New Jersey REALIZE Band Surgery

Do I Qualify? | Bariatric Surgery | Lap Band | Realize Band | Gastric Bypass | Health Benefits | StomaphyX |
Risks | Choosing a Procedure | BMI

Learn more about one patient's Lap Band success.

REALIZE Band surgery is a serious procedure that involves the dedication of the patient, physician and medical weight loss team.  It’s not easy.  As people who’ve struggled with weight issues their entire life know, there is no simple solution, but with patience, motivation and commitment to lifestyle changes REALIZE Band surgery can lead to a longer and healthier life.

How to Lose Weight with New Jersey Realize Band

The REALIZE Band limits the amount of food you can eat at one time.  When the REALIZE Band is implanted, it molds the stomach into two connected chambers: a small upper stomach and the lower stomach.  The new upper stomach can only hold about 4 ounces [1/2 cup] of food.  For this reason, you will feel full sooner than usual.  The lower stomach does not need to fill for you to feel full.  The restriction created by the band also slows the flow of food from the small upper stomach to the lower stomach.  When the band is tightened (restriction increased), you can eat less food during a single meal and food will empty more slowly to the lower stomach.  This means you will feel full sooner and stay full longer with the REALIZE Band leading to better control of your appetite. 



New Jersey REALIZE Band Animation Video ? Part I
New Jersey REALIZE Band Live Placement Video ? Part II

Although the REALIZE Band can help you feel full faster and stay full longer, it will not eliminate the emotional desire to eat.  If you try to eat more than 4 ounces at a meal, you may feel uncomfortable and may regurgitate.  This reaction is common, and is due to overeating.  You will quickly learn how to eat to avoid discomfort and regurgitation.  As you eat less food, your body will stop storing excess calories and it will begin to use its fat energy stores.  The goal is to lose a health 1 to 2 pounds a week.

The REALIZE Band provides you with a powerful tool to combat hunger and overeating.  It helps you feel full faster and longer.  But if you eat high-calorie foods or drink high-calorie liquids, the REALIZE Band will not promote weight loss.  For this reason, you will need to follow specific eating and behavioral guidelines to help you accomplish your goals.

Health Benefits of REALIZE Band Surgery

• The primary advantage of the REALIZE Band procedure is that it reduces the amount of food consumed at one time, yet doesn't interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients and vitamins.
• It’s a non-invasive surgery since there is no stomach stapling, cutting or intestinal rerouting; there is no risk of intestinal leak or dumping.
• Patients report a significant improvement in their vitality, mental health and social functioning after surgery, as well as improvement in general health, reduction in bodily pain and increased ability to complete daily and work activities [based on US clinical studies].
• Quality of life drastically improves for patients, with surgery resolving or improving patients’ diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. (Visit Health Benefits)
• Weight loss after gastric band surgery can improve fertility. (See article)

REALZIE Band Recovery & Follow-up

• Surgery takes approximately one hour to perform.
• Our patients leave the hospital either the same day or one day after REALIZE Band surgery.
• Return to work varies from one week to three weeks depending on the type of work.
• No heavy lifting (more than 10lbs) is allowed for four to six weeks after surgery.
• The REALIZE Band is adjusted in the office without requiring further surgery.
• You will have the support of our dedicated team of medical professionals who will work with you on nutrition, exercise, psychological, and physical therapy needs both before surgery and for the long-term.

Potential Concerns of REALIZE Band Surgery

• Regular monthly follow up for the first year after REALIZE Band surgery is critical for optimal weight loss.
• The REALIZE Band needs to be adjusted approximately 3-5 times in the first year to obtain the desired long-term weight loss, therefore patients need to be committed to regular follow-up with the same surgeon for the first few years.
• Patients who are sweet eaters (high calorie shakes, chocolate or soda) will have a more difficult time losing weight with this procedure. It is recommended that patients give up eating excessive amounts of sweets and liquid calories prior to surgery.
• Visit risks of surgery for full descriptions of the risks associated with gastric band surgery.

New Jersey Bariatric Center
Achieving dramatic, sustainable weight loss is within your reach, and the team at New Jersey Bariatric Center can help!  Our approach to patient care has resulted in zero mortality to date, zero leak rate, and a complication rate that is lower than the national average. These surgical results stand out as some of the best in the nation.

If you or someone you love is considering REALIZE Band procedure please join us for one of our free educational seminars. To register, call (908) 378-1779 or click here.