If morbid obesity is taking its toll on your health and lifestyle, gastric bypass or lap band surgery may be an effective way to lose the weight for good. When you have over 50 lbs. to lose, dieting and exercise usually aren’t enough; gastric band surgery can help you lose the weight by constricting the size of your stomach so you simply eat less.  

Weight loss experts and bariatric surgeons are now turning to an improved version of the original silicone prosthetic device of gastric bands with The REALIZE Gastric Band. The REALIZE Gastric Band was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2007, offering innovative approach for bariatric patients who want to keep the weight off for the long term.

Dr. Seger and his partners at the New Dimensions Weight Loss Surgery Center in San Antonio, Texas are now training hundreds of bariatric surgeons on this new surgical device, and it may offer many benefits for long-term weight loss.

The Problem with Weight Loss Programs

Finding a weight loss program that works is a challenge for many people who are extremely overweight or morbidly obese. Sometimes eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly aren’t enough; stress, lack of a consistent workout routine, and poor eating habits can all lead to weight gain that becomes very difficult to lose as the years go by.

Excess weight is also linked to a number of health conditions such as diabetes and sleep apnea, conditions where losing the weight quickly and effectively becomes even more important. Gastric band surgery is a simple weight loss procedure that can help millions of morbidly obese patients reach their weight loss goals.  

How the REALIZE Gastric Band Works  

The REALIZE Gastric Band is surgically implanted around the stomach and is adjustable; this makes it easy to tighten or loosen the band if you are losing weight too quickly – or not at all. The pressure of the band around the stomach creates a feeling of fullness after consuming smaller portions of food.   

Mickey Seger, MD, president of New Dimensions Weight Loss Surgery explains that “While the surgery is among the most effective treatments for morbid obesity, it is just one stop along the patient’s journey.” Patients still need to make adjustments and changes in their eating habits to keep the weight off for the long term, and will need to commit to a consistent exercise program, track their caloric intake, and continue to practice healthy eating habits. Since maintaining a healthy weight is often one of the biggest obstacles to success with any weight loss program, the REALIZE mySUCCESS patient support system is designed to help patients take control of post-surgery maintenance with ease.    

Key Benefits of the REALIZE Gastric Band  

In addition to helping with weight loss, the REALIZE Gastric Band can help improve a number of health conditions including: High blood pressure Acid reflux Type 2 diabetes High cholesterol  Sleep apnea The REALIZE mySUCCESS system works in conjunction with post-procedure treatment, encouraging patients to maintain steady weight loss and maximize the potential of the adjustable band. Patients can keep track of their food intake with a food journal, and even communicate with other patients using the REALIZE system. The REALIZE Gastric Band may help many dieters reach their weight loss goals with one simple surgical procedure and its innovative maintenance program.  

Is Gastric Band Surgery Right for You?  

Gastric band surgery continues to be one of the most popular weight loss programs and procedures available, and is an effective way to reduce excess weight when diet and exercise alone aren’t getting the results you need. 

Gastric band surgery patients must:  

• Have a BMI of at least 35-40
• Be in good physical health to manage the pain and recovery necessary for the weight loss procedure
• Be willing to change eating habits and modify your lifestyle to accommodate for the reduced weight and stomach size

Many people who are overweight or obese find it difficult to reduce portion sizes with dieting alone, and diet failures that lead to yo-yo dieting can also lead to more weight gain. The REALIZE Gastric Band is just one of the latest weight loss surgery options available, helping millions of people improve their life by reducing their weight and many health problems associated with morbid obesity and being overweight.