News: Joe Hockey gets gastric band surgery

Coalition treasury spokesman Joe Hockey says he’s lost 20 kilograms after having gastric band surgery over the Christmas break.

The 47-year-old said he’d lost the weight because of the procedure, a healthy diet and regular exercise.

In an interview with the Australian Financial Review yesterday, Mr Hockey said “I’m shaping up for Wayne Swan’s job.”

Gastric band surgery – where surgeons place a device around the top portion of the stomach to help people reduce their intake of food – is become an increasingly popular way for people to lose weight.

Yesterday Monash University released a report which found the surgery is a “safe and effective” solution to Australia’s obesity crisis.

The research, which ran over a 15-year period, found patients averaged a weight loss of 26 kilos.

This from Monash University:

“These results show that when you have a significant problem with obesity, a long-term solution is available,” Professor Paul O’Brien said.

“This surgery is safe and effective, and it has lasting benefits. Substantial weight loss can change the lives of people who are obese – they can be healthier and live longer.”