Realize Band in Rancho Cucamonga

The Realize Adjustable Gastric Band is an FDA approved device used in adjustable gastric banding procedures, a popular, effective bariatric surgery procedure that we offer here at Surgical Arts of Inland Empire. Like the LAP Band, the Realize Band is designed to safely achieve gradual weight loss, but offers a wider range of adjustment to minimize stretching of the gastric band.

Why consider the Realize Band to help me lose weight?

Gastric banding surgery has been used widely for over 15 years as a safe, effective way to help patients lose significant weight and resolve health problems related to obesity. The Realize Band is FDA approved for gastric banding, and is very similar in form and function to the LAP Band, with a few key differences:

  • The Realize Band has greater adjustability
  • It is designed to minimize stretching of the upper stomach pouch

To learn more about how the Realize Band works, please read our page on adjustable gastric banding.

Are you a candidate for the Realize Band?

Bariatric surgery with the Realize Band is intended for patients over 18 who have a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 40 and have not been successful at losing weight through diet and exercise. Typically, patients have at least 50 pounds to lose, and either have or are at serious risk for obesity-related health problems before they are considered good candidates for the Realize Band.

To benefit from any bariatric surgery, including the Realize Band, a patient must be willing to make long-term lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is also important to fully understand the potential social and emotional effects of reducing your food intake dramatically.

  • Customizable band adjustment gives you the ability to control the pace of weight loss
  • Performed laparoscopically, resulting in smaller incisions and quicker recovery times
  • Reduced risk of nutritional deficiencies, as the band does not interfere with the digestive process
  • Increased satiety with less food, aiding in the reduction of overall calorie intake
  • Designed to be fully reversible, without permanent alteration to the stomach
  • Absorption: The process by which nutrients from food are taken into the body. 
  • Adjustable Gastric Band: A medical device placed around the upper part of the stomach to create a small pouch, limiting food intake. The Realize Band is a type of adjustable gastric band.
  • Bariatric Surgery: Surgical procedures performed on the stomach or intestines to induce weight loss. The Realize Band surgery is one form of bariatric surgery.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of body fat based on height and weight. A BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 or higher with obesity-related conditions, typically qualifies someone for gastric banding surgery.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive surgical technique that uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgery, commonly used to place the Realize Band.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Potential risks following some bariatric procedures, less common with the Realize Band due to its minimal impact on the digestive process.
  • Obesity: A medical condition involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems. The Realize Band is designed to help individuals with obesity lose weight.
  • Port: A small device connected to the gastric band via tubing, placed under the skin during surgery, through which saline is added or removed to adjust the band’s tightness.
  • Realize Band: A specific brand of adjustable gastric band designed for weight loss by restricting food intake and promoting early satiety.
  • Reversible: A characteristic of the Realize Band and other gastric banding surgeries, meaning the procedure can be reversed, and the band removed if necessary.
  • Satiety: The feeling of being full or satisfied after eating. The Realize Band helps patients achieve satiety with less food.
  • Semaglutide: A injectable weight loss medication approved for weight loss and diabetes management that mimics an intestinal hormone to reduce appetite; not directly related to gastric banding but part of broader weight management strategies, and is a non-surgical alternative.
  • Weight Loss Surgeon: A medical professional who specializes in surgical procedures, including the Realize Band surgery, to help patients lose weight and improve health.

Our experienced bariatric surgeons can help you understand the benefits and risks of adjustable gastric banding with the Realize Band during a personal consultation.

Contact us learn more about the Realize Band in Rancho Cucamonga.