In the past 20 years, levels of overweight and obesity in Ireland have doubled. Currently, six in ten
adults are overweight or obese. The links between obesity and heart disease, cancers, type 2
diabetes, mental health and respiratory problems are well well-known. The Royal College of
Physicians Ireland consultation has recommended that individuals with a BMI greater than or equal
to 35kg m2 with co-morbidities, or adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 40 kg m2 are
potentially suitable for bariatric surgery. Currently, Ireland performs approximately 50 bariatric
surgeries per annum against a requirement of approximately 400.
The average waiting time for bariatric surgery in Ireland is 3.3 years while some patients had been
waiting for up to six years. 51% of people on the waiting list had developed a new health problem in
the time they were waiting for surgery which meant they had to be re-evaluated.
Here at Auralia, we are offering the gastric band and gastric balloon programmes. The current
waiting list is approximately 4-5 weeks which will include a free consultation and medical work up.
All patients are enrolled onto a lifelong aftercare programme. We have invested €1 million into a
new expansion which will include 18 new beds and new staff members to care for patients
undertaking bariatric procedures. This new expansion will bring new procedures to care for super
obese patients, including the gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. Our bariatric consultants, Dr Jamie
Kelly and Dr David Hewin have over 20 years of experience in bariatric surgery. We are the number
one private clinic in our field.
