Monday, February 01, 2010, 07:11

FAT people in the county have been told they may no longer qualify for life-changing surgery – because they aren't big enough.

Until now, patients with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 40 have been considered for major weight-loss surgery such as the fitting of gastric bands.

But, following an increase in the number of treatments required, county health bosses have raised the entry criteria for bariatric surgery to people with a BMI of more than 50.

The move to raise the criteria in the county was agreed at a board meeting of NHS Gloucestershire.

Shona Arora, director of public health, said: "This will help strike the right balance between early intervention and care for those who are morbidly obese and helping to meet demand.

"We are clear this service will continue to be available for those at greatest clinical risk and we will keep this policy under regular review.

"We are writing to patients to make them aware of the changes, future plans for services and to offer advice and support."

Patients with a BMI of more than 40 are still eligible for surgery if they also have either type two diabetes or a condition that carries an imminent risk of severe morbidity or mortality.

Addressing the board during the meeting, Dr Helen Miller, professional executive committee chairwoman, said: "Just because a BMI is 40 or even 50 it doesn't mean you can't lose weight."

She said bariatric surgery was very invasive and could go wrong, adding: "Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It's about saying to people it's an absolute last resort. We know if people lose a stone or two they improve their risks of developing diabetes or heart disease."

Richard Phelps, a councillor in the Forest of Dean, had a gastric band fitted last year and thinks the move to raise the eligibility criteria is unfair.

The 45-year-old is a type two diabetic and has lost almost five stone since the procedure.

He said: "It makes it an awful lot harder for people to qualify for it. Having a gastric band was life-changing and it wasn't something I did lightly. Sometimes it's a last resort for people who have tried everything."

Treating diseases associated with overweight and obese people is estimated to have cost NHS Gloucestershire £149 million in 2010.