Realize Band Forum

by Marcy Huff

When finding a Realize Band surgeon, the most important thing to consider is the surgeons experience. Your Realize Band surgeon should have experience performing the gastric band procedure, specifically with the Realize Band. You should also feel confident in your bariatric surgeon. You may want to take the opportunity to speak with the bariatric surgeon's patients. Patients willing to refer family, friends, and interested candidates are a good indication of the bariatric surgeon's quality. Another good gauge of quality is a Center of Excellence (COE) designation. COE programs and bariatric surgeons are judged by strict criteria to ensure they provide high-quality care. Another important factor to consider is the bariatric surgeon's commitment to your success. Your bariatric surgeon should provide long-term care with follow-up appointments, information, and support resources.

Make sure the bariatric surgeons using the Realize Band meet or exceed the following criteria:

• Bariatric surgeon has completed a Realize Band training course authorized by Ethicon Endo-Surgery.
• Bariatric surgeon has completed at least 15 cases with the Realize Band.
• Bariatric surgeon has performed at least 125 bariatric procedures with at least 50 of those cases performed during the last 12 months.
• Institution has credentialing guidelines in place for bariatric surgery.
• Bariatric surgeon meets institution?s credentialing guidelines.
• Institution has an ongoing and regularly scheduled in-service education program for bariatric surgery in place.
• Designated Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery (Surgeon) is in place.
• Appropriate consultative services are available from applicant hospital within 30 minutes of request.
• Bariatric surgeon maintains a full line of equipment and instruments for the care of bariatric surgical patients.
• Bariatric surgeon has qualified coverage and support for patient care in the absence of the primary surgeon.
• Bariatric surgeon utilizes clinical pathways and orders to facilitate standardization of care.
• Bariatric surgeon utilizes designated nurses or physician extenders who routinely care for bariatric patients.
• Post-op patient support system is in place and a licensed healthcare professional must either lead or be present for support group meetings.
• System in place for long-term patient follow-up and outcomes tracking.

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This information has been provided by Dr. Trace Curry and his team at the Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. To learn more about the Center for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, please visit http://www.thebanddoctor.com/.