Method for screening patients to predict which patients at risk of a medical disorder, such as morbid obesity, gastrointestinal problems, or gastroesophageal problems, will be responders, and conversely, which patients will not, to achieve a favorable outcome from therapy for that disorder. This method supports an intervention strategy for patients having weight or gastrointestinal problems that will cut health costs. It enables patients and care-givers alike to more efficiently use their time, efforts and resources by enabling an early selection of an appropriate treatment modality for a given patient. Its application also extends to other implantable medical devices and therapies using them.