I'm new!!
Hi!
I just met with my surgeon for the first time--dr. Anez in Virginia--and he suggested I get the Realize Band...so I'm doing my research and am curious what you all wish you'd known before you had the surgery? Any surprises?
What were your reasons for picking Realize over other options?
How is your weightloss going since surgery?
How was recovery from sugery?
Thanks!!
Candace
I just met with my surgeon for the first time--dr. Anez in Virginia--and he suggested I get the Realize Band...so I'm doing my research and am curious what you all wish you'd known before you had the surgery? Any surprises?
What were your reasons for picking Realize over other options?
How is your weightloss going since surgery?
How was recovery from sugery?
Thanks!!
Candace
Hi there! I think the one thing I wish I'd known before having gastric band surgery was how quickly I would be hungry again. I know that its different for everyone, but by only 5 days out of surgery I was so hungry I started to crave just about any food (even stuff I'd normally never eat!) My surgeon has a strict diet plan to follow so I stuck to it until I saw him for my post-op follow up & he was nice enough to give me a fill then which has helped with the hunger. If I had known how hungry I'd be right away I would've bought my unflavored protein powder a lot sooner-and then added it to EVERYTHING! 
My surgeon only uses the realize band, so my only other options were the sleeve & RNY. I chose the band because I like that it is reversable and weight loss is slower than with RNY. I want the opportunity to shape my body through exercise as I lose weight, and to avoid a plastic surgery to remove excess skin.
I just had surgery about a month ago, and I've lost probably somewhere about 10 lbs. I'm trying really hard not to weigh myself all the time & to instead concentrate on my workouts and how my clothes feel. My pants are already falling off my hips-so I'm excited to buy a new pair of jeans soon. :)
I had surgery on a Monday, and spent one night in the hospital, going home on Tuesday morning. I went back to work on Wednesday, but I worked from home until the incisions didn't hurt so much (about a week or so.) Hope all this info helps! :)
My surgeon only uses the realize band, so my only other options were the sleeve & RNY. I chose the band because I like that it is reversable and weight loss is slower than with RNY. I want the opportunity to shape my body through exercise as I lose weight, and to avoid a plastic surgery to remove excess skin.
I just had surgery about a month ago, and I've lost probably somewhere about 10 lbs. I'm trying really hard not to weigh myself all the time & to instead concentrate on my workouts and how my clothes feel. My pants are already falling off my hips-so I'm excited to buy a new pair of jeans soon. :)
I had surgery on a Monday, and spent one night in the hospital, going home on Tuesday morning. I went back to work on Wednesday, but I worked from home until the incisions didn't hurt so much (about a week or so.) Hope all this info helps! :)
Hello
I had my Realize band surgery in March. I picked the Realize Band (over LapBand) mainly because it's what my surgeon suggested and since I couldn't seem to make up my mind between the 2 bands, I went with what he wanted. I went with the gastric banding over gastric bypass because I didn't want any "rerouting" of my insides. I feel like God put them like that for a reason and I'm not messing with that...hahaha. Seriously, though the banding surgery has less risk involved. I mainly went with the band because its adjustable. I like that it is customized especially to me. Also, my best friend was banded (with LapBand) and she has lost 220 lbs and that was over 2 years ago and she is maintaning. So it is possible to lose a massive amount of weight with gastric banding. The draw back is that any band is only going to work as much as you let it work. Meaning if you cheat, you won't lose weight like you should. Another, thing is the weight loss is much slower with banding. Which is a good thing...but I'm soooo impatient.
So far I have lost 38 pounds since the surgery which is average maybe I'm not sure. The average weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. I go in for my 4th fill next week and I'm hoping this fill will give me the restriction I want. I now have 7.8 ccs in my 11cc band. So I should be getting close to my sweet spot.
Recovery for me after surgery was quick. I was totally off pain meds within 2 days. I did have an issue with dehydration which made me feel dizzy and sick for a few days. I had surgery Tuesday and I could have been back to work the next Monday but I scheduled 2 weeks and I took my full 2 weeks.
As far as if I would change anything. I do admit that sometimes I wish I had the gastric bypass surgery. Mainly because I am VERY impatient and I want to lose weight faster. I just have to remind myself that this surgery is a slower weight loss. On most days I am very happy with my decision and wouldn't change a thing.
Good luck with your decsion and your surgery.
I had my Realize band surgery in March. I picked the Realize Band (over LapBand) mainly because it's what my surgeon suggested and since I couldn't seem to make up my mind between the 2 bands, I went with what he wanted. I went with the gastric banding over gastric bypass because I didn't want any "rerouting" of my insides. I feel like God put them like that for a reason and I'm not messing with that...hahaha. Seriously, though the banding surgery has less risk involved. I mainly went with the band because its adjustable. I like that it is customized especially to me. Also, my best friend was banded (with LapBand) and she has lost 220 lbs and that was over 2 years ago and she is maintaning. So it is possible to lose a massive amount of weight with gastric banding. The draw back is that any band is only going to work as much as you let it work. Meaning if you cheat, you won't lose weight like you should. Another, thing is the weight loss is much slower with banding. Which is a good thing...but I'm soooo impatient.
So far I have lost 38 pounds since the surgery which is average maybe I'm not sure. The average weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. I go in for my 4th fill next week and I'm hoping this fill will give me the restriction I want. I now have 7.8 ccs in my 11cc band. So I should be getting close to my sweet spot.
Recovery for me after surgery was quick. I was totally off pain meds within 2 days. I did have an issue with dehydration which made me feel dizzy and sick for a few days. I had surgery Tuesday and I could have been back to work the next Monday but I scheduled 2 weeks and I took my full 2 weeks.
As far as if I would change anything. I do admit that sometimes I wish I had the gastric bypass surgery. Mainly because I am VERY impatient and I want to lose weight faster. I just have to remind myself that this surgery is a slower weight loss. On most days I am very happy with my decision and wouldn't change a thing.
Good luck with your decsion and your surgery.
Candace,
If you want I can send you my entire reasonings. Send me a PM and I will send it to you. It's kinda long ;D !!
Good Luck on your Journey !!
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
Tom
“Nothing I will ever eat will give me the feeling I get as when I lose weight” The views expressed are based on my own experiences - and should NOT BE FOLLOWED IN LIEU OF DOCTOR’S ADVICE/INSTRUCTIONS. Only your Doctor knows your condition, and make sure you talk to them before making any changes to your diet
I knew I wanted the least invasive procedure and without any rerouting of any kind, so that left the choice to laprascopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). There are only 2 types of bands available. You can view a website comparing the two (LAP-BAND vs. REALIZE) at http://www.wlshelp.com/lap-band-vs-realize-band.html . I ultimately chose the REALIZE because it is known to offer more online support post-operatively.
If you decide on the REALIZE your MD will give you a presurgery Access Code that contains a 12-character access code. You are given some access to the site. After surgery, before discharge, your MD will give you a REALIZE Band Medical Information Card that contains your unique 16-character patient card ID. I enjoy using the website post-operatively.
In regards to any suprises - the only thing I didn't know was during surgery they inflate your stomach with air and naturally they can't get all of it out, even though they try. My surgeon administers lidocaine around the incision sites, so they didn't hurt at all. But, in the recovery room I felt pressure in my chest, which was the air that was still there. It felt like reallyyy bad indigestion, but it got better.
At my 1 week post-op visit I lost 16 pounds (270 down to 254). I am only 9 days post-op and feel great. You can read my blog for my 1st week post-op.
Good luck with your decision and weight loss :)
If you decide on the REALIZE your MD will give you a presurgery Access Code that contains a 12-character access code. You are given some access to the site. After surgery, before discharge, your MD will give you a REALIZE Band Medical Information Card that contains your unique 16-character patient card ID. I enjoy using the website post-operatively.
In regards to any suprises - the only thing I didn't know was during surgery they inflate your stomach with air and naturally they can't get all of it out, even though they try. My surgeon administers lidocaine around the incision sites, so they didn't hurt at all. But, in the recovery room I felt pressure in my chest, which was the air that was still there. It felt like reallyyy bad indigestion, but it got better.
At my 1 week post-op visit I lost 16 pounds (270 down to 254). I am only 9 days post-op and feel great. You can read my blog for my 1st week post-op.
Good luck with your decision and weight loss :)
Hey Candace
I'm not certain but it seemed to me less people that have REALIZE over lap band complain about there ports. I have made a few friends on this site that had surgery the same day as me but they had lap band and they complained how there port site was super sore for a few weeks. Mine was the most sore out of the incisions but really didn't give me any pain unless I laid on my tummy. Also for me RNY just wasn't something I felt comfortable with and I didn't think I needed to go that extreme. I like that the band is slow and kind of lets you ease into your new life rather than one day you wake up you can't eat any foods you enjoy but you are 100lbs lighter with all this hanging skin and have no idea how do deal with any of it.
I recovered from surgery well and quickly. I had my gallbladder out in 2007 so before surgery I was comparing what it might feel like a lot to that. I'm happy to say this surgery was 90% better than the gallbladder removal! I had what I called more discomfort rather than pain but nothing that bad. I took 6 days off and had a weekend in there and that for me was plenty I felt I could have gone back sooner but I am glad I didn't just because you do tired pretty easy those first few days.
I'm just over a month out and I've lost 14lbs since day of surgery and I had lost about 10 before that with the pre op diet. Also for me even though the weight loss is slow compared to RNY and others for me this is fast weight loss over 20lbs in less than 2 months! That's awesome to me!
The point of the REALIZE band is the weight loss is slow but it gives us time to get used to the new diet and way of life. I know most people hate the word diet but if your not changing your eating habits you will not loose any weight. Sound harsh and sure their are FEW exceptions but don't come into this thinking you can and will eat everything just the same as you are now or before you decided to have WLS. Sure you CAN eat everything but it is up to you to choose smart and eat less of those things that got you here in the first place.
The liquids for so many days before and after surgery is tough. Just know its temporary and just to allow your tummy time to heal. You will be eating normal foods soon enough and there are a bunch of different liquid proteins you can try in the mean time. I kind of even look forward to my protein shakes now I mix them all different ways to even be my snack sometimes too!
I'm not certain but it seemed to me less people that have REALIZE over lap band complain about there ports. I have made a few friends on this site that had surgery the same day as me but they had lap band and they complained how there port site was super sore for a few weeks. Mine was the most sore out of the incisions but really didn't give me any pain unless I laid on my tummy. Also for me RNY just wasn't something I felt comfortable with and I didn't think I needed to go that extreme. I like that the band is slow and kind of lets you ease into your new life rather than one day you wake up you can't eat any foods you enjoy but you are 100lbs lighter with all this hanging skin and have no idea how do deal with any of it.
I recovered from surgery well and quickly. I had my gallbladder out in 2007 so before surgery I was comparing what it might feel like a lot to that. I'm happy to say this surgery was 90% better than the gallbladder removal! I had what I called more discomfort rather than pain but nothing that bad. I took 6 days off and had a weekend in there and that for me was plenty I felt I could have gone back sooner but I am glad I didn't just because you do tired pretty easy those first few days.
I'm just over a month out and I've lost 14lbs since day of surgery and I had lost about 10 before that with the pre op diet. Also for me even though the weight loss is slow compared to RNY and others for me this is fast weight loss over 20lbs in less than 2 months! That's awesome to me!
The point of the REALIZE band is the weight loss is slow but it gives us time to get used to the new diet and way of life. I know most people hate the word diet but if your not changing your eating habits you will not loose any weight. Sound harsh and sure their are FEW exceptions but don't come into this thinking you can and will eat everything just the same as you are now or before you decided to have WLS. Sure you CAN eat everything but it is up to you to choose smart and eat less of those things that got you here in the first place.
The liquids for so many days before and after surgery is tough. Just know its temporary and just to allow your tummy time to heal. You will be eating normal foods soon enough and there are a bunch of different liquid proteins you can try in the mean time. I kind of even look forward to my protein shakes now I mix them all different ways to even be my snack sometimes too!
199 here I come!
Hey Candace! Welcome.
I didnt really choose which band, I couldnt decide so I went with my dr's recommendation of the Realize band.
The biggest suprise for me has been my slow rate of weight loss. I KNEW the band was just a tool and I would have to work with it, but I didnt think it would be so hard. Ive been in and out of restriction cause I seem to swell alot then it goes away. So when I have a fill I have great restriction for about two weeks...then its gone. I have been overfilled so Im hoping my next fill will put me at just the right spot.
I knew I had to work with the band, but I thought it would offer SOME help just being there. I have to do 90% of the work by myself.
BUT...THIS HAS JUST BEEN MY EXPERIENCE AND MAY NOT REFLECT YOURS.
Its a funny little thing and everyone is so different. Some people dont even need fills (though its rare) and just lose weight...not my experience.
I do think it is a FANTASTIC tool. Im still happy with my decision eventhough Im a slow loser. I knew anything else just wasnt for me.
Good luck to you!
I didnt really choose which band, I couldnt decide so I went with my dr's recommendation of the Realize band.
The biggest suprise for me has been my slow rate of weight loss. I KNEW the band was just a tool and I would have to work with it, but I didnt think it would be so hard. Ive been in and out of restriction cause I seem to swell alot then it goes away. So when I have a fill I have great restriction for about two weeks...then its gone. I have been overfilled so Im hoping my next fill will put me at just the right spot.
I knew I had to work with the band, but I thought it would offer SOME help just being there. I have to do 90% of the work by myself.
BUT...THIS HAS JUST BEEN MY EXPERIENCE AND MAY NOT REFLECT YOURS.
Its a funny little thing and everyone is so different. Some people dont even need fills (though its rare) and just lose weight...not my experience.
I do think it is a FANTASTIC tool. Im still happy with my decision eventhough Im a slow loser. I knew anything else just wasnt for me.
Good luck to you!
Banded Feb 23, 2009 / Revision to RNY Aug 25, 2010 
I am also new... I have my surgery next week 9/3/09. I am getting the realize band. I think the reason I picked it is because of the interactive features that come with the computer component. Support groups, Doctor and even family/friends can see your progress.
Who knows if I made the right decision, but that's where I am and what I am doing. Right now I am just trying to make it through this blasted pre op diet. I have begun to hate food. I had to force myself to eat dinner tonight. I have lost 7 lbs in 7 days on this diet however :D
Good luck everyone!!!
Dedi
Who knows if I made the right decision, but that's where I am and what I am doing. Right now I am just trying to make it through this blasted pre op diet. I have begun to hate food. I had to force myself to eat dinner tonight. I have lost 7 lbs in 7 days on this diet however :D
Good luck everyone!!!
Dedi
Dedi
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