Former world soccer champion Diego Maradona is in "perfect health" after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in order to help him reduce weight, one of his surgeons said.

Diego Maradona, seen here in February 2005, is in 'perfect health' after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in order to help him reduce weight, one of his surgeons said.[AFP] 

The 1986 World Cup winner is "in a perfect state of health" after Saturday's operation, Eduardo Bolanos told Argentinian radio station Mitre.

"He is a perfect patient. He has an excellent temperament and he collaborates fully" with medical staff, Bolanos said.

Bolanos said Maradona would remain in hospital in the Colombian city of Cartagena for two weeks and be fed a liquids-only diet.

"He should return to his ideal weight" of around 80 kilos, Bolanos said.

Maradona, 44, who has had a succession of health problems, is said to have weighed 120 kilograms (264 pounds) when admitted to hospital.

"Diego is the type of person who can return with a minimum of effort to 80 kilos," Bolanos said. "He will be able to refind a normal rhythm of life."

During the gastric bypass procedure, the upper stomach is stapled to reduce food intake and thus help the patient lose weight.

Editor: Donald