The REALIZE Band is a strong, flexible, adjustable silicone band that is used to divide the stomach into a small upper pouch and a lower stomach.
The upper pouch can only hold about 1/2 cup of food before you feel full. The restriction between the upper and lower part of the stomach makes the stomach empty more slowly so you feel full for longer. This helps you eat less at each meal and go longer between meals. As a result, when you adopt healthy eating and lifestyle habits, the REALIZE band can help you safely lose about 1 to 2 pounds each week.
REALIZE Gastric Band Surgery Today
Because of its safety and reversibility, gastric band surgery has been the most popular bariatric surgery in the United States and worldwide for many years. However, improvements in other bariatric procedures, such as Gastric Sleeve, along with increasing complication rates for the band, have made it less popular. The gastric band is now only used in exceptional cases and rarely as the first choice in bariatric surgery.
What is REALIZE Band Surgery?
While the patient is asleep, small incisions are made in the abdomen. Thin, flexible surgical instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity along with a laparoscope which allows the bariatric surgeon to see inside the abdomen while performing the surgery.The REALIZE Band is positioned around the upper portion of the stomach then secured using a secure locking mechanism.
A tube attached to the Band is connected to the injection port. The port is used to adjust the band tightness after surgery. The injection port and tube are secured beneath the skin of the upper abdomen.
The REALIZE Band does not change your digestive function. Food passes through the digestive tract in the normal route. The band assists by slowing the passage of food and helping you feel full with smaller quantities of food.
The band is adjusted periodically by adding or removing saline. This is done through the injection port and allows your surgeon to regulate your weight loss and maintain your comfort.
