Approved treatments for weight loss: What about the rest of us?

weight-loss prescription medications since 2012. Each of these approved it’s modest but real success in large, long trials in which each patient took the medication for two straight years. While cost remains an obstacle, more insurance and are slowly adding coverage for these valuable medications. In 2015 the FDA approved two new devices which have proven success for this same group of people needing to lose weight, one is the intragastric balloon, known as or Orbera. The other is a gastric vagal nerve regulator, sometimes called a gastric pacemaker, known as Vbloc. The balloon is placed within the stomach endoscopically and this requires no cutting or incisions of any kind. It is generally been removed six months later, while the study show the satiety and reduced appetite results and weight loss effects that go on for two years or more. The Vbloc is introduced laparoscopically, with a minimally invasive procedure that involves placement of the leads or electrodes around the upper stomach vagus nerve region, similar to a pacemaker for the heart. Studies show that the appetite suppression which can result can last for years and result in a very significant weight loss. We expect that insurance coverage for these new procedures will be slow and gradual, and for most part in the coming years these will be something people can finance or pay for out-of-pocket until health insurance covers them. Today, our center, like similar comprehensive weight loss centers elsewhere in the country, offers effective, evidence-based, proven solutions for weight loss and weight maintenance from a few pounds to hundreds of pounds utilizing the latest in FDA approved medications, devices, and procedures. Globally speaking, over the last 20 years, the medical, pharmaceutical, and dietary advances have allowed more people to lose weight, and the procedures and devices have become markedly similar, safer, less invasive, and highly effective. Kent C. Sasse, M.D., MPH, FACS, FACRS Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Nevada School of Medicine Minimally Invasive Solution]]>