What to Expect: Gastric Pacemaker

Rather than mechanically alter your stomach and intestines through gastric bypass surgery, the gastric pacemaker is implanted laparoscopically by a bariatric surgeon.

The gastric pacemaker components include:

• Neuroregulator or generator, which controls the delivery of signals to the vagus nerve, which is the nerve responsible for regulating digestion
  
• Lead system, which is a set of wires powered by the generator that deliver the electrical pulses to the vagus nerve
  
• External controllers, which recharge the device and allow your care team to adjust and optimize the device settings and minimize side effects

The gastric pacemaker can be adjusted or removed if desired.

Gastric Pacemaker: Preparing for the Procedure

This minimally invasive procedure requires general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss preparation for this in advance, which may include dietary restrictions.

Learn more for preparing for your surgery. 

Gastric Pacemaker: During the Procedure

Once sedated, your doctor will make a series of small incisions. Using a laparoscope, the doctor will insert the gastric pacemaker and leads through one of these small incisions.

Once implanted, your doctor will program the device to meet your individual needs.

You may experience common side effects after the procedure. Learn more about the side effects of gastric pacemaker.

Gastric Pacemaker: After the Procedure

The gastric pacemaker is controlled externally. Your doctor will review how to properly charge the device and any precautions you may need to take while the device is implanted. If necessary, your doctor can adjust the device to optimize the settings. No additional surgery is needed to adjust the device settings.

Read this article to learn more about gastric pacemaker.