Question:
What about the gastric pacemaker?

Is anyone familiar with the gastric pacemaker? Does anyone have it? I am just looking for more information about it. Thanks.    — Mary S. (posted on November 27, 2005)

November 27, 2005
20/20 just did a story on it. It should still be on their website. I am not sure if it's out of clinical trials yet (and I called myself reading the article!) Good luck.
   — Jeanie

November 27, 2005
I thought the report on 20/20 said that it is just now going to the FDA to begin the aprroval process. The process usually takes one to three years. Then, you would have to wait until a doctor in your area has been through the training and praticed on others first. It sounded neat. the battery on the pacemaker only last seven years and then needs to be replaced. If you are able to travel, it has already been approved in Italy. They say there have been no deaths related to the surgery. Hope this helps. Best Wishes, Sonya Sumrall
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 28, 2005
Its not as new as you think, I heard about it before my RNY in july 2001. At that time results were at best mixed. It would be great if they find something less invasive that works well!~
   — bob-haller

November 28, 2005
A friends husband had the pacemaker. It did not help him at all. I am most certain he had it for more than a year. Ended up having RNY...instead. Maybe it will work for some folks and not for others. MaryLyn
   — Kriola

November 29, 2005
Personally, I don't think it is going to work for people are morbidly obese. I read the average weight loss was around 26 pounds in six months. Not very impressive to me. It tricks the body into believing its full. Hey, prior to surgery I ate even when I was full! As a new postop it was only knowing I'd be in pain if I continue to eat which basically stopped me. The mind set of wanting thinness over food did not set in until months later after I got a taste of the thin life. I think that would work better on people without food issues and I question whether any morbidly obese person does not have food issues.
   — Lisa N M.