A new weight loss surgery programme has been launched at the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin.

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery has been shown to prevent, improve, and sometimes even cure, a number of serious conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnoea and some types of cancer.

However, according to consultant surgeon at the Mater Private, Mr John Conneely, ‘weight loss surgery services in Ireland are underdeveloped', despite increasing obesity rates here.

"Ireland's obesity rate is alarmingly high and this is one of the biggest public health challenges facing the country today. Many of the patients we will see have been dieting for most of their lives without success and are at a stage where weight loss surgery is considered the best option for them," he explained.

The new service at the Mater Private includes a personalised, multidisciplinary team working with patients for a minimum of six months before surgery, and up to 18 months post-surgery.

"This is to ensure their weight loss journey is a success. The bariatric team is looking forward to helping obese patients who have struggled for years to now realise their goals of reaching and maintaining a healthy weight," Mr Conneely said.

The service is aimed at people with a body mass index (BMI) of 45 or more, or a BMI of 40 or more with other significant health issues, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.

Patients who meet the required lifestyle and clinical criteria can be referred by their GP to the multidisciplinary team in the hospital. They will be seen for an initial consultation within two weeks of their referral.

The programme is covered by VHI private health insurance, or there is a self-pay option for those who do not have insurance but want to get the surgery.

The service offers both of the gold standard minimally invasive surgical procedures - the laparoscopic roux-en Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. This allows patients to recover quickly and be discharged from hospital within two to five days of their surgery.

Most people lose between 50-60% of their excess body weight in the 12 to 18 months after the surgery, provided they follow the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes.

For more information on this service, call 1800 80 42 22 or email bariatric@materprivate.ie