Risks And Benefits Of The Realize Band

Gastric banding procedures, like the REALIZE Personalized Banding System, have been touted as the safer options in bariatric surgery. In addition to its safety record, the REALIZE Band has various benefits for patients seeking surgery as a solution to obesity. However, as with any surgery, the REALIZE Band procedure does have some risks and potential complications.

Advantages of the REALIZE Band

The REALIZE Band offers important benefits and advantages, including:
Weight Loss Benefits - Patients tend to lose weight at the healthy rate of one to two pounds per week. In one clinical study, patients lost about 40 percent of their excess weight during the first year and reduced their BMI from 44 to 36.

Health Benefits - Almost 50 percent of gastric band patients with type 2 diabetes and almost 95 percent of patients with sleep apnea no longer suffered from the medical conditions. Other health issues, including high blood pressure and acid reflux also saw improvements.

Product and Surgery Benefits - The REALIZE Band is placed using laparoscopic surgery, allowing for a faster recovery and less scarring. The gastric band also does not permanently alter the stomach or the intestines.

Long-term Success Tool Benefits - The REALIZE mySuccess online tool assists patients in better tracking their progress and planning their goals with their doctor.

Possible Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, the REALIZE Band procedure is not risk free. Possible risks of any abdominal or bariatric surgery include bleeding, pain, infection, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, stroke, heart attack, enlarged heart, gastrointestinal inflammation, gallstones, vomiting and nausea, dehydration, constipation, and diarrhea.

Possible risks or complications specific to the type of gastric banding procedure used for the placement of the REALIZE Band, include:

Movement of band/slippage
Leak in the gastric band
Complications with tubing (kinks, disconnection)
Esophageal spasm
Infection of the port site

Some complications are mild, like temporary discomfort. However, more serious complications, including gastric band slippage, could result in the need for a second operation. The REALIZE Band patient guide and your bariatric surgeon can provide additional information regarding the band's risks and benefits.