Free ops for obese

QUEENSLANDERS who are severely obese are being offered free life-saving gastric band surgery through a new government initiative.

The state government says it will fund the dramatic weight-loss surgery for up to 300 people aged 18 to 65 suffering from type 2 diabetes and obesity-related complications.

It’s hoped the $5 million measure will reduce the billions of dollars spent by the health system due to obesity.

Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as blindness, kidney disease and lower limb amputation in up to 60 per cent of cases.