‹ Another nutty weight-loss contraption •
I’m sure you are familiar with “direct-to-consumer” advertising — or DTC. That’s what the prescription medical products industry calls the practice of advertising directly to consumers.
The goal of this practice is to get consumers to request a prescription from their physician.
This type of advertising — which has only been going on since the early 1990s — now dominates the airwaves. The most common ads are for drugs that treat “ED,” insomnia, high cholesterol, and allergies. I’m sure you’ve seen them.
Well, I just learned that this same type of advertising is now being used to promote bariatric (weight-loss) surgery. Allergan (a pharmaceutical company) purchased the Lap-Band System from Inamed Health earlier this year and now wants to get the word out.
This type of weight-loss surgery ties a band around the stomach rather than using staples to make the stomach smaller.
This advertising campaign is one of the medical industry’s first TV campaigns for a surgical procedure. It’s a 60 second testimonial spot that will air on both the national networks and national cable stations between now and the end of the year. The ads give a toll-free number to call and a website to visit. A spokesperson for the company said the responses have exceeded expectations.
To be blunt, I don’t agree with this type of advertising. The medical treatment world is hugely complex, so to expect consumers to evaluate and then request a prescription based on a 60 second advertisement is fraught with problems. I’ll discuss these problems in future blogs.
Bariatric surgery is very serious stuff. In fact, in my course on weight loss, I suggest it as the very last thing to consider — and only after exhausting the primary recommendations I offer.
Allen Oelschlaeger
Author of Finally, the Straight Scoop About Weight, Nutrition, and Fitness
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September 3, 2010 at 2:51 am
Bariatric Surgery in Panama
Donald MacGillivray
Eric De Ycaza from AWP interviewed Mr. Donald MacGillivray, from Ontario, Canada, who came to Panama for a Bariatric Surgery to be performed at Hospital Santa Fe. The surgery was scheduled for today July 20th, 2009, and the patient is ready and waiting for the surgery time.
Why among the Bariatric Surgeries, you chose the Sleeve surgery?
Ans. Is the most modern operation of the bariatric surgeries and, like I said, about the hormones? I’m confident that it’s the best one for the long term.
Why Panama? There’re many destinations around the region. Why particularly did you choose Panama?
Ans. Well – I don’t want to sound vague – The main alternative is Mexico and, for me MX is not a very attractive country to come for a surgery. I’ve come to Panama several times, I really like Pma., I like its people, I’ve had other work done here, so I’m very happy- ok.
You had various options here in Pma. You contacted us through the internet- Was there any particular reason why you chose AWP to be your partner through this process / experience?
Ans. Long sight! Every other place that I checked – every single one you’d come the day before the surgery, you have the surgery & in 2 or 3 days you’re gone! But.., but this Panama process, they check you very throughout and there are a lot of preparation and tests – it’s much safer! – It’s a more complicated process and in every other place, you come the day before the surgery and that’s it. There’re not many check ups and the process is quick, but in Panama they really make sure all the angles are covered.
They’re more complicated and more mature – they checked my respiration and that has to be a 100% before we go on… Like in other places, they don’t even check it, they say blood work and, ahh, just the EKG, that’s the other test, but right after that you go to surgery!
What’s your general opinion on the Doctors and facilities in Panama?
-Overall, the doctor & the hospital were great… very professionals.
Thanks for everything, I’m so glad that I spoke to you and found such a wonderful Bariatric Surgery treatment. If you need to visit this hospital then feel free here: 1.303.578.0719, info@placidway.com