Just as people make plans for a vacation, wedding, or other major life event, plans should be made to prepare for Realize™ Band surgery. Planning will help you to be organized and in control of this process. Following these steps can bring you closer to achieving your weight loss goals.

Educate yourself. Learn the risks, requirements, and rewards of each surgical weight loss option.

• If you are interested in transforming your health with the REALIZE Band, work with a team of healthcare professionals. This team may include your bariatric surgeon, primary care physician, psychological counselor, dietician, weight management center, and fitness expert.
  
• You and your bariatric team will determine if the REALIZE Band is right for you, depending upon your physical, emotional, and psychological evaluation prior to surgery. Together, you and your team will develop a lifestyle plan for successful weight management; once you make your decision, you’ll be starting your journey to a new healthy lifestyle.

Surround yourself with a support network of people who want you to succeed.

• This network includes your healthcare team, family, and friends.
  
• Attend virtual or live support groups where people share their experiences and where you can be comfortable with others who understand what you’re going through.

Start practicing your new eating and exercise behaviors before surgery.

• It takes time to become accustomed to life with the REALIZE Band. So get a head start by practicing your new eating and exercise behaviors early. Learn more about healthy eating and staying active after surgery.
  
• Think of this as a warm-up routine in the same way an athlete does stretches before an athletic event or a musician practices before a concert.
  
• Develop and implement strategies to help you cope with times when you know you are vulnerable to emotional or unhealthy eating behaviors

Your bariatric program will give you a specific set of instructions to prepare for surgery. They know your specific clinical needs, and you should always follow their directions and advice.

• You may start a high-protein liquid diet. This diet may improve your surgeon’s ability to see your stomach and internal organs during surgery.
  
• You also may start taking vitamins and minerals at this time. Your healthcare team will determine whether you need to continue taking nutritional supplements after surgery.

Next: How to Select a Surgeon >