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You�ve probably watched television programs, read magazines, and talked with others about gastric band surgery. Maybe you know someone who�s had gastric band surgery or know someone who knows someone that�s had the surgery. Some of the information you�ve heard may be factual, but some of it may be partly right or completely wrong. We�ve developed a quiz that may help dispel the myths and help you know the facts about gastric band surgery. Give it a try—you might be surprised.
The Facts and Myths
A patient who has a gastric band, adheres to a healthy diet, and exercises regularly can expect to lose 5-10 pounds per week or over 20lbs per month.
This is a myth. The goal of the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is to help a patient safely lose 1-2 pounds per week or 50-150 lbs in 12-18 months. As they lose weight, it will be important for them to carefully follow their eating plan to maintain healthy and balanced nutrition.1
The greatest advantage of the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is that a patient is able to continue their current eating habits—in smaller portions.
No can do. The REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is a powerful tool to help a patient combat hunger and overeating. But, it will not promote weight loss if a patient eats high-calorie, high-fat foods or drinks high-calorie liquids. A patient will need to follow a specific eating and behavioral plan to lose weight.1
Gastric band surgery is a restrictive surgical procedure during which a band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach.
It�s a fact. Adjustable gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure in which a band is placed around the uppermost part of the stomach. The band divides the stomach into two parts, a smaller upper pouch and a larger lower portion. The smaller upper pouch helps the patient feel full with less food.1
Studies have shown that the only benefit of gastric band surgery, eating a healthy diet, and regularly exercising is weight loss.
Absolute myth. Research published in 2004 in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicated that patients who had gastric band surgery not only lost weight but also had improvements in their blood pressure, blood fats (cholesterol, triglycerides), diabetes, and sleep apnea.1 In another study, significant improvements in arthritis, asthma, depression, joint and back pain, and urinary stress incontinence also were described by patients. In this study, medication use decreased and patients reported an improvement in their quality of life.2
A patient attempting to achieve their weight loss goals with the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution will most likely need emotionally supportive people in their life.
It's no lie. Transforming your life is exciting! But, it may be a little scary and challenging, too. That�s why it will be critical for a patient to have a supportive team of people who truly want them to succeed. This team should include members of their bariatric practice, and some family or friends. They should also plan to attend virtual or live support groups where they will be comfortable sharing experiences on their weight loss journeys.1
Most successful band patients have their band adjusted several times in the first 18 months. These adjustments are usually done as an office visit and take 5-10 minutes.
No myth here. Adjustments may be necessary as long as you have your gastric band. Adjustments are not additional surgeries, and can be performed at a healthcare professional�s office, clinic, or hospital, usually within 5-10 minutes.1 Patients in a U.S. clinical study needed an average of four adjustments during their first year, two during their second year, and two during their third year after surgery. Despite having the REALIZE Band adjusted, if you snack between meals, eat high-calorie foods, or do not exercise regularly, you can end up regaining the weight you originally lost.1
If a patient has laparoscopic band surgery and there are no complications, they can expect to be hospitalized for no more than 1-2 days.
If a patient qualifies, gastric banding can be safely performed on an outpatient basis.1 Results from the 2001-2002 National Inpatient Survey indicate that the average hospital stay for patients who had laparoscopic banding surgery was 2 days.2
The REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is the only band solution that includes integrated online tools to help keep patients focused on their diet and exercise routines, and track their progress with links to their local bariatric practice.
It�s true. Part of the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution is REALIZE mySuccess � a one-of-a-kind interactive tool that allows you to develop personalized eating and fitness plans, designed by you, for you. Features include an eating guide, food diary, fitness tracker, photo journal, and more. The application also provides a vital link to your health care team between visits, enabling your doctor to track your progress and gather information needed to determine the correct band fill level for you.
Want to Learn More?
We hope that we have helped you to know the facts about gastric band surgery. If you want to learn more visit REALIZE Benefits or use our Surgeon Locator to find a REALIZE trained surgeon near you.
