LONDON, August 23, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- British Bariatric surgeon Michael Van Den Bossche has become the first in Europe to perform a minimally invasive procedure to reverse weight gain from patients who have previously undergone gastric bypass surgery. The new incisionless procedure known as 'ROSE' (Restorative Obesity Surgery, Endolumenal) restores the size of the stomach pouch or stoma (the connection between the pouch and small intestine), which may have stretched over time, back to its original post-surgery proportions.

Gastric bypass surgery reduces the size of the stomach pouch or stoma, making patients feel full quickly after they eat. Over time this can stretch, reducing the feeling of fullness, so patients continue to eat more and gain weight. The ROSE procedure uses new surgical tools that create and suture folds into the pouch to reduce its volume and at the stoma, to reduce its diameter. Performed entirely through the mouth, the ROSE procedure is expected to provide important advantages, including; less risk than traditional open or lapraroscopic surgery; minimal postoperative pain; fast recovery time and no scarring. It will once again help the patient to achieve weight loss.

Michael Van Den Bossche said: Keeping weight down after gastric bypass surgery is vital to improve health and reduce the complications of obesity such as heart disease or Type 2 diabetes. With no cuts made into the skin during surgery, ROSE enables patients to have a shorter hospital stay and a much quicker recovery rate so they can return to normal activities as quickly as possible. It offers real hope to patients who have experienced the disappointment of weight gain after initial success with gastric bypass surgery.

The U.K. is the third most obese nation by percentage of the population with an estimated 23% of the UK population obese[i]. Several serious diseases and conditions are commonly associated with obesity, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea and cardiovascular disease. Surgical treatment of obesity has increased significantly in recent years.

To talk to Michael Van Den Bossche and enquire as to whether or not you may be suitable for the procedure please visit http://www.endobesity.co.uk or www.southamptonobesitysurgery.com

Notes to Editors

Mr. Van Den Bossche MD, FRCS

Mr. Van Den Bossche qualified in 1988 and has been doing obesity surgery since 1995. He practises at the Spire Southampton Hospital and the Princess Elisabeth Hospital, Guernsey. Michael is a member of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity, the American Society for Metabolic Bariatric Surgery and the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society. Michael is also a preceptor for obesity surgery giving training to surgeons in several hospitals in the UK.

Patient Critieria

Patients who were originally successful with gastric bypass surgery but have now found themselves regaining lost weight, may be an ideal candidate for the new incisionless procedure. It is also suitable for patients who have undergone bypass surgery but have failed to lose weight. After an initial screening, patients undergo a series of evaluations including nutritional and dietary counselling, a full medical exam, and endoscopy.

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[i] Organisation for Economic Co-Operation Development Health Data 2005 http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_obe-health-obesity

To arrange an interview with Mr. Micheal Van Den Bossche, please contact:

Vicky Stoakes or Karina Aguirre at Indigo Cow on +44-(0)1273-773516 or via vicky@indigocow.com / karina@indigocow.com

SOURCE: Elemental Healthcare

CONTACT: To arrange an interview with Mr. Micheal Van Den Bossche, pleasecontact: Vicky Stoakes or Karina Aguirre at Indigo Cow on+44-(0)1273-773516 or via vicky@indigocow.com / karina@indigocow.com