Control Hunger with vBloc Therapy
vBloc neurometabolic therapy is a newly developed technology for effective weight loss. This cutting-edge bariatric surgery procedure involves implanting a pacemaker-like device near the stomach to help control feelings of hunger. The technology works by reducing hunger feelings, resulting in subjects eating less.
How Does vBloc Therapy Work?
Our stomach is connected to our brain through the Vagus nerve. When our stomach is empty, the Vagus nerve signals our brain and we start to feel hungry. As we eat, our stomach expands, and when it has reached full expansion, the nerve signals the brain that we are full. The next communication between our brain and stomach via the Vagus nerve is to empty the stomach contents into our small intestine. Once all our stomach contents have been transferred to the small intestine, our stomach is empty and the cycle starts over.
The vBloc device is designed to block nerve impulse transmission along the Vagus nerve. The neuroregulator device is fitted just below the ribcage, and two fine wires connect it to the Vagus nerve. The electrodes at the end of the wires are implanted in the trunks of the nerve, near the point where the stomach joins the esophagus.
The electrodes block some of the signals going between the stomach and the brain. Once the signals are blocked, we feel less hungry and start feeling full sooner. The vBloc also reduces the number of times the stomach empties out into the small intestine, in turn reducing how often we feel hungry. The device can be charged at home and deactivated easily if required.
The effect of vBloc is to decrease feelings of hunger, leading to consumption of less food, finally resulting in weight loss. vBloc therapy has been found to be effective in helping people lose up to 25% of excess weight in a year.
The device is programmed to be active for just twelve hours of the day, allowing our normal cycle to resume when we go to bed. The switching off of the vBloc prevents the body from circumventing the system. The procedure is minimally invasive and reversible. Unlike a gastric bypass surgery, no anatomical changes are made when the vBloc is implanted.
Who Qualifies for vBloc Therapy?
vBloc candidates should have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or over, or 35 with any obesity-related disorders like diabetes or hypertension. Candidates need to have tried to lose weight through a supervised weight-loss program at some time in the past five years. vBloc therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who need to undergo an MRI, or patients who already have an electronic medical device like a pacemaker implanted.
What Are the Advantages of vBloc?
- The vBloc implantation procedure is minimally invasive and is done through a laparoscopy.
- The vBloc device can be easily deactivated in case of an emergency.
- There are no anatomical alterations as part of the procedure.
- The vBloc procedure is completely reversible.
- There are no special diet requirements for vBloc therapy to be effective.
Learn More for Yourself
Contact our office to schedule a consultation with Smart Dimensions™, where you will be able to discuss vBloc therapy and your weight-reduction options.