Realize Band

The Realize Adjustable Gastric Band is another bariatric surgery procedure that we offer here at Surgical Arts of Inland Empire.  As a surgical method of weight loss (similar to the Lap Band), the Realize Band is designed to achieve gradual weight loss, but offers a wider range of adjustment to minimize stretching of the gastric band.

Like other bariatric procedures, the Realize Band is designed to safely promote weight loss and thereby improve your quality of life.  After weight loss, many patients are able to resolve disorders and health problems related to obesity.

Are you a candidate for the Realize Band?

If you have failed to lose weight through supervised diet changes and exercise, you may be a candidate for surgery with the Realize Band.

Most bariatric surgery patients have:

• BMI (body mass index) of 35-40
• One or more health problems related to obesity.

To benefit from bariatric surgery, one must also be committed to making long-term lifestyle changes such as healthy diet and regular exercise.

How Realize Band Surgery Works

Surgery with the Realize Band is often performed laparoscopically, meaning your surgeon uses a fiber optic instrument that allows visualization of the abdominal cavity during surgery. The Realize band is placed on the upper portion of the stomach, which effecitvely limits food intake and brings satiety sooner.

After the Realize Band Procedure

Several days after surgery, your doctor will adjust the band by adding or removing saline through a low-profile port on the your abdomen.  This part of the operation will ensure continued effectiveness of the weight loss process.  The first adjustment is usually scheduled 4 weeks after surgery.

Your eating habits will become easier and your body weight will gradually decrease.  Through this weight reduction, your risk of several obesity-related diseases and disorders is reduced.  The risk of common, but serious, disorders such as the following can be reduced:

• Hypertension
• Type II diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Heart Disease
• Sleep Apnea

Weight loss typically occurs during the first 2 years, but may occur gradually beyond that period. Changes in diet and exercise habits are always recommended to achieve the best possible improvement in your health.

Your success with the Realize band is measured not only by amount of weight you lose, but also on quality-of-life improvements you experience after surgery.

Bariatric surgery can bring a significant change in your life and overall health, but if you’re considering this surgery, you should make a concentrated effort to understand the risks involved and make an informed choice. To learn more about the Realize band and the procedure, contact Surgical Arts of Inland Empire.