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printer-friendly versionThe REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Banding Surgery
The REALIZE Band is placed during a laparoscopic procedure, which is performed using small incisions. The procedure does not involve cutting or stapling of the stomach, and does not alter the digestive system. Laparoscopic surgery typically results in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures.
When a laparoscopic operation is performed, small incisions are made in the abdomen. A small video camera, along with the surgical instruments, is inserted through the incisions. The surgeon views the procedure on a separate video monitor. Most laparoscopic surgeons believe that this gives them a better view and better access to key anatomical structures.
Working through the incisions, the surgeon guides the placement of the band and the injection port. The surgeon places the REALIZE Port using a unique patented port applier. The port is placed without sutures (stitches) to reduce pain and time under anesthesia. Most REALIZE Band patients go home the day of surgery or the following day.
No part of the stomach is stapled or removed during gastric banding surgery and the intestines are not re-routed as in gastric bypass surgery. That means the body continues to absorb nutrients from food. Learn about life after surgery.
Paying for surgery
Many health insurance plans offer coverage for bariatric surgery. Without insurance, there are many financing options available, such as a credit card, personal line of credit, or home equity loan. To learn more, read Bariatric Insurance Coverage and Financing.
Selecting a surgeon to perform the procedure
When searching for a surgeon, it is important to research the surgeon?s qualifications and to ask questions of the surgeon and the staff at the bariatric clinic. All of these people play a role in supporting patients after surgery, so it?s important to feel comfortable with them.
The following are three important criteria to consider when evaluating potential surgeons:
- Center of Excellence (COE) designation. Programs and surgeons that focus on bariatric procedures may apply to be rated as a Center of Excellence. They are judged by strict criteria established by the Surgical Review Corporation and the American College of Surgeons. Both accrediting bodies conduct thorough inspections of a facility to ensure that patients receive excellent care before and after surgery.
?COE programs are required to be comprehensive, which means that surrounding the experienced surgeon and the surgery there's going to be a team of professionals, nurses, dietitians, and mental health professionals ? people that can help you with things like exercise and support groups,? said Karen Schulz, program coordinator at a bariatric practice.
- The surgeon?s experience in performing gastric banding. Experienced surgeons have been shown to report significantly lower complication rates and shorter operating times.3 Patients are entitled to ask about the number of procedures a surgeon has performed and the clinical outcomes data.
- The surgeon?s commitment to patients? success. Bariatric experts agree that patients need help to lose weight and keep it off after surgery, so knowing how a surgeon supports his or her patients is important. A gastric banding surgeon should provide long-term care, which includes follow-up appointments, information, and support resources such as access to dietitians, counselors, and nutritionists.
REALIZE Band patients have an additional support tool available to them. It?s called the REALIZE mySUCCESS® Program. It is designed to meet the specific needs of REALIZE Band patients, such as helping patients progress from a liquid diet to solid foods, finding the right band fit, and keeping patients and surgeons connected so that surgeons can provide patients with personal guidance when necessary. REALIZE mySUCCESS® has been shown to help REALIZE Band patients lose significantly more weight in the first year after surgery.* Those interested in the REALIZE Band are advised to ask the surgeon how he or she uses REALIZE mySUCCESS® as part of a weight loss plan. Learn about the importance of ongoing support after surgery.
Finding a surgeon
Patients can often meet surgeons at information seminars. Seminars are usually conducted by an experienced bariatric surgeon or by members of a bariatric clinic who can thoroughly explain the procedure, discuss the risks and benefits, and answer questions. Weight loss surgery patients may also be there to share their experiences. No commitment is required. Use this seminar finder or call 1-866-300-1818 to locate a seminar.
Patients are often required to attend a surgeon?s seminar before the surgeon will hold a one-on-one consultation to discuss the patient?s surgical options.
© Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. 2009 DSL#09-1077
*Based on 12 months of patient-reported data from REALIZE® Band patients using REALIZE mySUCCESS®. Regular users were in the top third of patients based on frequency of entering a weight into REALIZE mySUCCESS®. Source: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. data on file.
This information is provided by Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Ethicon Endo-Surgery is not responsible for any other content on this Web site. The REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band is used in morbidly obese adult patients for significant long-term weight loss. It may not be right for individuals with certain digestive tract conditions. All surgery presents risks. Weight, age, and medical history determine your specific risks. Ask your doctor if bariatric surgery is right for you.
For more information, visit the official site for the REALIZE® Adjustable Gastric Band, www.REALIZE.com, or call 1-866-REALIZE.
Footnotes:
3 Shirmer, B, Schauer P. Bariatric surgery training: getting your ticket punched. J Gastrointest Surg. 2007; 11:807-812.
