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Weight loss and weight maintenance are complex issues. Across the world, experts are constantly striving to discover the reason for the current obesity epidemic. As they learn more about the condition and possible treatments, technology is starting to play a larger part.

What is Abiliti?

Abiliti is an advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) procedure that is indicated for people with a BMI of 35 to 55. The system combines implantable microelectronics technology (similar to that used in cardiac pacemakers) and the internet.

There are four main components:

• Implantable gastric stimulator
• Implantable lead
• System programmer
• Support network

How does it work?

The Abiliti System works by helping to control the appetite. It automatically records when a patient eats, drinks and exercises.

1. The implantable lead contains a stimulation electrode and food detection sensor. When the patient begins to eat or drink, the food detection sensor signals the gastric stimulator.

2. The stimulator sends low energy electrical impulses to the stimulation electrode. This creates an early feeling of fullness (before the stomach is actually full) and helps patients stay satisfied longer. It also reduces the desire to eat between meals.

3. The activity sensor contained in the stimulator tracks exercise, activity and sedentary periods. It can determine calories burned through each event.

4. Information from the food and activity sensors can be wirelessly sent to a computer. This feature enables patients and doctors to easily monitor eating and exercise patterns, track progress and identify areas which need special attention.

5. Patients are connected to a valuable support network via the Abiliti website.

6. Each person receives customised support based on their eating, exercise and behavioural habits.

How is Abiliti implanted?

The procedure is performed through laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive technique in which a surgeon uses a camera called a laparoscope, small incisions and specialised instruments. The camera allows the surgeon to view the inside of your abdominal cavity in order to insert the lead containing the sensor and the stimulation electrode into your stomach.
This is a very safe procedure and in most cases takes less than an hour. Because the anatomy of the digestive tract is unchanged, the procedure is easily reversible.

Can the device be felt by the patient?

Most people are aware of a sensation and describe this as a slow and steady feeling of fullness.

The advantages of Abiliti

With Abiliti you have nowhere to hide. The system automatically monitors when you eat, drink or exercise. No more excuses or simply forgetting how much you have eaten during the day.

The stimulus control assists in reducing the volume of food consumed. You feel full before your stomach is actually full.

Abiliti reduces your desire to eat between meals.

The Abiliti system doesn’t put any restrictions on your lifestyle. You can eat and drink what you choose – you will just choose to eat less.

Many people have successfully lost weight with the help of The National Obesity Surgery Centre READ ANNETTE'S WEIGHTLOSS STORY READ KAREN'S WEIGHTLOSS STORY READ JOHN'S WEIGHTLOSS STORY READ ANNETTE'S WEIGHTLOSS STORY READ CAROL'S WEIGHTLOSS STORY