a narrow opening created by the band, into the lower part of your stomach. The food then passes normally through the rest of your digestive system.

The operation usually requires an overnight stay in hospital and is performed under general anaesthesia.

The gastric band is usually fitted using keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. Your operation will usually take 30 minutes to one hour.

Full recovery from a gastric band operation can take two to three weeks.

Source: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/gastric_band.html

Gastric Bypass information:

A gastric bypass operation involves creating a small stomach pouch and bypassing part of your small intestine to make your digestive system shorter, although nothing is actually removed. This means that you can only eat small meals and your body absorbs less food.

The operation usually requires a two to four day stay in hospital and is done under general anaesthesia.

Gastric bypass can be done using keyhole (laparoscopic) or open surgery. The operation takes between one and three hours.

Full recovery from a gastric bypass operation can take three to six weeks.

Source: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/gastric_bypass.html