First European Incisionless Procedure to 'Reverse Weight Gain After Gastric Bypass Surgery' Takes Place in UK

LONDON, August 23, 2010 - 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
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.

Elemental Healthcare

Elemental Healthcare Ltd is a leading distributor providing innovative
solutions in Minimally Invasive Surgery. Working with market leading
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[i] Organisation for Economic Co-Operation Development Health Data 2005
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

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 at indigocow.com / karina at indigocow.com