Restrictive Procedure
After REALIZE™ Band surgery, patients may need revision weight loss surgery for a number of reasons. The REALIZE band could slip leading to a slow chronic condition or an acute condition requiring emergency surgery. Both circumstances ultimately lead to the REALIZE band not functioning the way it should. While each circumstance is different, treating these issues may require removing the REALIZE band, repositioning the REALIZE band or replacing the REALIZE band all together. Removing the REALIZE band obviously opens the door for potential weight regain.
REALIZE band erosion is another possible complication of REALIZE band surgery. REALIZE band erosion occurs when the REALIZE band causes a hole to be worn into the stomach, making the REALIZE band rather ineffective. Patients may experience a single occurrence of vomiting blood as the first signal of REALIZE band erosion. The most frequent symptom of REALIZE band erosion is an infection around the site of the port. Due to erosion caused by the REALIZE band, saliva leaks through the hole in the stomach and flows along the REALIZE band tubing, causing the tissue under the skin of the REALIZE band port to become infected. Treatment requires removing the REALIZE band, leaving the patient with no weight loss surgery and a high likelihood of weight regain. It is often recommended to treat REALIZE band erosions by converting the patient to either laparoscopic gastric bypass or vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Since the portion of stomach that has been eroded is weakened and more prone to leaking, these weight loss surgery procedures should be done only after a waiting period of 2-3 months to allow for healing to occur.
The REALIZE band may simply fail to produce the desired results and require revision bariatric surgery. REALIZE band is a restrictive weight loss surgery and some patients may not have the metabolism needed to lose weight with the REALIZE band. Other patients may not be able to eat the way that is needed to achieve success after REALIZE band surgery. This may in turn lead to maladaptive eating behaviors ultimately resulting in failure and/or weight regain. REALIZE band failures may be converted to any other weight loss surgery but it should be considered that a patient will more likely achieve success if a more metabolically active procedure is performed instead of a purely restrictive weight loss surgery. There is a decent amount of evidence suggesting that a well managed REALIZE band is almost as good as gastric bypass over time, since both depend on maintaining restrictive eating via a similar size pouches. Converting a patient to gastric bypass after REALIZE band failure will produce best results since it will add malabsorption to restriction and control hunger.
For patients who want nothing but restrictive weight loss surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a great option. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy will still be limited by the metabolic activity of the surgery itself, in addition to the patients metabolism, but there are several reasons why the vertical sleeve gastrectomy will produce better results than the REALIZE band over time.
REALIZE™ Band Revision Surgery in New Jersey has helped thousands of people discover life at a healthier weight and resolve many of the health risks associated with severe obesity.
To learn more, call (973) 410-9700 or contact us online.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Abkin for over 3 years, since 2020. I’ve lost 85 pounds and will be forever grateful for this life changing experience. Every staff member genuinely cares in the ease and success of your journey. They leave no stone unturned. Dr. Abkin is a master at his craft and truly makes you feel comfortable with process. I’ve never felt more confident in my own skin! I will continue to refer anyone struggling with weight loss and health issues to his office. It’s a second chance at a new life!”
“Dr. Abkin’s expertise in performing my gastric sleeve surgery in 2022 was truly remarkable. From our first consultation to post-op follow-ups, he demonstrated genuine care and professionalism. The procedure went flawlessly, and I felt well-informed and confident throughout. Thanks to Dr. Abkin’s skill and guidance, I’ve achieved significant weight loss and improved health. Grateful for his exceptional care on this transformative journey.”
“After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, I am amazed by the positive impact it has had on my life. The procedure was smooth, and the medical team was extremely supportive throughout the process. I’ve experienced significant weight loss and newfound energy. My confidence has soared, and I’m enjoying a healthier lifestyle. Grateful for this life-changing surgery.”
“Today, at the age of 45, I can confidently say that I am in the best shape of my life. I feel great, and my depression is a thing of the past. I have found purpose once again. And now, I am eager to share my story with all of you. Dr. Abkin and Dr. Jawed, you have saved my life! You have given my wife her husband back, and my children have their father again!”
“Enormously thankful to Dr. Abkin for changing my life! Lost over 150 lbs after having sleeve surgery in 2019. His expertise and support made my transformation possible. Forever grateful!”
“Dr. Abkin was so friendly and explained each procedure thoroughly. I never felt forced or not heard, which really made me feel very comfortable with going forward with the surgery. Well a year later and I’m reflux free and still losing weight and extremely happy with all my services from him and his staff! I have referred him several times to my friends and co workers and will keep referring him!”
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