Obesity Care

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The Gastric Stimulator, is it for You?
The show "Good Morning America" examines a new device called the Gastric Stimulator. This experimental device - much like a cardiac pacemaker - creates impulses that slow the emptying of the stomach. As a result, you experience a loss of appetite hopefully leading to weight loss. It's less risky and less expensive than the standard bariatric surgery. (1:48) August 16th, 2001

Almost a year later some results appeared in the Obesity Surgery Journal in April of 2002:

Gastric pacing as therapy for morbid obesity: preliminary results.
Cigaina V Obes Surg 2002 Apr 12 Suppl 1:12S-16S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: A novel method to treat morbid obesity is presented--gastric electrical pacing. Following animal research, human investigation in a total of 24 patients in three cohorts began in 1995.

METHODS: Morbidly obese subjects (BMI > or = 40) received electrical stimulation devices in 1995/6 (n = 4), 1998 (n = 10) and 2000 (n = 10). Electrodes were positioned intramuscularly on the anterior gastric wall at the lesser curvature. BMI = body mass index; %EBL = % excess BMI (> 25) lost.

RESULTS: Patients reported satiety for food with less food. The 2 patients from the first study followed for > 5 years have achieved 38 and 67 %EBL. In the second study, every patient lost weight. At 36 months follow-up, the mean %EBL was 24 +/- 10 SD (n = 10). CONCLUSIONS: Implantable gastric pacing is a safe procedure and causes changes in eating habits in morbidly obese humans, resulting in decreased food intake and weight loss.

Jennifer's Story Part 1
Part One of this “Medical Diary” video follows Jennifer Revel as she considers Bariatric Surgery as a solution to being over 180 lbs. overweight. (7:21)

Jennifer's Story Part 2
Part Two continues this “Medical Diary” video following Jennifer Revel as she goes through with Bariatric Surgery and her experience's after surgery. (9:54)

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