Bariatric Surgery Benefits
Why choose the REALIZE® Band?
No adjustable gastric band is safer or more effective than the REALIZE Band3
The REALIZE Band is supported by more than 20 years of worldwide clinical experience and ongoing innovation. Outside the United States, the REALIZE Band is known as the Swedish Adjustable Gastric Band (SAGB), and it has been used in patients since 1986. Patient safety and comfort are the main principles that guided the design of the SAGB. More than 20 years of data confirm the successful performance of the original soft, low-pressure balloon design. Today, the makers of the REALIZE Band still put patient safety and comfort first.
The REALIZE Band is shown to help patients achieve and maintain a healthier weight
Patients in a 3-year clinical trial:
- Lost a mean of 40% of their excess weight at 1 year and 43% at 3 years.1
- Were able to reduce their average body mass index (BMI) from 44 to 36 in the first year after surgery. Patients were able to maintain their reduced BMI through their third year.1
See how well the REALIZE Band worked for real people. Meet our REALIZE Band patients.
No part of your stomach is stapled or removed during adjustable gastric banding surgery and your intestines are not rerouted, so you can continue to absorb nutrients from food.
Health benefits
REALIZE Band patients in the U.S. clinical trial experienced:
- A 22% increase in good cholesterol (HDL).1
- Reductions in bad cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides.1
Surgical weight loss options have been shown to resolve or improve the most common health conditions associated with obesity.
Table 1: Effects of Adjustable Gastric Banding on Obesity-Related Conditions
| |
% of Gastric Band Patients |
| Type 2 Diabetes Resolved |
47.8%9 |
| High Blood Pressure Resolved |
43.2%9 |
| High Cholesterol Improved |
78.3%9 |
| Obstructive Sleep Apnea Resolved |
94.6%9 |
| Acid Reflux/GERD Resolved |
32.3%10 |
REALIZE Band and port design benefits
- A sophisticated balloon design to reduce potential for tissue trauma.1 The REALIZE Band features a high-volume, low-pressure balloon.
- A wider band to decrease the potential for band slippage.1 The REALIZE Band is the widest band available (23 mm). That's important, because if a band slips, another surgical procedure is required to replace or adjust it.
- No adjustable gastric band has a lower leak rate than the REALIZE Band.3 If a band leaks, a second surgical procedure is required to replace it.
- A port placed without sutures (during the banding procedure) to reduce pain and time under anesthesia. The REALIZE Injection Port is placed using a unique patented port applier and requires no sutures (stitches). REALIZE Band patients may experience less port site pain and up to 19% less time under anesthesia than LAP-BAND System patients, whose ports are attached with sutures.4
- The lowest profile port design to minimize the appearance under the skin,1 even as you lose weight. The REALIZE Port has a lower profile than LAP-BAND System ports.
Weight loss surgery cost savings over time
A recent study shows that bariatric surgery pays for itself in about 2 years.11 One important reason is that weight loss surgery may help to improve or resolve conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol,9 so patients save money on related prescription drugs, doctor visits, and hospital visits.11 In fact, monthly savings associated with laparoscopic bariatric surgery were shown to reach more than $900 as early as 13 months following surgery.11
Quality of life improvements
Clinical studies of laparoscopic bariatric surgery patients found that they felt better, spent more time doing recreational and physical activities, benefited from enhanced productivity and economic opportunities, and had more self-confidence than they did prior to surgery.9
Information seminars: an important step to learn more about the REALIZE Band
If you're considering adjustable gastric banding surgery, we encourage you to attend an information seminar hosted by a REALIZE Band trained bariatric surgeon. You'll learn about surgical weight loss options, you'll meet bariatric team members who will support you before and long after your surgery, and you may also hear from patients who have had weight loss surgery.
There's no pressure to make a commitment—and no better way to explore your weight loss surgery options. Of course, family and friends are welcome, too. Use our seminar finder to locate a seminar in your area, and register to ensure that you have a seat because seminars often fill up.
Want to talk it over? We're ready to help. Call us at 1-855-2-REALIZE if you have questions or concerns or want help finding a seminar near you.
