Gastric banding is a restrictive surgical procedure. During this procedure, two medical devices are implanted in the patient: a silicone band and an injection port. The silicone band is placed around the upper part of the stomach and molds the stomach into two connected chambers. The injection port is attached to the abdominal wall, underneath the skin. The port is connected to the band with soft, thin tubing.

There are two Ajustable Bands available in the United States and at The Surgical Weight Loss Institute, we are pleased have extensive experience in and to offer both bands.

The REALIZE™ Adjustable Gastric Band

and REALIZE Injection Port 

Dr. de la Cruz-Munoz is a proctor for Ethicon EndoSurgery and teaches surgeons around the US on proper placement and use of the Realize band.

LAP-BAND^® System

Dr. de la Cruz-Munoz has been performing the Lap Band procedure since shortly after its FDA approval in 2001.  He has placed hundreds of Lap Bands.

Gastric banding can help you feel satisfied sooner and with less food, but it won’t eliminate the desire to eat. You will need to follow your specific diet and exercise guidelines provided us to achieve success.

Gastric banding requires more intensive follow-up care than most other bariatric surgeries. This is mostly because the band is adjustable.  Adjustments are made us in our office using a needle to inject saline solution into your band through the port. Adding saline increases the amount of restriction provided by the band, helping patients feel fuller sooner and with less food. Keep in mind that even after reaching and maintaining your success weight, you will need to follow up qwith us for further evaluations and further adjustments.

Since there is no cutting, stapling or stomach re-routing involved in the banding procedure, it is considered the least traumatic of all weight loss surgeries. The laparoscopic approach to the surgery also offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery. If for any reason the band needs to be removed, the stomach generally returns to its original form.

Minimal Trauma

• Least invasive surgical option
• No intestinal re-routing
• No cutting or stapling of the stomach wall or bowel
• Reduced patient pain, hospital length-of-stay and recovery period

  Fewer Risks and Side Effects  

• Significantly lower mortality risk than other obesity surgery procedures
• Low risk of nutritional deficiencies associated with gastric bypass
• Reduced risk of hair loss
• No “dumping syndrome” related to dietary intake restrictions

  Adjustable
 

• Allows individualized degree of restriction for ideal, long-term weight loss
• Adjustments performed without additional surgery
• Supports pregnancy by allowing stomach outlet size to be opened for increased nutritional needs

Reversible

• Removable at any time
• Stomach and other anatomy are generally restored to their original forms and functions Gastric banding patients typically lost an average of 47% of their excess weight.

Your Motivation While the bands are an effective treatment for morbid obesity, the pounds do not come off by themselves. The band is an aid to support you in achieving lasting results by limiting food intake, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. However, your motivation and commitment to adopt a new lifestyle are extremely important for long-term weight loss. New eating habits must be adhered to for the rest of your life. Exercise is an equally important component of a changed lifestyle.  

Potential Risks and Complications After Gastric Banding

For gastric banding, the same consensus statement reported that, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, the operative morbidity is approximately 5% and operative mortality is approximately 0.1%.9
 

 The Realize band comes with an added benefit of the 

A Guide on Your Journey Your commitment to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle is a long-term one; and our commitment to you is, too. The REALIZE™ Personalized Banding Solution is unique because, in addition to the REALIZE Band, it includes a one-of-a-kind patient support system Realize mySuccess that will help guide you on your journey to consistent, long-term weight loss. Before and after surgery, this highly interactive web application provides the information you need, when you need it. REALIZE mySUCCESS is with you to support, inform, encourage and enable. Developed with the help of health care professionals and patients just like you, REALIZE mySUCCESS allows you to develop personalized eating and fitness plans, designed by you, for you. The application also provides a vital link to your health care team between visits, enabling your bariatric program to track your progress, and gather information needed to determine the correct band fill level for you. Even before surgery, as soon as you have selected a qualified bariatric practice, you can access key features of REALIZE mySUCCESS, allowing you to begin changing your habits and improving your health. The site also provides education on what to expect during recovery and how to adjust to your new way of eating. After surgery, you’ll have access to the full functionality of REALIZE mySUCCESS, which is comprised of four main sections, each addressing a different aspect of the REALIZE Personalized Banding Solution. In each section, you’ll find a wealth of helpful information and practical tips. Some sections may be more relevant to your current needs than others. REALIZE mySUCCESS has something to offer everyone; it’s comprehensive, flexible design lets you develop and implement eating and fitness plans to match your changing lifestyle.   myPersonalPlan In myPersonalPlan, you can proactively address obstacles and plan for success using myEatingGuide, myEatingTriggers, mySuccessStrategies and mySupportNetwork.

• In myEatingGuide, focus on pre-planning your meals.
• In myEatingTriggers, identify times you are most likely to eat for reasons other than hunger.
• In mySuccessStrategies, develop coping strategies for potential stumbling blocks.
• In mySupportNetwork, list family, friends and health care professionals you rely on most.
• In mySupportNetwork, list family, friends and health care professionals you rely on most.

myProgress myProgress lets you see the results of all your planning in action.

• In myStats, log your weights and measurements.
• In myPics, keep a photo journal of your transformation.
• In myGoals, focus on the results that mean the most to you.
• In myBandFills, keep track of your adjustments.
• In theNewMe, envision your transformed body through virtual modeling. 

myNutrition In myNutrition, you’ll have access to more than 400 healthy recipes your whole family will enjoy. You’ll also be able to keep a detailed food journal, myFoodDiary, where you can record what and where you eat and your mood during meals. myFoodDiary is an invaluable tool as you begin to eat attentively and focus on good nutrition. myFitness The myFitness section helps you incorporate activities you enjoy into your daily routine. With a variety of options including traditional exercise (walking, biking, swimming) as well as everyday activities (cleaning, gardening) you can develop a fitness plan that works for you¾one you can consistently follow. Record your activity and track your progress in myFitDiary.  Practical tools. Relevant Information. Timely Encouragement. Ongoing Support at your fingertips. REALIZE mySUCCESS™ is a strong complement to the REALIZE Band and a powerful ally on the road to a new, healthier you. REALIZE™ and REALIZE mySUCCESS™ are trademarks of Ethicon Endo-Surgery