Comments on: Device Blocking Stomach Nerve Signal Shows Promise in Obesity

By: Linda Thomas

Linda Thomas — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:43:47 +0000

I live in the Washington DC area (Silver Spring) and would like to participate as a volunteer in a clinical for vbloc. I have acid reflux due to a hernia and high blood pressure.
I am overweight and have tried to lose weight
so far without success.

Thank you.

By: Rainy

Rainy — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:09:38 +0000

Although you have NO shortage of volunteers, I qualify on every point and really need to be part of your study. In the words of HOWDY DOODY fans everywhere, “Pick Me! Pick Me”

By: pearl beasley

pearl beasley — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:51:16 +0000

I AM A 60 YRS OLD WEIGHT 280 LB 5’8” THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY WEIGHT LOSS STUDY CLOSE TO BOSSIER CITY OR SHREVEPORT LA I HAVE HIGH BLOOD ACID REFLUX SHORT OF BREATH AND OTHER PROBLEN.I WILL LIKE TO BE A VOLUNTEE

By: Carrie

Carrie — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 03:49:24 +0000

I have been intrigued by this procedure since I first saw it on the news months ago. I am extremely overweight and though I try I just can’t stop thinking of food at all times of the day. I think this would be a lifesaver and would love to participate if given the chance!

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:01:49 +0000

This is an intriguing idea; how soon can I volunteer? I’m sure that most fat people (myself included) would welcome the opportunity to move this science forward. Thanks to Mayo for (yet again) bringing cutting edge technology to medicine.

By: Carla

Carla — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:30:22 +0000

I am a 54 years old female who is extremely obese, 5′4″ and well over 220 lbs and have extreme trouble loosing weight. I am also a Diabetic on insulin Humalog 3 times a day using a sliding scale and Lantus 50 units at bedtime. It is important for me to loose weight in order to control my diabeties and try not to get the complications that come with having this desease.I have degenerative arthritis in my lower back. I am currently taking Lyrica for it now. I work full time, but it is very difficult to do that.
I would love to be a part of your
study. I live in Peoria, IL, but would be willing to go to any of the Mayo Clinics that perform this study.

Thank you and God Bless

By: Luc Martini

Luc Martini — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:49:19 +0000

I have been following the development of the Gastric Pacemaker as a device for Vega Nerve stimulation for bariatric purposes since aproximately 1988. I have applied as a Trial volunteer, but no studies have been done in the Seattle, WA area.
I became morbidly obese following massive X-ray radiation exposure, most significantly to the head, from a defective lead shield in a highpower microwave transmitter, which presumeably (based on all hormonal levels going from normal to below or barely above the low end of normal levels) damaged the Hypothalamus. Fortunately, I am not yet diabetic, but my weight continues to slowly increase, and having a dramatic effect on health (Heart attacks, strokes, etc). Fortunately am not yet diabetic, but because of the Morbid Obesity, heart damage, and stroke history, I am now a Non-Operable surgical candidate for other bariatric approaches.

I am discusted with the FDA that a device, which has a long history of remarkably reliable use, namely cardiac pacemakers, now being tried for an alternative application, which has shown to have no more serious pejorative effects than hickups, and is easily turned OFF, has taken 20 years and counting to release for clinical use, while medications, with NO history and potentially grave side effects are kicked out the door in a matter of months.

Yes, studies can optimize the modulation and energy levels of the device, but once implanted, that also can be done via an external CPU low speed EM coupling. So why the hell are we not implanting these ASAP, and dealing with the software optomization improvements later?
SHAME AGAIN AND AGAIN on the FDA.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Luc Martini

By: patsy

patsy — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:34:43 +0000

I HAVE SOME MEDICAL PROBLEMS CAUSES ME TO
KEEP THIS WEIGHT. I WOULD LOVE TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE STUDY. THANKS PATSY FROM GREENEVILLE
TN.

By: Cheryl Rawson

Cheryl Rawson — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 03:29:34 +0000

This type of surgery for weight loss would truly be for me! I have alot of trouble with digesting foods, hernia, copd, obese, congestive heart failure at one point,lots of breathing problems and it would be a miracle for me to loose weight so i can manage life so much easier! I am to very depressed and who wouldnt, all this since my pregancy of my girl in 1999. I had extemely bad toxcimea(not sure of spelling) and ended up with congested heart failure! So please some one HELP ME Toooo!!

By: Mary Jo Weber

Mary Jo Weber — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:16:06 +0000

I live in the Twin Cities not far from the U of M and would love to participate in the study. When do you think this will be available to be used in the US? And is it available anywhere else in the world at this time?
Sincerely,
Mary Jo Weber