To maximize the benefits of the REALIZE Band, you should eat several small
nutritionally balanced meals each day. Remember it will still be important to
eat foods that are low in calories, fat, cholesterol, and sugar. Also:
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Remember to chew slowly and take smaller bites and
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Include protein in your meals which will help you feel full longer
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Avoid high-calorie drinks
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Drink more water
Your healthcare team will give you advice regarding the large variety of foods
that is appropriate to maintain healthy and balanced nutrition. You can review
the REALIZE
Patient Guide for more detailed information about the REALIZE Band and the
Success Factors to guide your health transformation. Or you can use the Contact
Us feature to order this guide in a paper or multimedia CD/DVD version.
Ensuring your success with the REALIZE Band requires hard work, dedication to
your new lifestyle, and support from your loved ones. To help you along the
way, the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution includes Realize
mySuccess™ – an online tool that will help you and your doctor set
goals and continuosly watch your progress together - for up to 3 years
Next: Compare to LAP-BAND® >
To gain access to the abdominal cavity, small incisions are created on the abdomen. Trocars, which serve as passageways for the surgical instruments, are placed into the incisions. The surgical instruments are placed through the trocars into the abdominal cavity. The surgeon examines the abdominal cavity using a laparoscope or a video camera.
In preparation for the band, a tunnel is created behind the stomach. The REALIZE Band is introduced to the abdomen through a trocar. The REALIZE Band is positioned around the upper portion of the stomach then secured using the locking mechanism.
A tube attached to the REALIZE Band will be connected to the injection port. The port is used to adjust the band tightness after surgery. An incision is made on the upper abdomen to insert the REALIZE Injection Port beneath the skin. The tube is secured using the locking connector on the port. The injection port and tube are placed beneath the skin.
The REALIZE Band does not alter your digestive function. Food consumed passes through the digestive tract in the normal route. Approximately four to six weeks after surgery, you will visit your clinician and begin a series of periodic procedures to adjust your band. These adjustments may be necessary as long as you have your gastric band.
Your surgeon may tighten the REALIZE Band by injecting saline into the injection port. As the saline is introduced to the REALIZE Injection Port, it travels through the tube to the band. The addition of saline to the band creates a smaller upper stomach pouch. This smaller stomach pouch restricts the amount of food you can eat before feeling full.
