VBLOC Weight-loss Therapy, A Clinical Research Study By Stanford

Stanford researchers are conducting a national study to test a new weight-loss therapy,VBLOC that interfere with the nerves that tell people when they're hungry and in control how the body stores fat.Carrying extra weight is a real cause for concern. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for a number of diseases, including Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus), high cholesterol, hypertension, osteoarthritis, obesity-related cardiomyopathy and perhaps even some forms of cancer (breast, colorectal, endometrial and kidney).

Although successful, long-term weight loss still requires a commitment to modifying lifestyle behaviors, there may be more you can do to empower healthy weight loss.

Unlike other types of bariatric surgery (laparoscopic banding or gastric bypass,) that alter the stomach’s anatomy, VBLOC Therapy is delivered by an implantable, investigational device intended to block signals carried on the vagus nerve between the brain and the digestive system that control sensations of hunger, satisfaction and fullness.

The device itself uses laparoscopically-implanted electrodes that deliver high-frequency, low-energy electrical impulses to block the signals conveyed through the vagal nerves. By being able to reversibly control these signals, VBLOC Therapy may aid in weight loss.

VBLOC Therapy includes both external and implanted components. VBLOC Therapy may be turned off and is designed to be reversible, programmable and non-invasively adjustable.

The EMPOWER clinical research study is now enrolling patients to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the investigational device that delivers VBLOC Therapy.

Who Is a Candidate for Clinical Trials of VBLOC Therapy?

Individuals may be considered for participation in Clinical Trials of VBLOC Therapy if they:

• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 to 45, or of 35 or greater and also suffer from at least one obesity related condition or co-morbidity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnea.
• Have completed at least six months of a supervised weight loss program and have failed to lose weight or to maintain weight loss.

For more information about VBLOC Therapy and the EMPOWER clinical research study, please call the nurse-staffed information line at 1-866-291-9146 Monday–Thursday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. and Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m., CST.

CAUTION: Investigational device. Limited by Federal law to investigational use.

tag: Weight-loss, Weight Control, VBLOC Therapy, EMPOWER clinical research study, Body Mass Index, laparoscopic banding, gastric bypass, bariatric surgery